How to Make Pumpkin Jam

Don't let that pumpkin go to waste, make pumpkin jam! Not only does it taste great, but it makes a nice gift. You can use your homemade pumpkin jam to make some pumpkin cookies, cake, or put the jam on pancakes, toast, and even enjoy it with soft cheese (Brie, American, Mozzarella), or beef jerky if you want to experiment with different tastes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 cups pumpkin
• sharp knife
• pot
• stove
• 2 cups of sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 lemon or 2 tbs lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tbs vanilla
• water
• glass containers

1. 
    
   Fresh from the garden.

   Pick a pumpkin from your garden or buy one at the store. Start with just one if you haven't made this jam before to make sure you like it.

2. 
    
   The thick part of the pumpkin inside is the flesh.

   Cut the pumpkin open. Then cut the flesh of the pumpkin into small pieces, about the size of a dime, which will be used for making the jam. Put the pieces into the pan that you'll use for cooking or use a large bowl.

3. 
    
   Add all your ingredients and stir it up.

   Add sugar and stir. Use 1/2 cup sugar to 1 cup of cut pumpkin. Then add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla. Stir.

4. 
    
   The juicier the pumpkin, the juicier the jam.

   Cover and let it sit for at least 20 hours. You don't need to refrigerate the pumpkin jam mix, but don't leave it in a hot place. (For example, we let it sit in the garage overnight and the temperature varied from 48-60 degrees). This will marinade the pumpkin in the seasoning and allow the pumpkin juice to drain.

5. 
    
   Cooking this will make your house smell wonderful.

   Put the pumpkin jam mix on the stove. Turn the burner on and bring the mix to a boil, stirring every 5 minutes, for 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of the pot. Turn the heat down to low or medium heat. Make sure the pieces of the pumpkin stay covered in the juice after stirring.

6. 
    
   Add water depending on the thickness.

   Cover the mix and let it sit for at least 10 hours, then repeat the process above, boiling it for 40 to 60 minutes. Add at least 1/2 cup water during the boiling and stirring process. Let it sit for another 10 hours. Boil again for 15-30 minutes, adding water if necessary. You'll know if you need to add water if the pumpkin jam is too thick.

7. 
    
   Yum.

   Let your pumpkin jam cool down for awhile. Put the jam in glass containers.
   
   Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• This recipe is based on 4 cups of cut pumpkin, so alter your recipe for the amount of jam you want to make
• It is helpful to cut the pumpkin pieces over the pot you'll be cooking it in, this saves on washing dishes, time, and makes the process easier
• This recipe might be slightly addictive, so be prepared to make more!

Resources

• How to make pumpkin cookies with jam.
• How to make rice with pumpkin.
• How to make grandma's candied yams.

[respectfully]

on 10/11/2009 This sure is different, I have never heard of pumpkin jam. I sure would like to try this pumpkin jam.Your writting and pictures are great. Thanks. 5* recommend for having something so different and good.

[Susanh]

on 12/7/2008 This is a very well done article! I don't know if I have the patience to do it, but I'm sure pumpkin jam would be delicious!

[lymanalo]

on 12/4/2008 Love the step-step pictures as guide!

[momofour]

on 12/2/2008 Sounds interesting. I would never have thought to make jam out of pumpkin. I will pass this on to my grandmother. She loves making jam! Thanks for sharing the recipe.

[slphilbrick]

on 12/2/2008 I love pumpkin. This looks like something I'd like to try !