Delicious jams & preserves for end of summer

The end of summer is the perfect time to convert juicy, ripe berries into delicious jams and preserves while they’re still in season.

There’s no better time to start thinking about making preserves of all kinds. Today we’ve pulled together some of our favourite recipes from around the web to help you make sweet jams and savoury chutneys that put a spin on time-honoured classics.

Strawberry Jam

If you’re new to jam making or want to start with a classic, then try this easy recipe by Mary Berry. It’s quick to make – less than half an hour – and you’ll end up with some perfect strawberry jam to serve with scones or use for Victoria sponge on a sunny spring day.

Rhubarb & Vanilla jam

Once you’ve mastered strawberry jam, try making this seasonal treat. You only need four ingredients, and fresh rhubarb is the star of the show. It takes less than an hour to make, and the delicious jam will last up to six months. The tangy taste makes this a great accompaniment to sweet yoghurt or vanilla ice cream.

Three Day Apricot Jam

The British apricot season starts in spring, so this delicious jam recipe is perfect to try at this time of year. Although it’s a three day preserve recipe, it doesn’t involve much cooking or maintenance, and in fact is a particularly good recipe to try if you have a busy schedule. All you need to make it are apricots, lemon juice and sugar, and it’s great to eat with pancakes or porridge.

Chilli Jam

Sitting somewhere between a jam and a chutney is this Chilli Jam recipe from Nigella Lawson. Red peppers and chilli peppers provide the peppiness, with some vinegar and sugar rounding the recipe out. The finished chilli jam is bright red, packed with a punch, and would be excellent to serve with cheese and biscuits at a picnic on a sunny day.

Tomato and Mustard Chutney

Sweet and sour tomato chutneys are a great staple for anyone who enjoys preserving, and this tomato and mustard chutney is based on a traditional east Indian tomato chutney. It uses a pinch of garam masala and mustard seeds as well as tomatoes to lift the flavours. Serve it with your favourite curry and naan bread, or to give a kick to a grilled cheese sandwich.

Runner bean chutney

For a chutney with a real twist, try this delicious preserve recipe made from onions and runner beans. There are more ingredients and preparation needed than some other chutneys, but it’s still straightforward to make and should take less than an hour. The flavours will improve over time, and it would be great to serve with cold roast beef.

What’s your favourite preserve recipe?