Print

Easy 3-Ingredient Rhubarb Jam Recipe Perfect for Beginner Canners

easy rhubarb jam - featured image

A simple and quick rhubarb jam recipe using only three ingredients, perfect for beginner canners looking to make a tangy, sweet homemade preserve.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb stalks (about 600 grams or 1.3 pounds)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your jars: Place clean glass jars and lids in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep them warm until ready to use.
  2. Wash and chop rhubarb: Rinse stalks well, trim off leaves (discard), then chop into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) pieces. You should have about 4 cups (600 grams).
  3. Combine ingredients: In your saucepan, add rhubarb, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Cook the jam: Place the pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and rhubarb starts to break down, about 10 minutes. Then increase heat slightly and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Check consistency: To test, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute, then push with your finger—if it wrinkles and holds shape, it’s ready. If not, simmer a few minutes longer.
  6. Remove from heat: Let the jam cool for a couple of minutes but don’t wait too long or it might begin to set.
  7. Fill jars: Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids immediately.
  8. Process jars: Place jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal properly. Remove and let cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. You’ll hear the satisfying “pop” as lids seal.

Notes

Use fresh, firm rhubarb stalks and fresh lemon juice for best flavor and proper setting. Test jam set with chilled plate test. Work quickly when filling jars to avoid jam setting too soon. Sterilize jars properly before use. Variations include adding berries, spices, or using natural sweeteners but may affect texture and set.

Nutrition

Keywords: rhubarb jam, easy jam recipe, beginner canning, homemade jam, 3-ingredient jam, rhubarb preserve, simple jam, vegan jam, gluten-free jam