Just what does a Saskatoon berry taste like? Well, the blueberry-looking morsels are a bit tart and have been described as having a sweet and somewhat nutty flavour. Similar to an almond, almost. Some people describe them as a mix of blueberries and almonds, others as a blend of cherries and blueberries. However you describe them, they're a delicious Canadian treasure. Try them in a pie, a crisp or in this Saskatoon berry jam!
Ingredients for Saskatoon Berry Jam
6 cups Saskatoon berries (or a combination of Saskatoons and other berries)
3 tbsp lemon juice
5 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
2 pouches (3 oz/85 mL each) liquid pectin
Directions for Saskatoon Berry Jam
In a large, deep, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the berries and lemon juice; crush with a potato masher. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until berries are softened.
Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Stir in the sugar and cinnamon and return to a full, hard boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Immediately stir in the pectin, return to a full boil and boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Stir for 5-8 minutes to prevent floating fruit.
Ladle into sterilized jars (you can run them through a hot dishwasher), filling them within 1/4-inch of the rim. Wipe the rings and put on the lids and rings, tightening them just until fingertip-tight. If you like, process the jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, then remove with tongs and let rest on a tea towel until sealed and set. Refrigerate any unsealed jars for up to 3 weeks, or freeze.
Makes about 6 8 oz (250 mL) jars.
From Best of Bridge Home Preserving: 120 Recipes for Jams, Jellies, Marmalades, Pickles and More. Originally published in 2014. Updated in June 2025.
