13 Easy Jams and Pickles You Can Make Without Canning
They’ll last for weeks in the fridge.
Summer is a time for stocking up on fresh fruits and veggies. But what happens when you have too much summer produce? Rather than let it go to waste, you can certainly freeze a lot of it (strawberries, tomatoes, and carrots, for example). But you can also transform them into sweet jams, jelly, and preserves and tangy pickles to savor every bite.
Of course, if you want to try your hand at canning, Ree Drummond has a few simple tips, but you can also make jams and pickles with no canning required. The main difference is that proper canning allows preserved foods to last a year or more, while these no-canning jams and pickles last about two weeks in the refrigerator. But that’s plenty of time to gobble them up or gift them to friends and family!
You’ll find classic sweet jams like raspberry and blackberry on this list, but also savory spreads like tomato. And speaking of savory, go beyond the classic cucumber recipes for pickles (though you'll find two on this list). You can pickle plenty of other veggies, from radishes to okra and even ginger for a warm, spicy kick. Time to grab those mason jars because you’re about to preserve the taste of summer before it’s gone.
Raspberry Jam
This jam is sweet, tart, and just as fresh tasting as the day those berries were picked! The raspberries are simply mashed and combined with a mixture of hot water and fruit pectin to make the easiest homemade jam ever.
Get the Raspberry Jam recipe.
Quick Pickles
Cucumbers and onion are placed in a tangy, slightly sweet brine of vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes. You can whip these up in about 15 minutes, then let them rest in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
Get Ree’s Quick Pickles recipe.
Blackberry Jam
Fresh blackberries, sugar, lemon, and a bit of vanilla are simmered on the stovetop until they're transformed into a glossy jam. The sweetness keeps in the fridge for ten days or in the freezer up to three months.
Get the Blackberry Jam recipe.
Pickled Radishes
Thinly sliced radishes are soaked in an easy brine made out of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Shallots, dill, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes are added for levels of flavor.
Get the Pickled Radishes recipe.
Tomato Jam
You’ll want to spread this sweet-and-savory condiment on everything! It works with whatever ripe tomatoes you have on hand, too. Refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze up to six months.
Get the Tomato Jam recipe.
Pickled Okra
Here’s a summer delight you’ll love snacking on! This quick pickle recipe only takes about ten minutes to make and has tons of flavor layered in from fresh dill, dried chiles, and pickling spices.
Get the Pickled Okra recipe.
No-Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam
This freezer jam is made with fruit that isn't cooked. It has a little bit of a looser consistency, but it's just as sweet and delicious! Just keep it refrigerated or stored in the freezer until ready to use.
Quick Pickled Carrots
If you’ve never had them, pickled carrots are a crisp, vinegary, and sweet bite all in one. They’re done in just 50 minutes from start to finish, and they’ll last up to a month in the fridge.
Get the Quick Pickled Carrots recipe.
Refrigerator Pickles
If you have a few more hours to wait, try making Ree’s refrigerated pickles. They need about eight hours to soak in all the briny goodness, but then they’ll be ready to use for up to two weeks.
Get Ree’s Refrigerator Pickles recipe.
Quick Pickled Beets
Beets are earthy and tender when cooked but will develop a sweeter and saltier flavor when pickled. You can use any colored beet you like, or a mix of red, yellow, and even candy-striped beets.
Get the Quick Pickled Beets recipe.
Marmalade
Bright, citrusy oranges make this homemade fruit spread an instant classic. You can serve it on toasted English muffins or even scones. This recipe shows you how to can, but if you don’t, it will last up to three weeks.
Get the Marmalade recipe.
Pickled Ginger
Do you love those strips of pickled ginger when you order sushi? Well, you can make it yourself! All it takes is fresh ginger and a simple vinegar-sugar brine. Let it sit for two hours and then serve.
Get the Pickled Ginger recipe.
Tomato Ginger Jam
If you like the idea of both tomato jam and pickled ginger, try this! Cherry tomatoes, fresh ginger, and spicy red pepper flakes make this savory jam so unique. It would be delicious smeared onto a grilled cheese sandwich.
Get the Tomato Ginger Jam recipe.
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