Homemade Cloudberry Jam Recipe: Easy Nordic Treat

Discover a unique twist on homemade preserves with this cloudberry jam recipe that transforms rare Arctic berries into a delightful spread. Known as the “gold of the Arctic,” cloudberries have been cherished in Nordic traditions for centuries—from the indigenous Sami people to the Vikings, who preserved these vitamin C–rich treasures for long sea journeys.

This cloudberry jam recipe is designed to be simple yet full of character, letting you capture the authentic taste of Northern Scandinavia right in your kitchen. By following this guide, you’ll learn how to make a homemade cloudberry jam that balances tangy sweetness with a hint of wild, rustic flavor—a perfect addition to your morning toast or dessert table.

Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or new to the art of jam-making, this recipe offers a rewarding way to bring a piece of Arctic heritage into your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the timeless appeal of this Nordic treat with every spoonful of your very own homemade cloudberry jam.

Why You’ll Love This Cloudberry Jam Recipe

I’m excited to share this cloudberry jam recipe with you! The cloudberry flavor is unique, blending sweet and tart perfectly. It’s not just tasty; it also has many benefits.

Cloudberries are full of nutrients, making this jam a healthy treat. They’re rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, and magnesium. Vikings even used them to prevent scurvy on their sea journeys!

This recipe is super versatile. You can spread it on toast, use it in cakes, or with cheese for a fancy appetizer. Once you try it, you’ll love its special flavor and Nordic charm.

“Cloudberry jam is like capturing a piece of the Arctic sun in a jar. It’s a rare treat that brings joy with every spoonful.”

Here are some nutritional facts about this jam:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 tbsp)
Calories	12
Total Carbohydrates	3g
Sugar	3g

This recipe has just two ingredients: cloudberries and sugar. It makes about 3 cups of jam, great for sharing or keeping for yourself. The cooking time is about 30 minutes, resulting in a beautiful, translucent jam.

If you’re looking for more unique jam flavors, try this churro jam recipe. It’s a fun twist on traditional preserves!

How Long Does It Take to Make Cloudberry Jam?

Making cloudberry jam is a fun process that needs patience and time. The prep time is short, but there’s a key waiting period. Let’s look at the timeline together!

First, mix 1 kg of cloudberries with 400-500 grams of sugar for about 15 minutes. Then, let the mixture rest in a cool place for at least 4 hours. I like to leave it overnight for better flavor.

After resting, cooking the jam is quick. It only takes 25 minutes of simmering to get the right consistency. Stir occasionally and watch the temperature. The jam is done when it reaches 105°C (220°F).

Here’s a quick breakdown of the cloudberry jam timeline:

Step	Time
Mixing ingredients	15 minutes
Resting period	4-12 hours
Cooking	25 minutes
Cooling and jarring	30 minutes

In total, it takes about 5-13 hours from start to finish, depending on how long you rest it. While waiting, why not try making a creamy custard sauce to go with your jam?

Remember, good things take time! The end result – about 700 ml of delicious, homemade cloudberry jam – is worth the wait.

What You’ll Need to Make Cloudberry Jam

Are you ready to make some tasty cloudberry jam? Let’s look at the ingredients and tools you’ll need. This simple recipe lets the cloudberries’ unique flavor shine!

• 1 kg fresh or frozen cloudberries
• 400-500 grams sugar
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Here are the tools you’ll need:

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Clean jars for storage
• Candy thermometer (optional)

This recipe makes about 0.5 liters (1 quart) of jam. The ingredients are easy to find, letting the cloudberries be the star. Have you tried making strawberry coulis? It’s another way to enjoy fruit flavors!

Choosing sugar is up to you. Granulated sugar with lemon juice makes a softer jam. Jam sugar makes it firmer. I like using regular sugar for more control over sweetness.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cloudberries	1 kg	Fresh or frozen
Sugar	400-500g	50-60% of fruit weight
Lemon juice	To taste	Enhances flavor

Cloudberries are rare and expensive. A jar costs about $8 in Canada. But their unique taste is worth it!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cloudberry Jam

Ready to learn how to make cloudberry jam? Let’s dive into the cloudberry jam recipe steps! This Nordic treat is easier to whip up than you might think.

Preparing the Cloudberries

Start with 1 ½ pounds of fresh cloudberries. Give them a gentle wash and remove any leaves. Layer the berries in a saucepan with ¾ pound of sugar. Let this mixture sit in a cool spot for four hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cooking the Jam

Place your saucepan over low heat and bring the mixture to a slow boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll notice the cloudberries softening and becoming immersed in a lovely syrup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Straining (Optional)

If you prefer a smoother jam, you can strain it now. I love the texture of whole berries, so I skip this step. It’s all about personal preference!

Jarring and Cooling

Once your jam reaches the desired consistency, it’s time to jar it up. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Seal tightly and process in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes. Let the jars cool completely before storing.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Cloudberries	1 ½ pounds	Fresh or frozen
Sugar	¾ pound	Adjust to taste
Water	As needed	For thinning if necessary

This recipe yields about 4 servings of delicious cloudberry jam. Remember, cloudberries are packed with nutrients – they contain more than twice the vitamin C of orange juice!

Creative Variations for Cloudberry Jam

I love trying new flavors in my kitchen! Classic cloudberry jam is great, but I’ve found some amazing variations. Let’s check out these tasty cloudberry jam options together!

My top choice is adding a bit of vanilla to the jam. It really brings out the cloudberries’ sweetness. For a cozy autumn vibe, mix in some cinnamon. It adds warmth and depth to the jam.

Want to try something new? A little cardamom gives your cloudberry jam a unique Nordic twist. It’s great for those who enjoy a touch of exotic spice. If you love citrus, add some orange zest. It makes the jam bright and pairs well with the berries.

Variation	Flavor Profile	Best Paired With
Vanilla Cloudberry	Sweet, aromatic	Scones, yogurt
Cinnamon Cloudberry	Warm, spicy	Toast, oatmeal
Cardamom Cloudberry	Nordic, exotic	Cheese platters
Orange Zest Cloudberry	Bright, citrusy	Pancakes, waffles

These cloudberry jam variations are just the start. Feel free to get creative and make the jam your own. Happy jamming!

How to Use Cloudberry Jam

I’m excited to share my favorite cloudberry jam uses! This Nordic treasure is incredibly versatile. Spread it on warm, buttery toast for a classic treat, or use it to elevate your baking. I love using cloudberry jam as a filling for thumbprint cookies or layering it in a Victoria sponge cake.

For a quick dessert, try spooning cloudberry jam over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt. It’s heavenly! Don’t limit yourself to sweets, though. This jam makes an amazing glaze for roasted pork or duck. I even add a dollop to my morning oatmeal for a burst of sunshine.

Here are some delicious recipes with cloudberry jam:

• Cloudberry Upside Down Cake (uses 1/2 jar or 215g of jam)
• Swedish Cardamom Cake with Cloudberry Cream (requires 1/3 cup or 113g of jam)
• Cloudberry Crumble Pie (needs 17 oz of cloudberries)
• Cloudberry Parfait (uses 8.8 oz of cloudberries)

For a fruity twist on your favorite desserts, try making a blueberry dipping sauce to pair with your cloudberry treats. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible!

Remember, a little goes a long way with cloudberry jam. Its unique taste can transform ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences. Get creative and discover your favorite way to enjoy this Nordic delight!

How to Store and Keep Cloudberry Jam Fresh

Keeping cloudberry jam fresh is crucial. I’ve learned how to keep my homemade jam tasty for months. Here are some tips for storing cloudberry jam!

Start by using clean, sterilized jars. I wash mine in the dishwasher before filling. Pour the hot jam, leaving a bit of space at the top. Clean the rim before sealing to avoid mold and ensure a tight seal.

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark spot. An unopened jar can last up to two years. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and use it within a month. Follow these steps to enjoy your homemade cloudberry jam long after berry season.

Cloudberry Jam Storage Tips

• Use sterilized jars
• Leave headspace when filling
• Wipe jar rims before sealing
• Store in a cool, dark place
• Refrigerate after opening

For those who love making homemade jam, here’s a table of different preservation methods and their shelf life:

Preservation Method	Ingredients	Processing Time	Shelf Life
Traditional Jam	1000g cloudberries, 1000g sugar, 1 tbsp water	30 minutes simmering	Up to 2 years
Five-Minute Jam	1000g cloudberries, 1000g sugar	15 minutes (3×5 min boils)	1 year
Soaked Cloudberries	1.5-2kg cloudberries, 0.2kg sugar, 1L water	Soaking only	3 months

Remember, fresh cloudberries only last 7 days in the fridge. But with these preserving methods, you can enjoy their unique taste all year!

Savor the Sweet-Tart Flavor of Homemade Cloudberry Jam

I’m thrilled you’ve joined me on this cloudberry jam adventure! Let’s appreciate the unique taste of this Nordic treasure. Fresh cloudberries have a golden hue like raspberries, offering a sweet-tart flavor that’s truly unique.

Enjoying cloudberry jam is like experiencing Arctic wilderness in your kitchen. The intense flavor of these hand-harvested berries shines in every spoonful. Spread it on cardamom-spiced pulla bread for a Finnish treat that takes you to Scandinavia.

The cloudberry jam taste is a perfect mix of sweet and tart. It’s great in both sweet and savory dishes. Try it as a glaze for roasted meats or in your morning yogurt for a burst of Nordic flavor. Remember, these berries are precious, so enjoy every bite of your homemade jam. It’s more than a condiment; it’s a celebration of nature’s gifts and your skills!

So go ahead, indulge in that first spoonful. Let the bright, complex flavors dance on your tongue. You’ve captured a piece of Nordic tradition in a jar. Enjoy it, share it, and don’t forget to tell me about your cloudberry jam adventures!

FAQ

What are cloudberries and where can I find them?

Cloudberries are golden berries from Arctic areas. They’re rare and hard to find fresh. But, you can find frozen ones in specialty stores or online.

If you can’t find cloudberries, mix raspberries and apricots. They have a similar taste.

Can I use frozen cloudberries for this jam recipe?

Yes, you can! Frozen cloudberries work great in this recipe. They’re easier to find than fresh ones.

Just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid.

How long does homemade cloudberry jam last?

Homemade cloudberry jam lasts up to a year if stored right. Keep it in a cool, dark place.

Once opened, keep it in the fridge. Use it within a month for the best taste.

Is cloudberry jam healthy?

Cloudberries are full of nutrients like vitamin C and omega-3s. Jam has sugar, but it’s okay in small amounts.

Making it yourself lets you control the sugar.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can try reducing sugar a bit. But don’t cut it too much. It affects the jam’s texture and shelf life.

Using low-sugar pectin can help with less sugar.

What’s the best way to achieve the perfect jam consistency?

For perfect jam, cook it slowly and stir often. Test it on a chilled plate.

If it wrinkles, it’s ready. Remember, it thickens as it cools.

Can I can this cloudberry jam for long-term storage?

Yes, you can can it for long storage. Follow safe canning steps. Canned jam lasts up to 18 months.

What are some unique ways to use cloudberry jam besides spreading it on toast?

Be creative! Use it as a glaze for meats, or in yogurt or oatmeal. It’s great in pastries or as a cheese topping.

It’s also tasty on ice cream or in cocktails!