WILD SASKATOON
BERRY PRESERVES
A classic summer preserve, capturing the essence of the Canadian prairies.
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups fresh wild Saskatoon berries (cleaned and stemmed)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water (or natural juice)
DIRECTIONS
- Prepare berries: Wash and hull the wild Saskatoon berries.
- Sterilize jars: Sterilize four half-pint Mason jars.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine berries, sugar, and cinnamon. Add water or juice.
- Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
- Add acidity: Stir in the lemon juice and continue simmering until the mixture has a rich color.
- Test and jar: Test the set point (e.g., using a cold plate method). Ladle hot preserves into hot, sterilized jars, leaving appropriate headspace.
- Process: Process in a boiling water bath canner for the required time (e.g., 10–15 minutes, adjusting for altitude).
CHEF'S TIPS & NOTES
- Pick saskatoons at full, deep purple ripeness — underripe berries stay tart and dull in the jar.
- A short simmer keeps the berries whole; mash a handful early to release natural pectin.