Mai Tai Papaya Jam has the tropical flavors of the islands with sweet papaya and mango with freshly squeezed lime! Enjoy exotic flavors with this easy-to-make homemade jam!
Fresh Papaya Jam
Safe to say, this ain’t your Grandma’s Jam, but I suppose my Grandma would have never made this jam
We were just up to visit family in Oregon and when we travel I always bring jam home to share. Everyone loves it!
I was really proud of myself this year as I had quite the stash of jam – I carefully packed up 24 jars. Wrapped them well and dedicated an engine suitcase just for the jam
When we got to Mom and Dad’s I jokingly said, how many jars of jam do you think the TSA took this time? (When I pack jam in checked luggage, my bags are always searched.)
Mom said, that’s a bet I’m not taking!
And sure enough, there was the notice. However, I was quite disappointed to see that two jars were missing and one was broken. 😔
I get it – of course, I want everyone (and myself!) to be safe, so I understand why it’s inspected, but three jars? Seriously… I need to start packing croissants to go along with the jam, don’t you think?
Papaya Marmalade Recipe
If you’ve never tried papaya, it’s a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. It’s very sweet. The flesh is a bright, burnt orange color.
Some say the smell of papaya can be off-putting. But that can be correct by squeezing fresh lime over the top!
If you want to try papaya first, then my easy papaya breakfast bowl would be a great recipe to start with. I love this recipe and I bet you will too!!
But I’m willing to bet if you enjoy a Mai Tai you’ll love this jam!
Papaya Jam Ingredients
Ingredients for Papaya Jam Recipe
- papaya – look for a bright yellow mango, that means it’s ripe!
- mango – a ripe mango will smell sweet (click here for tips about choosing ripe mango).
- lime – for tart and tangy with bright fresh flavor.
- white sugar – necessary to preserve jam
- brown sugar – again necessary but it also adds more intense flavor from the molasses in brown sugar.
- dark rum – a twist of vanilla and molasses with a bit of fire!
- low sugar pectin – to preserve the jam
Can I make the jam without the rum?
Yes, if you want to skip the alcohol, you can. It will not effect how the jam sets. However, the alcohol burns off so don’t think you can’t enjoy it for breakfast.
For this
I used a rum called Jonah’s Curse. A Caribbean spiced rum with vanilla and cinnamon, it’s a perfect compliment for this jam. Can’t find that rum? Use your favorite dark rum.
How to choose a ripe papaya?
Look for fruit that have mostly yellow skin with just a little green. It is fully ripe when it’s bright yellow in color.
How do you eat a papaya?
It’s actually really easy to prepare. Like a cantaloupe, you simply slice it in half, scoop out the seeds (and discard) and peel off the skin. Then dice it.
What are the benefits of papaya?
Papaya has amazing health benefits! One of which is it’s high in vitamin C – no surprise, right? Just look at that bright vibrant flesh!
Because it’s high in fibre, just like everything else – eat in moderation, right?!!
Love the idea of making homemade jam and jelly, but have a few more questions? Check out my Jam Making Guide for all of my tips and tricks to make the BEST preserves at home!
More of my favorite jam recipes!
Papaya Jam with Pectin
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If you are interested in doing some jamming here are the basic must-have’s!
- 8 oz. canning jars with lids
- 4 oz. canning jars with lids
- canning essentials box
kit stainless steel ladle
Don’t forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products! 🛍️
When you make this please be sure to tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover – I’d love to see your photos!
If you love this recipe please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating!
Papaya Jam
Mai Tai Papaya Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cups papaya fresh papaya, peeled, seeds discarded and diced.
- 2 cups mango peeled and diced
- 4 cups white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 limes juiced
- 1.7 oz. rum* often referred to as a "mini bottle" or "airplane bottle" it's a small sampler you can find at any liquor store.
- 1 Sure-Jell Low Sugar Pectin Make sure it's the pink box.
Instructions
- Begin by washing the fruit – wash it well.
- Peel the papaya – discard the seeds and dice. Measure exactly four cups. Peel the mango, discard the seed – dice the flesh – measure two cups. Add the fruit to a large heavy bottom pan.
- Juice both limes, add to the fruit.
- Measure ¼ cup of white sugar and mix it with the contents of the Sure-Jell. Sprinkle it into the fruit, mix well again and set it on the stove on high and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- When it comes to a hard rolling boil (a boil you can't stir down) add the remaining sugar – both the white and brown. Continue stirring constantly and return it to a boil. Boil for exactly one minute. (Set a timer to make sure you get it for a full minute).
- Remove from the stove and immediately stir in the rum. It will bubble and spit so be sure to wear a hot pad holder. Continue to stir it until the bubbles cease.
- Immediately ladle into sterilized jars. Using a clean damp cloth, wipe the tops of the jars to remove any jam that may have gotten on the top of the lids. (This will keep the jars from sealing.)
- Place lids on jars, followed by the rings, screw it on tightly. Process in a hot bath (boiling water) for 10 minutes to seal the jars.Makes 6 eight oz. jars.
Carolyn Archer
Trying your jam right now, but wondering: when is the rum added?
Bowl Me Over
Hey Carolyn, sorry for the delay. Once you remove the jam from the stove after boiling one minute, then you’ll add in the rum. Continue to stir it until the bubbling ceases, then ladle into sterilized jars.
Jennifer A Stewart
I put this on some cream cheese when I was running late for a party and I ending up being voted best party guest! Just kidding about the award, but there wasn’t any of it left:)
Sandra Shaffer
I love your jam recipes! This tropical one would be so good on a slice of toast! And NO. No extras for the TSA folks! Lol The airlines could at least hand over a few mini rum bottles, right?
Michaela Kenkel
I swear you should have a brick and mortar store that sells jam. Every recipe I have tried from you is incredible. This may be my new favorite.
Angela
Time to make more jam!! Love the sound of this recipe! Thanks!
Julie Menghini
I know my Grandmother never made papaya jam. I’d never seen one until I was at least 30 but after expanding my horizons and falling in love with them I can only imagine how amazing this jam is. In all fairness, all of your jams are amazing!
Liza
LOVING this recipe! It’s so perfect as a dessert and as a condiment, to spread on your bread and to add to your cooking! Thanks!!
Brandi Burgess
This looks wonderful! I can’t wait to try it!
michele
Everytime I read one of your jam posts I swear Im going to make it… this time I did! You had me when you said if I liked a man tai you knew I would love it… and WE sure did! Thanks