Cherry jam

Cherry jam is a delight that reminds us of warm summer days when cherries are in full season and their enticing aromas invite us to indulge our senses. This simple and natural recipe will allow you to transform juicy cherries into jars full of goodness for winter, even if the process of pitting them may seem a bit tedious. However, once you taste the resulting jam, you will realize that the effort was well worth it!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 4 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 2.5 kg fresh cherries
- 500 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)

A bit of history

Cherry jam is a traditional recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, appreciated for its sweet and tangy taste and fine texture. Over time, each family has added a personal touch to the recipe, incorporating spices or other fruits to enrich its flavor. It is a perfect example of how nature can provide the simplest and most delicious pleasures.

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the cherries

Start by washing the cherries well under a stream of cold water. It is essential to remove any impurities or residues. After washing, cut off the stems and carefully remove the pits. This process may take some time, but it is an excellent opportunity to connect with your ingredients.

Helpful tips: Use a cherry pitter if you have one to make the process quicker. If not, you can use a small sharp knife to remove the pits.

Step 2: The sugar layer

After cleaning the cherries, place them in a large pot, forming a generous layer. Add sugar over the cherries, ensuring that each cherry is evenly coated. Continue to add cherries and sugar until all ingredients are used, with the last layer being sugar. This method will help release the natural juices of the cherries during cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the jam

Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally. The enticing aroma of cherries beginning to boil and combine with the sugar will fill your kitchen. Keep stirring to prevent sticking and to ensure that the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture boil until the jam starts to set. This process may take about 30-40 minutes.

Tip: Use a wooden spoon to stir, as it will help avoid chemical reactions with the sugar and maintain the vibrant color of the cherries.

Step 4: Preparing the jars

While the jam is boiling, preheat the oven to 120°C. Prepare the jars that will hold the jam. Make sure they are clean and dry. You can sterilize them by placing them in the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Bottling

Once the jam is ready, pour it hot into the prepared jars. Make sure not to fill the jars to the brim; leave about 1-2 cm of space for expansion. Seal the jars tightly with the lids.

Step 6: Water processing

Prepare a large tray with boiling water and place the jars in it. Boil the jars for 30-40 minutes. This process will help seal the jars and extend the shelf life of your jam.

Step 7: Cooling

Once the boiling time is up, turn off the oven and let the jars cool in the water or remove them and cover them with a thick blanket. This technique will help retain heat and create a vacuum, ensuring a proper seal.

Serving suggestions

Cherry jam is perfect on a slice of toasted bread, alongside butter or cottage cheese. It can be used as a filling for cakes, pancakes, or even mixed with your favorite yogurt for a healthy breakfast. Additionally, it can be a delicious accompaniment to meat, adding a sweet and tangy contrast.

Variations and creative ideas

- Add spices: You can experiment with flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, or ginger to enhance the taste.
- Lavender cherries: Try adding a few dried lavender flowers during cooking for a delicate floral note.
- Cherry and blackberry jam: Combine cherries with fresh blackberries for a jam with a complex and rich flavor.

Nutritional benefits

Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and essential minerals. Consuming cherries can support heart health, help reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. Additionally, with a relatively low calorie content, cherry jam can be a healthy dessert option, especially if you reduce the amount of sugar used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but it is important to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess water in the jam.

2. How long can the jam be stored?
If stored properly, the jam can be consumed for up to 1-2 years. Ensure that the jars are well sealed and stored in a cool, dark place.

3. What can I do with leftover cherries?
If there are cherries left after making the jam, you can use them in salads, smoothies, or as a topping for cereals.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to put your culinary skills to the test and enjoy every spoonful of this aromatic cherry jam! It is not just a recipe, but a way to preserve summer in jars for the chilly winter days. Start your culinary adventure and enjoy the final result!