Place the rhubarb, maple syrup, lemon juice, pectin, and salt in a small to medium pot over high heat. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent sticking. The jam is ready when it has thickened and leaves a clear track when a spoon is dragged through it. Remove from the heat, stir in the cardamom, and let the jam cool before transferring it to a clean glass jar.
Notes
Use a medium pot with high sides if possible—the jam bubbles up as it cooks and can splatter.
Stir gently but regularly while the jam cooks to maintain an even texture and prevent hot spots.
The pectin helps the jam gel, but it also thickens more over time, so resist the urge to keep cooking if it seems thin after 10-15 minutes.
The cardamom goes in at the end to preserve its flavour. If added too early, it can fade during cooking.
Storage
Store the cooled jam in a clean, airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or jar, leaving room at the top for expansion.