Keter Manor Outdoor Apex Double Door Garden Storage Shed (6 x 8ft)
A durable and stylish beige and brown garden storage shed perfect for storing garden tools, equipment, bikes, and outdoor essentials. Weather-resistant, low maintenance, and ideal for any garden or allotment setup.
Vegetable Plants & Seedlings
Browse Plants
All-Purpose Compost & Soil Improvers
View Compost
Plant Feed & Fertiliser for Strong Growth
Shop Fertiliser
? Loganberry Jam (UK Recipe Guide): How to Make, Store & Enjoy This Bold Summer Preserve
? Introduction: The Hidden Gem of Summer Preserving
If you’ve never made loganberry jam, you’re missing out on one of Britain’s most flavour-packed and visually stunning preserves. A cross between a raspberry and a blackberry, loganberries offer an intense, tart-sweet flavour with a rich crimson hue that transforms beautifully into jam.
Although loganberries are less common in supermarkets, they thrive in British gardens and allotments. And when summer arrives, their juicy, slightly sharp flavour is perfect for jam-making—capturing the essence of the season in a jar.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- How to make traditional UK loganberry jam step-by-step
- How to get the perfect set (even without jam sugar)
- Creative uses for loganberry jam beyond toast
- Tips for freezing and preserving
- Answers to common jam-making questions
Let’s turn that berry harvest into something special.
? What Is a Loganberry?
The loganberry is a naturally occurring hybrid between the raspberry and blackberry, first developed in California but now a much-loved fruit among UK growers.
Key traits:
- Deep red to purplish-black colour
- Cone-shaped like a raspberry but firmer
- Juicy, tart, and full-flavoured
- Ripe in the UK from mid-July to late August
Their natural acidity and vibrant taste make them ideal for jam—especially if you want a preserve that’s a little more grown-up and less sugary than strawberry.
? Ingredients for Loganberry Jam (Makes 3–4 Jars)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Loganberries | 1kg (fresh or frozen) |
| Sugar | 1kg (granulated or preserving) |
| Water | 150ml |
| Optional: Lemon juice | Juice of 1 lemon |
Sugar tips:
- Granulated sugar is cost-effective but needs lemon for setting help.
- Preserving sugar has added pectin to help achieve a firmer set.
? How to Make Loganberry Jam (Step-by-Step)
? Step 1: Prep Your Jars
- Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water.
- Rinse, then place jars in the oven at 140°C (275°F) for 20 mins to sterilise.
- Keep them warm until you’re ready to jar the jam.
? Step 2: Simmer the Berries
- Place loganberries and water in a large saucepan or preserving pan.
- Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring and lightly mashing to release juices.
? Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon
- Add sugar and lemon juice (if using).
- Stir over low heat until fully dissolved—no grains should remain.
? Step 4: Boil to Setting Point
- Increase heat and bring to a rolling boil.
- Boil hard for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Watch carefully to avoid boil-overs—jam rises fast!
? Step 5: Test for Set
Use the wrinkle test:
- Place a saucer in the freezer before you start.
- Drop a spoonful of jam on the cold plate.
- Let it sit for 30 seconds, then push it with your finger.
- If it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, boil 2–3 minutes more and test again.
? Step 6: Jar It Up
- Remove jam from heat and skim off any foam.
- Use a ladle and funnel to fill your hot jars to the top.
- Seal immediately with sterilised lids and allow to cool.
Label and store in a cool, dark place.
❄️ Can You Use Frozen Loganberries?
Absolutely. Loganberries freeze well and retain their flavour for up to 12 months.
Tips for frozen berries:
- Use straight from frozen—no need to thaw.
- Simmer for a few minutes longer in Step 2.
- Test for tartness—frozen berries may vary in flavour.
? Storage & Shelf Life
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts |
|---|---|
| Sealed jars (cool cupboard) | 12+ months |
| Opened jars (fridge) | 3–4 weeks |
| Freezer (in containers) | Up to 6 months |
Keep lids tightly closed and use clean utensils to prevent spoilage.
? Delicious Ways to Use Loganberry Jam
Move beyond toast and get creative with your loganberry jam:
Sweet Uses:
- Victoria sponge filling
- Swirled through cheesecake batter
- On warm scones with clotted cream
- Jam tarts and shortbread sandwich biscuits
- Dolloped on Greek yoghurt or porridge
Savoury Ideas:
- Pair with strong cheddar or brie
- Glaze for roast pork or duck
- Stir into a vinaigrette with olive oil and balsamic vinegar
? Fun Loganberry Jam Variations
| Twist | Add This |
|---|---|
| Vanilla | 1 tsp vanilla extract after removing from heat |
| Spicy | ½ tsp ground ginger or fresh grated ginger |
| Boozy | 1 tbsp Chambord, gin, or brandy stirred in post-cooking |
| With apples | 750g loganberries + 250g cooking apples = more pectin + tartness |
? Printable Loganberry Jam Recipe Card
Ingredients:
- 1kg loganberries
- 1kg sugar
- 150ml water
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Method:
- Simmer loganberries and water for 10–15 mins
- Add sugar and lemon, dissolve over low heat
- Boil rapidly for 10 mins
- Test for set
- Skim, jar, seal, and store
? Top 10 FAQs About Loganberry Jam
1. Do loganberries have enough pectin?
Not quite—adding lemon juice or using preserving sugar helps the jam set.
2. Can I make this recipe without added pectin?
Yes, just boil slightly longer and include lemon juice for better setting.
3. Is this a seedless jam?
No, but you can strain the cooked fruit through a sieve or muslin before adding sugar if you prefer a smooth jelly.
4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Reducing sugar will affect preservation and setting. Stick to a 1:1 ratio for best results.
5. How do I fix runny jam?
Re-boil with added lemon juice or a little extra sugar. Test again for the set.
6. Can I reuse old jam jars?
Yes, as long as they’re clean and you use new or properly sealing lids.
7. Can I water bath this jam?
Water bathing isn’t common in the UK but can be done for longer shelf life and gifting assurance.
8. Can I make small batches?
Yes—halve or quarter the recipe, just be mindful of boiling times and use a small pan.
9. How long does jam last once opened?
Up to 4 weeks in the fridge. Always use a clean spoon.
10. Can I make it spicy or add herbs?
Absolutely—try adding thyme, basil, or rosemary for gourmet twists.
? The Legacy of Loganberry Jam in the UK
Though not as widely known as strawberry or raspberry, loganberry jam is a traditional favourite among allotment holders and home preservers. Because loganberries grow so prolifically, many gardeners find themselves with a glut—and jam is one of the easiest, tastiest ways to use it.
Some family jam recipes even date back generations, passed down by growers who fell in love with the bold flavour and vibrant colour of this unique berry.
? Conclusion: Homemade Jam with Character
Loganberry jam is a flavourful, sophisticated preserve that stands out from more common jams. It’s easy to make, rewarding to share, and makes a brilliant addition to breakfast, bakes, or cheese boards.
Whether you’ve grown your own loganberries or found them at a local market, now’s the time to transform them into a pantry staple. Once you taste this jam, you’ll never look at strawberries the same way again.