Description
Homemade prickly pear jam is a vibrant, antioxidant-packed preserve made from ripe desert fruit. With a striking magenta hue and a sweet-tart flavor, this jam is perfect for plant-based eaters looking to capture the taste of summer in a jar.
Ingredients
6–8 medium prickly pears (deep red-purple, ripe)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 to 2.5 cups cane sugar
Optional: 1 tbsp pectin (if skipping lemon juice)
Instructions
1. Peel prickly pears carefully using gloves. Slice off ends, cut a line down the body, and peel back the skin.
2. Puree the fruit in a blender and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
3. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups juice, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir over medium heat.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.
5. Stir occasionally and watch the mixture deepen in color.
6. Test for doneness using the plate test after 30–40 minutes.
7. Pour into sterilized jars while hot and seal.
Notes
Lemon juice ensures safe pH, activates natural pectin, and keeps the color vibrant.
For variation, add ginger, cinnamon, orange zest, or chili flakes.
Jam lasts up to 12 months sealed, 3–4 weeks once opened.
Use in oatmeal, cookies, roasted vegetables, or with vegan cheese.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Plant-Based, Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: prickly pear, jam, vegan, cactus fruit, preserve