Ja Makin' Me Crazy Mango Jam

Since I shared my recipe for the Jerk Chicken Bowl with California Fig Salsa (which included mangos) I wanted to continue sharing those same bright flavors and this jam came right to mind!

But let me tell you how this jam really came to be....

I've made mango jam several times, however this time I realized I was short and needed more fruit. I wasn't about to go to the store so I opened the fridge and realized I had some raspberries - perfect!

And then thought I'd spice it up with some interesting flavors and that's how this jam was born.

The raspberries add just a bit of flavor, but really spike it with a pretty color. The Caribbean spices; nutmeg, cinnamon & ginger and infuse the jam with the best of tropical flavors!

A slice of toasted bread spread with homemade mango jam. — This low-sugar mango jam is sweet and delicious!

Ingredients

fresh mangos
fresh raspberries
fresh lemon or lime juice
cinnamon
ground ginger
nutmeg
butter
pure cane sugar
low sugar SureJell Fruit Pectin

Instructions

This is one of my favorite jams and I think you will enjoy it as much as we do! The sweet juicy mangos and raspberries pair perfectly with the spices and enhance the tropical flavors in this low-sugar jam.

Clean & sterilize jars, lids and rings.
Measure the exact amount of sugar into a large bowl.
Remove ¼ cup the sugar and in a separate bowl, mix it with the powered Sure-Jell. Set aside both mixtures.
Peel the mangos, remove the seeds and chop. Clean the raspberries, measure ½ cup - add to a large pot on the stove. Add in the spices, lemon, butter and the Sure Jell/sugar mixture and stir thoroughly.
Place over high heat and bring to a boil stirring constantly. When it comes to a hard rolling boil (one that you can't stir down) add the remaining sugar and return to a boil, again stirring constantly.
Boil hard for exactly one minute then remove from heat. Ladle into clean, sterilized jars.
Clean the tops of the jars carefully (so you get a good seal). Place lids on jars and screw on the rings.
Place the jam in a hot water bath for 10 minutes - this will help seal the jars. Remove from heat and place them on a heatproof surface (I usually use a heavy cutting board). You'll hear the jars make a popping noise as they seal.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

If you haven't eaten fresh mangos before, here's some great information to help you learn more about this fruit!

Is mango rich in pectin?

Actually it's not - many fruits with seeds are rich in pectin but mangos aren't one of them.

How can I tell when a mango is ripe?

- similar to an avocado, when you press on a mango the flesh will be slightly soft
- it will have a slightly sweet aroma
- the color of the skin has nothing to do with ripeness, don't rely on the color of the skin.

How do I store mangos?

unripe mangos should be kept on the counter until they are ripe and sweet
store ripe mangos in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

What mangos to pick for mango jam?

Choose mangos at their peak of ripeness. Overripe fruit will not produce the best jam, underripe mangos aren't juicy or sweet. Mango season is during the hot summer months; June - August.

How do I stop a mango from ripening?

If your mango is ripe but you're not ready to make jam, store it in the refrigerator. Ripe mangos will keep in the refrigerator four to five days.

I make a lot of jams and jellies during the summer! Because many of my family members are diabetic, I use a low sugar jam making method using the pink box of pectin from Sure-Jell.

I've found the low sugar versions to be just as delicious, the key is using fresh fruit at it's peak of flavor. I've experimented using sugar substitutes and it changes the taste and I have not found one I'd recommend.

Sliced toast spread with jam. — Homemade Mango Jam Recipe with juicy mango and sweet raspberries mixed with Caribbean spices!!

Tips

Follow the instructions as written and the mango preserves will set perfectly. Do not lessen the sugar or increase the amount of fruit or the mango jam recipe may not set properly.

Expert Tip: You can check to see if the jars have sealed by pressing down in the center of each jar. If it is sealed, it will not move. If it didn't seal the "button" on the top will pop up & down.

I think many folks shy away from making jam, but it's and not hard at all. It takes 30-45 minutes in the kitchen. In the time it takes to seal the jars at the end, you'll have your kitchen cleaned up and some delicious jam to enjoy or give as a gift!

More helpful jam-making tips

Clean the fruit by using 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water, add the fruit and swish around really well.
Don’t change the amount of sugar the recipe calls for. The sugar not only sweetens the fruit but also preserves it. If you reduce the amount of sugar, you may end up with mold on top of the jam even though you’ve sealed it properly.
Don’t change the amount of fruit – if you put in too little, it may not set and will become syrupy. Too much fruit and it can get so thick, it’s like paste.
Although the jars and rings are reusable, the lids are not – you’ll need to purchase new ones.
Want more information on making Homemade Jam? Click here for a ton of information - all my tips and tricks for how to make jam! You'll be a Master Jammer in no time!!

Serving suggestions

This jam is delicious on morning toast, bagels and cream cheese or a pb&j. It's perfect for a quick snack, I know you're going to love it!

Summertime is the best time to make jam when fruit is fresh and in season! Making jam is easier than you think. I have several wonderful jam recipes on the blog and you can find a complete listing of them clicking here!

The most popular jam recipe on my blog? Christmas in July Pepper Jam! It's an easy jam to make and a great holiday gift!

Recipe

First published July 15, 2017 - Updated May 7, 2021 to improve instructions.

Ja Makin' Me Crazy Mango Jam