Cherry Habanero Lime Jam

Step 1

Prepare and sterilize your jars and lids. See instructions here for help! This recipe yields about 5 cups, give or take a bit, so you'll want to have enough jars ready to go.

Step 2

Measure your prepared fruit (including the habaneros) into a deep jam pot (remember it will bubble and foam and expand in size greatly as it boils!) with the lime juice and calcium water. Stir it well. Bring the fruit to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching.

Step 3

While the fruit is coming to a boil, measure the sugar and pectin powder in a clean, dry bowl and whisk it together. Set aside.

Step 4

When the fruit comes to a full boil, stir the sugar/pectin mixture in all at once and stir HARD for 1 to 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and pectin. Return the mixture to a boil and immediately remove from heat then stir in the lime zest.

Step 5

Fill prepared, sterile jars to within 1/4-inch of the top. Wipe the rims clean, fix new, two-piece lids in place and screw the rings to fingertip tightness. Place filled jars in a canner filled with boiling water so that they are covered by at least an inch of water. Return the mixture to a boil and boil for 10 minutes. Turn the heat off after 10 minutes of boiling and let the jars stand in the water for 5 minutes before transferring carefully to a towel lined counter top or a cooling rack.

Step 6

Let the jars cool completely before checking the seals. The center of the lids should be sucked down and not pop when pressed gently. Remove the ring from the jars, wipe clean, label clearly and store in a cool, dark place for a year or so. Once a jar is opened, it is good for about 3 weeks, tightly covered in the refrigerator.