Whole Cranberry Jam

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1Wash 5 half-pint jars in hot soapy water or the dishwasher and keep them hot; pre-boiling is not necessary since the process time below is 10 minutes or more.
2. 2Simmer the new lids in hot (not boiling) water per the manufacturer's directions and keep them warm.
3. 3Wash the screw bands in warm soapy water and set aside.
4. 4Rinse 4 cups of cranberries and discard any soft or shriveled berries.
5. 5Combine the cranberries and 1 1/2 cups water in a large saucepot, bring to a boil, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to pop and soften.
6. 6Stir in the 3 cups of sugar, the optional orange zest, and the 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.
7. 7Return the mixture to a boil and cook, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, for about 10 more minutes, mashing some of the berries against the side of the pot with a spoon, until the mixture thickens and reaches the gel point: 220°F on a candy thermometer, or when a spoonful mounds and wrinkles on a chilled plate.
8. 8Remove from the heat and skim off any foam.
9. 9Ladle the hot jam into the hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
10. 10Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic spatula, wipe the rims clean, center a warm lid on each jar, and apply a band until fingertip tight.
11. 11Process in a boiling-water canner, jars covered by 1 to 2 inches of water, for 10 minutes for half-pints and 10 minutes for pints, timing from when the water returns to a full rolling boil.
12. 12Adjust for altitude: add 5 minutes at 1,001-3,000 feet, 10 minutes at 3,001-6,000 feet, 15 minutes at 6,001-8,000 feet, and 20 minutes above 8,000 feet.
13. 13Turn off the heat, wait 5 minutes, then remove jars to a towel-lined counter and let cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours.
14. 14Check each seal (concave, firm lid), remove the bands, wipe the jars, and label with contents and date.
15. 15Store in a cool, dark place up to 1 year for best quality; refrigerate after opening and use within about 3 weeks.
16. 16Do not alter the fruit, sugar, or lemon juice proportions, since this ratio determines both safety and set.