Jam with cantaloupe, peaches, blueberries, and nuts

Melon jam with peaches, blueberries, and walnuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 6 hours
Total time: 6 hours and 20 minutes
Servings: 8 jars of 250 g

Melon jam with peaches, blueberries, and walnuts is a recipe that combines the sweet flavors of fruits with the crunchy texture of walnuts, all wrapped in a fresh note of mint. This jam is not only a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, but also a wonderful gift for friends and acquaintances. Made with patience, this jam will bring a touch of summer into every jar, making it an excellent choice to preserve the tastes of the warm season throughout the year.

Ingredients:
- 1.5 kg melon, peeled and diced
- 500 g peaches, peeled and diced
- 250 g blueberries, fresh or frozen
- 250 g walnuts, roasted
- 1 kg sugar
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 bunch of fresh mint

Brief history:
Jam is an ancient preparation that has been used over time to preserve fruits in their season, allowing them to be enjoyed even in cold periods. This specific recipe, with melon and peaches, pays tribute to preservation traditions, while also adding a modern touch with the addition of blueberries and walnuts.

Preparation techniques:
1. Preparing the fruits:
Make sure the fruits are fresh, ripe, and free of blemishes. Wash the melon and peaches well, then peel them. Cut the melon and peaches into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Blueberries do not require cleaning, but check that they are intact.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped fruits: melon, peaches, and blueberries. Add the sugar and lemon juice over the fruits, gently mixing to combine the ingredients. It is important for the sugar to dissolve in the fruit juice, which will create a flavorful base for the jam.

3. Letting it macerate:
Allow the fruits to sit for about 2 hours. This step allows the sugar to extract the juice from the fruits, contributing to the formation of a natural syrup.

4. Cooking in a slow cooker:
Place the fruit mixture in the slow cooker and set it to high for 6 hours. If you prefer the traditional method, you can cook it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

5. Preparing the walnuts:
In the last minutes of boiling, roast the walnuts in a dry pan until they are golden and fragrant. After roasting, remove the dark skin and crush the walnuts with your hands so they remain white and tender. These will add a crunchy texture to the jam.

6. Adding the mint:
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the roasted walnuts and mint tied with a piece of thread, so you can easily remove it later. The mint will infuse the jam with its fresh aroma, but you don’t want the leaves to remain in the jars.

7. Packing the jam:
After the jam has boiled, fill the well-washed and dried jars, leaving a little space at the top. Put the lids on and turn the jars upside down to create a vacuum. Allow them to cool completely.

8. Labeling and storing:
Once cooled, label the jars with the name of the jam and the date of preparation. Store them in a cool, dark place where they can be kept for several months.

Helpful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ground ginger.
- The jam can be served with cottage cheese or yogurt, turning it into a delicious breakfast.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, adjust the amount of sugar to taste.

Frequently asked questions:
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can replace peaches with apricots or add strawberries for a different combination.

How can I check if the jam has thickened?
A simple method is to put a drop of jam on a cold plate. If the drop doesn’t spread, the jam is ready.

Nutritional benefits:
This jam is full of vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the fresh fruits. Melon is rich in vitamin C, while peaches provide fiber. Walnuts add healthy fatty acids, essential for a balanced diet.

Possible variations:
- Lavender jam: Replace mint with lavender flowers for a unique floral aroma.
- Spicy jam: Add a few slices of hot pepper for an extra kick.

This melon jam with peaches, blueberries, and walnuts is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that will delight your senses and bring joy to every meal. Savor every spoonful and share the joy with your loved ones!