Last Updated on August 26, 2022 by Chef Mireille
Fresh Pumpkin Jam is an easy and delicious jam recipe that has so much versatility. It can be enjoyed on toast or or utilized in cookie recipes like Pumpkin Hamantaschen or any other sweet recipes. It is also very delicious when used in savory recipes – especially when paired with pork or chicken.
Are you looking for a new way to use pumpkin this fall? Why not try making homemade pumpkin jam from fresh pumpkins? It’s a fun and easy way to make your own jam, and the end result is delicious! Here I’ll give you all the information you need to make your own pumpkin jam. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
When you think of homemade jam recipes, most people think of berries and stone fruit. However, pumpkin is such a versatile vegetable as it is easily adapted to both sweet and savory recipes.
This recipe utilizes freshly grated pumpkin. Since it uses grated pumpkin, it has almost like a marmalade or pumpkin preserve consistency and canned pumpkin puree cannot be substituted. The type of jam made with pumpkin flesh puree is really more of a pumpkin butter as it generally has the same consistency as apple butter.
This Homemade Pumpkin Jam is the perfect jam to serve as a great edible holiday gift. Your friends, families and kids’ teachers will enjoy this gift from the heart. I always feel so much more pleasure in giving gifts I made with my own two hands. I also think it shows greater appreciation to whoever you are presenting the gift to. They know it takes a lot more effort and love to make a gift than to order a gift from your computer.
PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS
Yes that’s right you can easily pick your own fresh pumpkins at your local UPICK FARM! Remember what Mom always said – Fresh is best!
Pumpkin is one of the most versatile foods in the world. I think I am so blessed growing up with Caribbean parents, therefore growing up being able to enjoy pumpkin in a variety of both sweet and savory recipes. In neighborhoods with large Caribbean and Latin communities, you can easily find whole pumpkin of many varieties. Kabocha or Calabaza are the best pumpkin varieties you want to use to make this delicious Pumpkin Pie Jam. However, you can also use Halloween pumpkins.
Not only is pumpkin a versatile delicious ingredient to include in delicious sweet and savory dishes, but it is also loaded with health benefits.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
- Pumpkin is very low in fat and calories – made up of 94% water. For this reason, it is a good carbohydrate to include on weight loss programs.
- Pumpkin is also rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
- Rich in Antioxidants, especially beta carotene.
- Pumpkin has a lower glycemic index than potatoes, so it is diabetic friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pumpkin Jam be made with canned pumpkin?
No since the pumpkin is grated in this recipe, it can only be made with fresh pumpkin.
How long will Pumpkin Jam last?
This instant jam can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 months. If preserved by canning in a water bath, it should be stored in a cool dark place and can last for longer.
Does pumpkin have pectin?
Pumpkin has natural pectin. With these natural pectins, the jam will seize and thicken easily.
Ingredients
- Fresh Pumpkin
- sugar
- lemon
- fresh ginger
- ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
How to Make Pumpkin Jam
- Combine all of the ingredients in a large, heavy bottomed pot.
- Boil for about 15-20 minutes, until thickened.
- Let cool and store in glass jars in the refrigerator.
Delicious Pumpkin Jam is what you need in your life. As it can last several months in the refrigerator, you can enjoy simple pumpkin jam all year long; not just during the fall season.
If you love pumpkins as much as I do, here are some great ideas you might like to try.
Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Pork Chops
- Malaysian Pumpkin Curry
- Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix
- Pumpkin Dip
- Pumpkin Hummus
- Pumpkin Pancakes
- Pumpkin Soup
Make sure you always have jam jars of Homemade Pumpkin Jam so you can enjoy it at any time of year.
Pumpkin Jam Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cup pumpkin grated
- 2 cups sugar
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ cups water
Instructions
- In a large heavy bottomed pot, combine pumpkin, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, lemon juice and zest.
- Add water and mix well.
- Bring to a rolling boil and cook on high heat for 15-20 minutes until the jam pulls away from the pot.
- Let the hot jam cool completely at room temperature.
- Transfer to glass jars and store in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Mayuri Patel
Mireille what a wonderful recipe. When we scoop out the big pumpkin, have no idea what else to make from it besides puree and a curry. Like this pumpkin jam recipe and so different. Bookmarking so that I can make the jam during pumpkin season.
Chef Mireille
for this you have to grate the pumpkin, so make sure the pumpkin is raw when you grate it
Klavdja
Can you use canned pumpkin for the pumpkin jam?
Chef Mireille
mo since you have to grate the pumpkin, canned pumpkin which is a puree won’t work the same.
Renu
Perfect recipe for the fall, with pumpkins coming up I would surely love to try this. I am growing some pumpkin this time and would love to try this and especially when this does not have any store-bought pectin.
Chef Mireille
ooh you are so lucky to grow your own pumpkins. I am sure it will be even better with your own pumpkins
Shobha Keshwani
Interesting recipe. I have never tasted pumpkin jam. I shall make it now. Thanks for the lovely recipe.
Chef Mireille
I am sure you are going to love it
Jean
If water bath canning is safe, how long should it be processed for?
Chiva Diets
Do you water bath? And can you canned pumpkin?
Chef Mireille
No because this recipe uses grated pumpkin and cannot grate canned pumpkin
Chef Mireille
Yes you can can it just as you would any other jam.
Katelyn
Great recipe for pumpkin jam. Thank you for sharing. Good for fall time, to enjoy on a nice toast with a coffee or tea. Thank you for sharing!
Chef Mireille
Yes – absolutely delicious!