Fridge-Fresh Fruit Preserves

Chill Out with Fridge-Fresh Fruit Preserves: No Canning Required!

Imagine capturing the essence of summer’s sweetest fruits without the fuss of traditional canning. These refrigerator fruit preserves offer a delightful shortcut to homemade goodness, bursting with vibrant flavors and ready in a fraction of the time. Perfect for spreading on toast, swirling into yogurt, or gifting to friends, these preserves will become your new go-to recipe.

As the gentle simmer of fruit and sugar fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, you’ll be transported to sun-drenched orchards and berry-laden fields. This simple yet versatile recipe allows you to experiment with your favorite fruit combinations, creating unique preserves that reflect the seasons and your personal taste. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or a curious beginner, this no-fuss method will have you savoring the fruits of your labor in no time.

While traditional preserves have their place, this refrigerator version offers a fresher, brighter taste that truly lets the fruit shine. By skipping the long cooking process, you’ll retain more of the fruit’s natural flavor and nutritional benefits. Plus, the quick preparation means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes, ensuring you always have a jar of summer sweetness on hand.

Fridge-Fresh Fruit Preserves Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh fruit, chopped (strawberries, peaches, raspberries, or a mix)

2 cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice (do not skip this step)

1 tablespoon pectin (optional, for firmer consistency)

Instructions:

1. Wash and prepare the fruit, removing any stems or pits. Chop larger fruits into small pieces.

2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped fruit and sugar. Let sit for 20 minutes to release juices.

3. Transfer the fruit mixture to a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add lemon juice and pectin (if using).

4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens.

6. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

7. Carefully ladle the hot preserves into clean glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.

8. Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature.

9. Once cooled, seal the jars and refrigerate.

Pro Tip: Try this tip to know when preserves have thickened to the correct consistency. Use a metal spoon to stir, when the juice becomes slightly gel-like and doesn’t puddle while stirring, remove the pan from the heat. Be careful not to overcook, which is why frequent stirring is important.

Notes:

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks
• For a smoother texture, mash fruits slightly before cooking
• Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Information (per 1 tablespoon serving):

Calories: 35

Total Fat: 0g

Protein: 0g

Carbohydrates: 9g

Fiber: 0.5g

Sugar: 8g

Other Information

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Equipment: Large pot, wooden spoon, glass jars

Estimated cost per serving: $0.15

Total cost (for approximately 3 cups): $3.50

Money Saver Tip: Bruised or over-ripe fruit is often marked down in price and makes no difference in the quality of your refrigerator preserves. So why not save the money?

In Conclusion, Fridge-Fresh Fruit Preserves

In conclusion, this simple recipe for refrigerated fruit preserves offers a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade fruit spreads without the need for traditional canning methods. By using fresh, seasonal fruits and storing the preserves in the refrigerator, you can create delicious, versatile spreads that capture the essence of summer all year round.