Honeyberry Jam: The Superfruit Spread Bursting with Flavour and Antioxidants

Introduction

Looking for a jam that’s unusual, delicious, and loaded with nutrition? Try making honeyberry jam — a beautiful, deep purple preserve crafted from the tart-sweet fruit of the hardy honeyberry bush (Lonicera caerulea).

Also known as Haskap jam, this preserve offers a rich, fruity taste with hints of blueberry, blackcurrant, and grape. It sets quickly thanks to honeyberries’ high pectin levels, and it stores beautifully — perfect for toast, yoghurt, baking, or gifting.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make honeyberry jam from scratch, discover the best flavour pairings, storage techniques, and uses — plus answers to the most common questions about this underappreciated superfruit preserve.

What Is Honeyberry Jam?

Honeyberry jam is a fruit preserve made from honeyberries, a cold-hardy berry known for its high antioxidant content and tangy-sweet flavour. The jam is deep purple, naturally rich in pectin, and requires little effort to achieve a perfect set.

Why Make Honeyberry Jam?

✅ Unique flavour – stands out from common berry jams
✅ Quick to set – no added pectin needed
✅ Superfood benefits – high in antioxidants and vitamin C
✅ Versatile use – works in sweet and savoury dishes
✅ Beautiful colour – vibrant purple for visual appeal
✅ Perfect for preserving homegrown honeyberries

It’s a great way to use your harvest or frozen berries creatively.

Ingredients for Homemade Honeyberry Jam

Base Recipe (Yields ~3 medium jars)

• 1kg fresh or frozen honeyberries
• 750g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Optional: ½ tsp vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon

No need for commercial pectin — honeyberries have enough naturally.

How to Make Honeyberry Jam (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Fruit

• Rinse honeyberries and remove any stems or debris
• If using frozen berries, thaw and drain excess liquid

2. Mash the Berries

• Place berries in a large saucepan
• Use a potato masher or fork to gently crush them

3. Add Sugar and Lemon

• Stir in sugar and lemon juice
• Let the mixture sit for 30–60 minutes to draw out juices

4. Cook the Jam

• Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat
• Stir frequently to prevent burning
• Simmer until it thickens (~20–30 minutes)
• Test using the cold plate method: place a spoonful on a chilled plate — if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready

5. Optional Enhancements

• Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a splash of port for depth
• For seedless jam, push through a fine sieve

6. Sterilise and Jar

• Pour into hot, sterilised jars
• Wipe rims, seal with lids, and invert jars for 5 minutes
• Label and store

How to Store Honeyberry Jam

Keep in a cool, dark place, and always refrigerate after opening.

What Does Honeyberry Jam Taste Like?

Honeyberry jam has a deep, rich berry flavour that’s more complex than blueberry or raspberry.

Flavour notes include:

• Blueberry
• Blackcurrant
• Plum
• Grape
• Hints of tart cherry

It’s both sweet and slightly tangy, making it great for both traditional jam fans and those looking for something new.

Creative Ways to Use Honeyberry Jam

Can You Freeze Honeyberry Jam?

Yes — honeyberry jam freezes well.

• Use freezer-safe glass jars or plastic containers
• Leave 2–3cm of headspace for expansion
• Label with the date
• Defrost overnight in the fridge

Pairing Honeyberry Jam with Other Flavours

Honeyberries blend well with:

• Lemon or lime zest
• Vanilla or almond extract
• Ginger or cinnamon
• Other berries (blackberries, raspberries)
• Herbs like thyme or rosemary (for savoury glazes)

Experimenting with mix-ins adds a gourmet twist.

Health Benefits of Honeyberry Jam

While jam contains sugar, honeyberries still offer significant health perks:

For a healthier option, use reduced sugar or honey-sweetened recipes.

Where to Buy Honeyberry Jam (UK & Global)

If you’re not ready to make your own, try:

• Etsy or Farmers’ Markets – handmade, small-batch jars
• Specialist online retailers – search for “Haskap jam”
• Health food stores – some carry imported superfruit preserves
• Pick-your-own farms – may offer fresh preserves seasonally

Growing Your Own Honeyberries for Jam

If you’re a gardener, honeyberries are easy to grow at home.

• Plant two different varieties for fruit
• Fruit ripens in May–June
• Pick when fully blue and soft
• Store fresh berries in the freezer until ready to make jam

Check out our guide to growing honeyberry plants for more details.

Conclusion

Honeyberry jam is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to enjoy this underappreciated superfruit. With its intense colour, bold flavour, and natural pectin, it’s the ideal preserve for toast, tarts, and cheeseboards.

Whether you’re making jam from your own honeyberry bush or sourcing berries from a local grower, you’ll love this unique twist on traditional fruit spreads.

Once you taste it, you’ll be hooked — and your pantry (and gift baskets) will never be without a jar again.

Top 10 FAQs About Honeyberry Jam

1. Do I need to add pectin to honeyberry jam?

No — honeyberries are naturally high in pectin and set well on their own.

2. What does honeyberry jam taste like?

Sweet, tangy, and rich — a blend of blueberry, blackcurrant, and grape.

3. Can I use frozen honeyberries?

Yes — frozen berries work perfectly for jam making.

4. Is honeyberry jam healthy?

While it contains sugar, it’s rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

5. How long does honeyberry jam last?

Unopened: up to 1 year. Opened: 2–3 weeks in fridge.

6. What sugar-to-fruit ratio is best?

Typical is 750g sugar per 1kg fruit, but can be reduced for a softer set.

7. Can I make honeyberry jam with other fruits?

Yes — try mixing with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.

8. Why didn’t my jam set?

It may need more boiling time — use the cold plate test to check.

9. Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes — though it will have a looser set and shorter shelf life.

10. Where can I buy honeyberries to make jam?

Grow them yourself or look for them at farm shops, pick-your-own farms, or specialist nurseries.