Black cherry jam!

Black Cherry Jam – A Winter Delicacy

When the rain makes its presence felt and the sky is covered with gray clouds, our thoughts drift to the delights of summer. Black cherries, with their intense and sweet aroma, manage to bring a touch of sunshine to the chilly winter days. This black cherry jam recipe is a perfect way to preserve the taste of summer for those moments when we want to indulge in something sweet. Whether you use it to fill pastries, enjoy it on a slice of toast, or give it as a gift to loved ones, this jam will surely be appreciated.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8 jars of 350 g

Ingredients:
- 1500 g pitted black cherries
- 1500 g granulated sugar
- Juice of one fresh lemon

A Brief History:
Black cherry jam has a long-standing tradition, being appreciated in many corners of the world for its rich taste and velvety texture. Cherries, a symbol of summer, have been used over time to create preserves that remind us of sunny days. Making jam is not just a culinary activity but also a way to preserve memories, gather family around the table, and savor the fruits of a year’s labor.

Step by Step:

1. Selecting and preparing the cherries: Choose fresh, organic black cherries that are firm and ripe. Carefully pit them using a pitter or a knife. Ensure that each cherry is clean and free of defects.

2. Macerating the cherries: Place the pitted cherries in a large bowl and add the sugar. Mix well so that the sugar evenly coats the fruit. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step helps to extract the juice from the cherries, which will enhance the flavor of the jam.

3. Boiling the jam: The next day, take the bowl out of the fridge and place it over medium heat. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 60 minutes.

4. Adding the lemon: After about 40 minutes of boiling, add the juice of one lemon. This will not only add a delicious flavor but will also help preserve the jam. Continue to boil, stirring and skimming as needed to remove impurities that form on the surface.

5. The gel test: After an hour of boiling, it's time to check the consistency of the jam. Take a cold plate and drop a few drops of jam on it. If it doesn’t run and holds its shape, the jam is ready!

6. Sterilizing the jars: While the jam is in the final stages of cooking, prepare the jars. Wash them thoroughly and sterilize them in boiling water or in the oven. Make sure they are completely dry before filling.

7. Filling the jars: Using a spoon or ladle, fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a few centimeters of space at the top. Seal them well with the lids.

8. Cooling the jam: After filling all the jars, turn them upside down and wrap them in a blanket. This will help create a vacuum and preserve the jam. Leave them like this until the next day.

9. Storing: Once the jars have completely cooled, place them on one of the pantry shelves, where they will wait to be enjoyed.

Practical Tips:
- Ensure that the cherries are well-ripened to achieve a rich and flavorful jam. Underripe cherries can make the jam tart.
- You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a few cloves for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the cherries with an immersion blender after they have boiled.
- This jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese or as a filling for pies and cakes.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and drain any excess water before using.
- How can I tell if the jam is well made? The plate test is the simplest way to check the consistency. If you're unsure, you can boil the jam longer.
- How long does the jam last? If properly preserved, the jam can last up to a year.

Now that you have all the necessary information, you're ready to get to work! Making black cherry jam is a pleasant and satisfying activity that will bring you not only a delicious result but also immense joy in preserving the taste of summer for the cooler days. Happy cooking!