Get Creative in the Kitchen with This Delicious Ginger Vanilla Rhubarb Jam Recipe

Marie Overton
23 hours ago
3 min read

Rhubarb often gets overlooked, yet it is a delicious and unique ingredient perfect for jams. This vibrant plant, with its tart flavor, can elevate your breakfast table and make delightful gifts. When combined with the warmth of ginger and sweetness from vanilla, rhubarb transforms into a delightful jam that’s perfect for your morning toast or adding a twist to your desserts. In this post, I’ll take you through the homemade Ginger Vanilla Rhubarb Jam recipe and the canning process!

Why Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a perennial plant that thrives in cooler climates. Its growing season peaks in spring, making it a seasonal favorite for many gardeners. With an incredible tartness, rhubarb pairs beautifully with sweet flavors. For instance, when mixed with ginger and vanilla, you get a jam that not only tastes wonderful but also fills your kitchen with an aromatic appeal.

In fact, a 2021 culinary report showed that using rhubarb in jams has seen a 30% increase in popularity among home cooks looking for unique flavors. This jam can be used in a variety of ways—spread on toast, served over yogurt, or even as a savory glaze for meats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up your own Ginger Vanilla Rhubarb Jam, gather the following ingredients:

4 cups cooked rhubarb
3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons pectin
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon butter (optional, reduces foaming)

These ingredients combine effortlessly to create a sweet and tangy jam that will have your family asking for more!

Essential Kitchen Gear

Before you start, make sure you have the following gear:

Canning jars and lids (half-pint)
A water bath canner
A ladle and funnel (for easy pouring)
A jar lifter (to safely handle hot jars)
A large mixing bowl for mixing the jam ingredients

Having the right tools can make the process fun and efficient!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ginger Vanilla Rhubarb Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Hands slicing rhubarb on a wooden cutting board, with a metal bowl nearby on a granite countertop. Red and green rhubarb stalks visible.

Wash the rhubarb thoroughly and chop it into 1/4 inch pieces. This size allows for a better texture in the final jam. Simmer rhubarb until it is softened well.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Pot

Hand pouring lemon juice into a pot of applesauce on a speckled countertop. Text reads "2 tablespoons Lemon Juice."

In a large pot, mix cooked rhubarb, ginger, pectin, lemon juice, and butter. Stir well.

Pot of bubbling orange sauce with a wooden spoon on a stove. Text reads "1/2 teaspoon Butter." Grey countertop in the background.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

Pot of orange stew with wooden spoon on a black stove, next to a speckled gray countertop. Cooking scene with a warm, homey mood.

Place the pot over medium heat. Bring your mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to avoid sticking. Add the sugar and return to a rapid boil for 1 minute.

Hand adding vanilla extract to a pot of fruit mixture on a speckled countertop, with empty glass jars and a metal funnel nearby.

Remove from the heat and add the vanilla.

Step 4: Fill the Jars

Using a ladle and funnel, carefully fill each half pint jar with the hot rhubarb jam. Leave 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth before sealing with lids.

Step 5: Process the Jars

Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust the time if you are at a higher altitude). This step eliminates air and creates a proper seal, crucial for long-term storage. Turn off the heat, remove the lid and allow the jars to cool for 5 minutes. Then, place them on a heat resistant surface and allow them to sit undisturbed for 24 hours.

Jars of fruit preserve on a green mat with fresh rhubarb, a bottle of dark liquid, and a small dish of powder on a speckled surface.

Step 6: Store and Enjoy!

The center of the lid should be depressed down if it has a good seal. Remove the rings and wash the jars with hot, soapy water. Store the jars in a cool, dry, dark place. Your ginger vanilla rhubarb jam can 1-3 years, but it might not stick around that long!

Creative Uses for Your Ginger Vanilla Rhubarb Jam

Now that your jam is ready, how can you enjoy it? Here are some tasty ideas:

Spread it on toast or biscuits to make breakfast special.
Use as filling for pastries, such as Danishes or tarts, to impress guests.
Include it on a charcuterie board alongside cheese for a unique pairing.
Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal for a flavorful twist.
Glaze grilled meats, like pork or chicken, for a sweet and tangy finish.

Wrap Up

Making your own Ginger Vanilla Rhubarb Jam is not just about bringing new flavors to your kitchen; it's a way to embrace seasonal ingredients and delight your taste buds. The combination of tart rhubarb, spicy ginger, and sweet vanilla creates a jam that's not only easy to prepare but also easy to enjoy.

So, gather your ingredients and let your creativity shine! This will become a favorite addition to your pantry, and whether you keep it for yourself or share it, it’s bound to impress everyone. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!