🍓 Loganberry Jam Recipe (UK): How to Make This Deeply Fruity Preserve at Home

🏡 Introduction: The Best Way to Preserve a Loganberry Harvest

If you’ve got a garden or allotment full of vibrant loganberries, you’re holding the secret ingredient to one of Britain’s most flavour-packed jams. A hybrid of raspberries and blackberries, loganberries are juicy, tangy, and perfect for preserving.

Though not often found in supermarkets, loganberries thrive in UK gardens during the summer months (especially July and August). Turning them into jam means you can enjoy their rich, sharp flavour all year round—spread on toast, stirred into yoghurt, or layered in cakes.

This step-by-step guide shares:

• A traditional UK loganberry jam recipe
• Tips for getting a perfect set
• Advice on freezing, storing, and using your jam
• FAQs for first-time jam makers
• Tasty ideas for pairing and gifting

🍇 What Are Loganberries?

Loganberries are a naturally occurring cross between the raspberry and the blackberry, known for:

• Deep red-purple colouring
• Tart but complex flavour
• High juice content and soft seeds
• Mid-to-late summer harvest window

They’re ideal for jam-making thanks to their acidity and strong berry flavour.

🧺 Ingredients for Loganberry Jam (Makes 3–4 Jars)

Why Lemon?

Loganberries have moderate pectin levels. Adding lemon helps ensure a better set—especially if you’re not using preserving sugar.

🍳 Step-by-Step Loganberry Jam Recipe

🔥 Step 1: Sterilise Your Jars

Clean your jars and lids thoroughly with hot soapy water, rinse, then place them in a 140°C oven for 20 minutes. Keep them warm until you’re ready to fill.

🫐 Step 2: Soften the Loganberries

In a preserving pan, combine loganberries and water. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until the berries break down and release juice.

Stir regularly and mash lightly with a spoon to speed up the process.

🍬 Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice

Add sugar and lemon juice to the pot. Stir gently over low heat until the sugar has completely dissolved—no granules should remain.

This usually takes 5–10 minutes. Be patient—undissolved sugar leads to grainy jam.

🔥 Step 4: Bring to the Boil

Increase the heat and bring to a rapid, rolling boil. Let it boil hard for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Be careful: it will bubble up quickly, so keep an eye on the pan.

🧊 Step 5: Test for Set

Use the wrinkle test:

1. Place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking.
2. Drop a teaspoon of hot jam onto the chilled plate.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then push the jam gently with your finger.
4. If it wrinkles, it’s ready. If not, boil for another 2 minutes and test again.

🫙 Step 6: Jar the Jam

Once set is achieved:

• Remove from the heat
• Skim off any foam with a spoon
• Carefully pour the hot jam into warm, sterilised jars using a funnel
• Seal with lids immediately

Let cool at room temperature, label, and store.

❄️ Can You Use Frozen Loganberries?

Yes! Loganberries freeze very well. You can make jam straight from frozen with no need to defrost.

Note: Add 3–5 minutes to the simmering time in Step 2 to allow the berries to break down fully.

🏷️ Storage and Shelf Life

Always use clean spoons when serving to avoid contamination.

🍽️ How to Use Loganberry Jam

Loganberry jam’s bold flavour and colour make it ideal for:

• Toast, bagels, or crumpets
• Victoria sponge cake filling
• Jam tarts and pastries
• Topping for cheesecake or ice cream
• Swirled into porridge or overnight oats
• Gift jars for summer hampers

Pair it with cream cheese, yoghurt, or sharp cheddar for a beautiful contrast.

🌿 Variations and Add-Ins

These tweaks add layers of flavour or help balance tartness.

💬 Top 10 FAQs About Loganberry Jam

1. Why is my jam too runny?
It likely didn’t reach the setting point. Re-boil and re-test for a set using the wrinkle method.

2. Can I use jam sugar instead of granulated?
Yes—jam sugar includes added pectin and ensures a firmer set.

3. Is loganberry jam seedless?
Not usually, but you can sieve the mixture before adding sugar if you want a smoother texture.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
It’s not recommended, as sugar helps preserve the jam. For lower-sugar recipes, store in the fridge and use quickly.

5. Can I double the batch?
Yes, but use a large pan and expect longer cooking time. Avoid overfilling—jam boils up rapidly.

6. Can I water-bath process this jam?
Yes. While not common in the UK, water-bathing ensures a strong seal and extended shelf life.

7. How do I know my jars are sealed?
Lids should pop down and stay concave. If not, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.

8. Can I reuse old jars?
Yes—just make sure they’re well sterilised. Use new lids or ensure the old ones seal tightly.

9. Is lemon juice essential?
Only if using standard sugar. It boosts acidity and helps the pectin set properly.

10. How long does homemade jam last once opened?
About 3–4 weeks in the fridge.

📋 Printable Loganberry Jam Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 1kg loganberries
• 1kg sugar (granulated or preserving)
• 150ml water
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Method:

1. Simmer berries and water for 10–15 mins
2. Add sugar and lemon juice, stir to dissolve
3. Boil hard for 8–10 mins
4. Test for set using wrinkle method
5. Skim, jar hot, seal and cool

📜 A Brief History of Loganberries in the UK

Though first bred in California in the late 1800s, loganberries gained popularity in Britain for their hardy nature and rich flavour. They thrive in cooler climates and have become a hidden gem among UK gardeners, often passed down through generations.

Their rich, raspberry-like taste and vibrant colour make them perfect for preserves, sauces, and baking—especially for those who like their jams with a little edge.

🌟 Conclusion: A Jam Worth the Effort

Loganberry jam isn’t just another jar on the shelf—it’s a deep, flavourful preserve with personality. Its rich flavour and gorgeous ruby-red hue make it stand out in both flavour and looks. If you’ve never made jam before, loganberries are a brilliant place to start.

Simple ingredients, a satisfying process, and a delicious result—what more could you want?