How To Make Banana Jam from Overripe Bananas Recipe
Introduction
Banana jam is a delicious way to use overripe bananas and enjoy their natural sweetness all year round. This simple recipe transforms mashed bananas into a smooth, flavorful spread perfect for toast, desserts, or even as a topping for yogurt.
Ingredients
- About 2 cups mashed bananas (about 5 small bananas)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Fill a water bath canner with water and bring it to a boil.
- Step 2: Wash the jars, rings, and lids thoroughly.
- Step 3: Fill the jars with very hot water to sterilize them and keep them germ-free.
- Step 4: In a pan, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, and lime or lemon juice. Stir occasionally as it cooks.
- Step 5: Bring the banana mixture to a boil and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Ladle the hot banana jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of clear space at the top.
- Step 7: Wipe the rims of the jars clean to ensure a tight seal, then place lids and rings securely on each jar.
- Step 8: Using a jar lifter, carefully lower the jars into the boiling water canner and process for 10 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove the jars from the water bath using the jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool completely at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg while cooking the jam.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the bananas before cooking.
- Lime juice helps balance the sweetness and acts as a natural preservative; don’t skip it.
- Make sure to sterilize your jars properly to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Storage
Store sealed jars of banana jam in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 weeks. Reheat gently or enjoy the jam cold on your favorite dishes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ripe bananas instead of overripe ones?
Overripe bananas are best for this recipe as they are sweeter and softer, which helps create a smoother and more flavorful jam.
Do I need to use a water bath canner for this jam?
Yes, processing the jars in a water bath canner is important for proper sealing and safe preservation of the jam.
PrintHow To Make Banana Jam from Overripe Bananas Recipe
Delicious homemade banana jam made from overripe bananas, sweetened with sugar and balanced with lime or lemon juice. Perfect for spreading on toast or as a sweet addition to desserts, this easy recipe uses a water bath canning method to preserve freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 3 half-pint jars 1x
- Category: Jam
- Method: Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Banana Jam Ingredients
- About 2 cups mashed bananas (about 5 small bananas)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Water Bath Canner: Fill the water bath canner with water and bring it to a rolling boil to ensure it is ready for processing the jars.
- Sterilize Jars: Wash jars, rings, and lids thoroughly. Fill the jars with very hot water to sterilize them and help keep the jam germ-free.
- Cook Banana Jam: Combine mashed bananas, sugar, and lime or lemon juice in a pan. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil gently for 5 minutes while stirring.
- Fill Jars: Using a ladle, fill the sterilized jars with hot banana jam, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
- Clean Jar Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any sugar residue, ensuring a tight seal when lids are applied.
- Seal Jars: Place the lids and rings onto the jars securely but not overly tight to prevent breaks during processing.
- Process Jars in Boiling Water: Using a jar lifter, carefully lower the jars into the boiling water of the canner. Process the jars by boiling for 10 minutes to safely preserve the jam.
- Cool Jars: Remove jars carefully with the jar lifter and place them on a towel at room temperature. Allow them to cool completely to set the seal before storing.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Lime or lemon juice helps balance the sweetness and acts as a natural preservative.
- Ensure jars and lids are completely sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Leave proper headspace in jars to allow for expansion during processing.
- If altitude is above 1000 ft, adjust processing time accordingly as per canning guidelines.
Keywords: banana jam, overripe bananas, homemade jam, canning, fruit preserves, easy jam recipe
