Grape jam

Grape Jam – A Fall Delicacy

Autumn is a harvest season when nature rewards us with wonderful and sweet fruits. Among these, grapes are among the most appreciated, having an unmistakable aroma and natural sweetness. Today, I invite you to discover a grape jam recipe, an excellent way to preserve this flavor for winter. Whether you enjoy it on a slice of bread, alongside cheeses, or in various desserts, this jam will surely become a favorite in your household.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 5 or 6 jars of 400 ml

Ingredients:
- 2.5 kg grapes
- 1.3 kg sugar
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 2-3 g vanilla (optional)
- 1-2 g cinnamon (optional)

Necessary equipment:
- A heavy-bottomed stainless steel pot
- A blender
- A fine sieve
- Clean and dry jars
- A small plate for the consistency test

Steps for preparing grape jam:

1. Preparing the grapes
Start by washing the grapes under a cold water stream. Make sure to remove any impurities. After washing, drain them well.

2. Separating the pulp from the skin
This is the most meticulous step, but it’s worth the effort. Carefully remove the pulp from each grape skin. If you have helpers, involve them in the process – cooking becomes more enjoyable when it’s a group activity. Do not throw away the skins you have removed, as you will use them later.

3. Boiling the pulp
Place the grape pulp in a pot and simmer over low heat for a few minutes until it becomes soft. This step is crucial for separating the seeds – once the pulp is softened, you can use a fine sieve to obtain a smooth puree without seeds.

4. Preparing the skins
Use the blender to puree the grape skins. Once you have a homogeneous mixture, add it to the previously obtained pulp puree. This will add an interesting texture and intense flavor to your jam.

5. Adding lemon
Squeeze the juice from a lemon and add it to the pot. The lemon will not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the jam.

6. Boiling the jam
Place the pot over low heat and let the mixture simmer, stirring occasionally. After about 30 minutes, when the jam starts to thicken, skim off the foam from the surface – this contains impurities that do not contribute to the flavor.

7. Adding sugar
After the jam has started to thicken, add the sugar and mix well. Continue to boil the jam for about an hour, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a sweeter jam, you can add more sugar, but keep in mind that grapes are already very sweet.

8. Consistency test
Take a small plate from the freezer and place a drop of jam on it. Let it cool a bit, and if it sets, it’s time to turn off the heat. If not, leave it on the heat for a few more minutes.

9. Flavoring the jam
Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, add the vanilla and cinnamon if desired; these will add extra flavor and depth to the taste.

10. Jarring the jam
Fill the clean and dry jars with hot jam. To avoid breaking the jars, you can place the jar on a metal plate before filling it. Seal the jars tightly and cover them with a blanket until they cool. Then, you can store them in the pantry.

Useful tips:
- Use the best quality grapes, as their flavors will directly influence the taste of the jam.
- If you want to diversify the jam, you can add flavors like ginger or cardamom.
- Grape jam keeps well in jars, but make sure they are airtight to prevent fermentation.

Nutritional benefits:
Grapes are an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Consuming grape jam in moderation can support heart health and the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen grapes?
Yes, you can use frozen grapes, but make sure to thaw them completely before using.

2. How can I check if the jam is well cooked?
The plate test is the simplest way to check the consistency. If the drop of jam sets and does not spread, it’s ready.

3. How long does the jam last?
If stored under optimal conditions, grape jam can last up to a year in the pantry.

Serving and combinations:
Grape jam is delicious on toast, but you can also use it as a filling in cakes, pies, or tarts. Additionally, it can be paired with cheeses for a refined platter.

Personal note:
This recipe reminds me of the moments spent with my grandmother in the kitchen, where each jar of jam was a story. I encourage you to share these moments with your loved ones, bringing joy in every jar of grape jam! Enjoy!