Simple Paleo Raspberry Jam (Whole30)
Updated: Mar 8
Sweet summer raspberries in a delicate and bright jam that is perfect on toast, in yogurt, or as a topping for ice cream! During berry season, I love to find local patches and pick as many berries as I can so I am able to make plenty of jam and preserves for my family to enjoy! This simple jam has only a handful of whole food ingredients and is both Paleo and Whole30 friendly! You will love this so much you may never buy from the store again!
We have a splendid apple orchard right at the border of Wisconson that we love to frequent in the fall. This year, my eldest son and I took advantage of their raspberry bushes and came home with 6 full pints, brimming with beautiful, plump, and super sweet vine ripened raspberries! I just knew a gorgeous fresh raspberry jam was in the works!
Why Raspberries are So Good For You!
Raspberries are the edible fruit in the rose family of plants and they come in red, golden, black and purple in color. Raspberries have a sweet and tart flavor and their peak season is during the summer and early fall. In one cup of raspberries you'll find:
Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (thiamine): Essential in metabolic function and supports a healthy brain.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Converts carbohydrates to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which supports energy production [1].
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is essential in creating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which play a role in emotional health and sleep [2].
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that neutralized free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that supports immune function and works to regulate free radicals that cause cellular damage.
Vitamin K: Vitamin K is essential in bone health and it is converted to vitamin K2 by our gut microbiome, which supports our heart health.
Minerals
Copper: Essential mineral in the formation of red blood cells and in supporting cardiovascular health and immune function [3].
Iron: Necessary in the formation of hemoglobin and maintaining proper body temperature.
Magnesium: The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, it support healthy nerve functions, healthy blood pressure, and detoxification.
Manganese: Essential mineral in supporting blood sugar regulation, glucose metabolism, and supporting healthy brain and nerve function [4].
Phosphorus: Supports healthy teeth and bones, muscle recovery after working out, and detoxification.
Potassium: Plays a role in your body's hydration and cellular fluid balance, with sodium being the counter balance.
Fiber
There are more benefits to eating the raspberries, they are full of fiber to support a healthy and optimized digestive tract! They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber:
Insoluble fiber: Works to keep things moving along and helps with toxin and waste elimination.
Soluble fiber [5]: Soluble fiber works to support a healthy microbiome and supports healthy blood sugar regulation.
So grab some lovely raspberries and let's get cooking!
Simple Paleo Raspberry Jam Ingredients
Makes approximately 16 ounces
3 pints Fresh Raspberries, about 6 cups
2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
Pinch of Fine Sea Salt
1/4 cup Cool Filtered Water
1 Tbsp Gelatin
How to Make Simple Paleo Raspberry Jam
1. Wash and rinse all the berries under cool water and drain completely.
2. In a medium saucepan, add the raspberries, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt.
3. Heat over low-medium heat, bringing to a light simmer.
4. Simmer for 5-minutes until the fruit has broken down and the raspberries have released their juices.
5. Turn off the heat, add the gelatin to a small bowl with 1/4 cup of cool water. Stir for 60-seconds until the gelatin has absorbed all of the water.
6. Add the gelatin to the raspberries and stir for about 90 seconds to allow all of the gelatin to fully dissolve.
7. Transfer the jam to a glass mason jar, cover, and let it cool on the counter before refrigerating.
8. Refrigerate at least 4-hours before serving.
Enjoy! Will keep for about a month in the fridge!
FAQs
Q: Why is my jam runny?
A: There may have not been enough gelatin added to help gel the jam.
Q: Can you test the jam before jarring it?
A: Yes, pop a plate into the freezer to chill. Add a small spoonful of jam to the plate and tilt it so the jam starts to run. If it runs fast, it needs more gelatin, if it's nice and slow go ahead and jar it!
Q: Should I de-seed the raspberries first?
A: I don't. I aim to eat foods in their whole form. There is a lot of fiber in the seeds that helps to support healthy blood sugars and digestion.
If you like this recipe, check these out!
Kumquat Marmalade: Fragrant, bright, and perfectly sweet kumquat marmalade is what your yogurt, biscuits and toast are asking for.
Aronia & Blueberry Chia Jam: Antioxidant rich aronia berries paired with beautiful sweet blueberries in an easy protein packed chia jam!
Buttermilk Sourdough Biscuits: Delicious jam pairs perfectly with homemade scratch biscuits! These are so easy you'll be enjoying them in 30-minutes or less!
I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. - Amy
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