What’s a bumbleberry? Do they grow in bumbles? On bumble bushes? In a bumble patch?

Yes!

Bumbleberry is a mixture of at least three different kinds of berries so they do grow in bushes and patches. Perhaps on trees and vines as well.

This recipe for Bumbleberry Jam comes to us from the Best of Bridge Home Preserving recipe book. It has 4 different kids of berries and even some rhubarb. Now that’s a bumble I can get behind!

Bumbleberry Jam

(page 70)

Bumbleberry, or jumbleberry, is a mix of berries and other fruits, such as rhubarb or apples. Wonderful in pies and crisps, it’s also a great jam combo.

• 1 cup crushed strawberries (250 mL)
• 1 cup raspberries (250 mL)
• 1 cup blueberries (250 mL)
• 1 cup blackberries (250 mL)
• 1 cup chopped rhubarb (250 mL), (1⁄2-inch/1 cm pieces)
• 5 cups granulated sugar (1.25 L)
• 1 pouch (3 oz/85 mL) liquid pectin

In a large, deep, heavy-bottomed pot, combine berries and rhubarb. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until rhubarb is softened. Add sugar in a steady stream, stirring constantly. Increase heat to high and bring to a full boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar. Immediately stir in pectin; return to a full boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam. Stir for 5 to 8 minutes to prevent floating fruit.

Ladle into sterilized jars to within 1⁄4 inch (0.5 cm) of rim; wipe rims. Apply prepared lids and rings; tighten rings just until fingertip-tight. Process jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (see page 27). Transfer jars to a towel-lined surface and let rest at room temperature until set. Check seals; refrigerate any unsealed jars for up to 3 weeks.

Makes about five 8-ounce (250 mL) jars.

Tip: Freeze premeasured amounts of chopped rhubarb and in-season berries so you have them on hand when you have more time to make jam in the winter.

Courtesy of Best of Bridge Home Preserving:120 Recipes for Canning Fruits & Vegetables by Best of Bridge Publishing Ltd. 2014 © www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission.