Learn how to make elderberry jam without pectin

This easy-to-make homemade elderberry jam recipe without pectin enhances your plate and helps you overcome the demanding flu and cold season.

Spread on bread, swirled into morning yogurt, or served alongside a cheese platter, this versatile and unique elderberry jam will always surprise you with its delicious taste. 

When elderberries ripen, one must be keen and watch closely to not miss this short window. 

 

How can foraged fruits such as raw elderberries benefit you?

Elderberries are the number one antiviral herb on the planet, packed with antioxidants and flavonoids that successfully deactivate viruses in our body. 

They are known for their high content in vitamin C and antioxidants, mainly polyphenols (1), that help stimulate the immune system. In other words, Elderberries, unlike other wild foods, can help overcome flu and cold symptoms. 

 

When is the best time to pick the elderberries to make jam or elderberry jelly?

Elderberry clusters ripen at the beginning of fall when people come down with a cold and the flu. Elderberries grow on the sambucus nigra shrub that often grows in hedgerows.

Search for clusters of berries that are fully ripe and have a blue-black coloration, as unripe berries are toxic. Remember that raw berries are a bit bitter and can cause an upset stomach, so they are best cooked. The optimal time for harvesting extends over several weeks, so only gather fully ripe clusters, leaving the others until they are ready.

So instead of buying vitamin supplements over the counter that are expensive and not very effective, boost your immune system with something natural, healthy, unique, and very effective.

In contrast, elderflowers themselves are ready for picking in early summer. If you find these growing, you can pick them and make your own rhubarb jam with elderflowers or liqueur.

Elderberry recipes

I often preserve elderberries as elderberry powder, one of my favorite preservation methods. However, my kids’ most popular elderberry recipes are these homemade elderberry gummies and elderberry syrup.

These elderberry recipes quickly became absolute essentials in our herbal apothecary. 

This time, however, I wanted to make something for myself. Easy, versatile, rich, and fruity. This elderberry jam can be spread on bread or served alongside a cheese platter or other savory winter comfort foods. Alternatively, swirl it into your morning yogurt.

Ingredients to make homemade elderberry jam recipe

Chia seeds

I replaced traditional pectin with chia seeds to make this simple elderberry jam recipe thick and packed with additional nutrients. Among other advantages, Chia seeds can transform any liquid into a jelly-like substance.

To achieve the ideal consistency, I recommend cooking the fruits a little to release their juices before mixing in the chia seeds.

Chia seeds are often called a superfood. They are rich in protein, fiber, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium. In addition, they are an excellent source of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Chia seeds also reduce the risk of many adverse health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

I used chia seeds in this rowan berry jam, which was a huge success.

Sweeteners

As for the sweet taste of thick elderberry jam, try avoiding white refined sugar because it decreases immune activity for several hours upon digestion. 

I have used raw honey for this recipe as it has antibacterial properties and pulls out flavonoids and other nutrients. 

However, feel free to choose from different options, like stevia, maple syrup, or brown rice syrup. Please find more info about suitable sweeteners here.

Blueberries

You can combine Elderberries with other fruits to enhance their taste and use them as natural sweeteners. Combining elderberries with apples, pears, grapes, or mango is popular. 

I used blueberries and an elderberry combination to achieve a deep purple color. They not only make a delicious blend when mixed with elderberries, but they also add nutrients. High in antioxidants and low in calories, blueberries can help maintain brain function and improve memory. Whether you’ve grown your blueberries or foraged them, here’s an excellent tutorial on how to store blueberries.

Other wild food natural Immunity boosters

Rose hip jam

Roasted herbal teas

Homemade syrup with antioxidants

Immune boosting tea

How sad the world would be without the smell of jam.

Georges Duhamel

How to make Elderberry jam without pectin

First Step

Rinse and sieve the collected berries, and pluck the ripe elderberries from their stems. It’s a bit tricky, so I use a fork and remove the unripe berries. Remember that the stems and unripe berries contain toxins that must be removed.

Second Step

Place the elderberries into a large saucepan, turn the heat up, and bring them to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat to low. Watch out whether they release enough of their juices; if not, crush with a potato masher. You can add some water at this stage if needed. 

Third Step

Add blueberries and chia seeds. Stir with a wooden spoon for about 1 minute. If you were to make elderberry jelly instead, you would strain all the fruits and add pectin, like in this violet jelly.

Fourth Step

Mix it well and add the lemon juice.

Fifth Step

Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and a sweetener. I’m not too fond of sweet jams, so I added two tablespoons of raw honey to the mixture. Feel free to add to your liking. 

Sixth Step

Allow the mixture to cool down for about 20 minutes before transferring it to the airtight sterilized jar.

Seventh Step

Cover with a lid and place it in the refrigerator overnight for the jam to thicken. 

Nine elderberry jam uses

Once the elderberry jam is done, you will be surprised by how tasty it is and how easily it can turn an ordinary dish into a culinary specialty:

1. Instead of eating commercial sweet yogurts, elderberry jam, full of vitamins, is delicious when stirred into plain yogurt. 
2. Spread it on baked goods, bread, or a sandwich.
3. Serve cheese and jam alongside a cheese platter for a delicious cheese and jam pairing.
4. Pour a spoon or two into vanilla ice cream or any kind of ice cream you like.
5. It tastes great on pudding or morning oatmeal.
6. Remember to put a few spoons into the oatmeal or porridge you make for breakfast.
7. Use it as filling for your pancakes.
8. Put one tablespoon of elderberry jam into a smoothie bowl with 2 frozen bananas and one cup of coconut milk, and place some fruits on top.
9. Use it to make elderberry tea. Place one tablespoon of elderberry jam and pour over 1 cup of boiling water. Let it infuse, and drink it as a warm drink.