A rich native Australian jam with tart berry flavour and subtle spice notes.
Why Riberry Makes an Incredible Jam
Riberry, also known as Lilly Pilly, is one of Australia’s most unique native fruits. Small and vibrant pink-red in colour, riberries have a naturally tart, aromatic flavour with subtle notes reminiscent of cranberry, clove and warm spice.
When slowly cooked into jam, riberry develops a rich glossy texture while still holding its bright berry character. The result is a preserve that feels less sugary and more refined than many traditional jams.
This Riberry Jam recipe is simple to make and works beautifully on fresh sourdough, pastries, cheese boards or even alongside roasted meats. It’s a fantastic introduction to native Australian ingredients and a perfect way to showcase the unique flavour of riberry at home.
Looking for a homemade Riberry jam recipe or Lilly Pilly jam recipe? This native Australian preserve is packed with bold berry flavour and is perfect for anyone exploring Australian bushfood recipes.
Ingredients
Makes: Approx. 2 jars
- 500g fresh or frozen riberries (Lilly Pilly)
- 400g white sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional native alternative: 100g of Lemon Aspen fruit for a bright native citrus twist
- 60ml water
- Optional: small pinch of cinnamon
Method
- Prepare the fruit: Wash the riberries thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.
- Cook the fruit: Add riberries, lemon juice and water to a saucepan over medium heat. Cook gently for 8–10 minutes until the fruit softens and begins to break down.
- Add sugar: Stir through the sugar until completely dissolved.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will begin to thicken and develop a glossy finish.
- Test the consistency: Place a small spoonful onto a chilled plate. If it wrinkles slightly when pushed, the jam is ready.
- Jar the jam: Carefully pour into sterilised jars while hot and seal immediately.
For a more native Australian flavour profile, you can replace some of the lemon brightness with a small amount of Lemon Aspen fruit . Its tart grapefruit-like citrus notes pair beautifully with the spiced berry character of riberry.
Serving Suggestions
- Spread over toasted sourdough or croissants
- Pair with soft cheeses or brie
- Swirl through yoghurt or vanilla ice cream
- Serve with roast duck or pork for a native Australian twist
Native Ingredient Pairings
Riberry pairs beautifully with other native Australian ingredients, especially bright citrus flavours and tart fruits.
For a more complex native finish, try pairing this recipe with:
Where to Buy Riberry (Lilly Pilly)
Looking to make this recipe at home? Fresh and frozen Riberry (Lilly Pilly) is available online from Naturally Native.
Riberry is one of Australia’s most unique native fruits, prized for its tart berry flavour and subtle spice notes. It’s perfect for jams, sauces, desserts, cocktails and native Australian cooking.
Naturally Native supplies premium native Australian ingredients grown and sourced with a focus on quality, flavour and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Riberry taste like?
Riberry has a tart berry flavour with subtle spice notes often compared to cranberry, clove and cinnamon.
Can you make jam from Lilly Pilly fruit?
Yes. Riberry (Lilly Pilly) makes an excellent jam due to its natural tartness and aromatic flavour profile.
Can I use frozen Riberry fruit?
Absolutely. Frozen riberries work very well in jams, sauces and desserts.
Storage
- Store sealed jars in a cool dark place
- Refrigerate after opening
- Best consumed within 3 months once opened
Why This Recipe Works
Riberry naturally holds its tart berry flavour exceptionally well during cooking. Unlike some fruits that become flat when turned into jam, riberry keeps its brightness and complexity — creating a preserve that feels premium and distinctly Australian.
The subtle spice notes in riberry also make it incredibly versatile in both sweet and savoury dishes.
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