Raspberry Jam

Raspberry jam is a heartfelt recipe, full of memories and flavors, that takes us back to warm summer days spent in grandmother's garden. As a child, I longed to have raspberries in my garden. It was my grandmother who planted three cuttings brought from a neighbor. Over the years, the raspberries grew, and now I can enjoy the fruits of this delicious plant. Nothing compares to the taste of fresh raspberries, straight from the branches. Now, let's see how we can turn this wonderful raspberry into a delicious jam that will sweeten our meals throughout the year.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: Approximately 6 jars of 400 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 2.5 kg of fresh raspberries
- 1 kg of sugar

A bit of history:
Raspberry jam is a traditional recipe, loved by many generations. It not only preserves the flavor of raspberries but also the memories of summer. Over time, raspberries have been appreciated not only for their sweet and sour taste but also for their nutritional properties. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a reliable ally in maintaining health.

Step by step for perfect jam:

1. Preparing the raspberries: Start by gently washing the raspberries. Place them in a sieve and rinse them lightly under cold running water. It is essential to do this gently, so as not to crush the delicate fruits and lose the valuable seeds.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Once the raspberries have drained, place them in a large pot. Add the sugar, gently mixing to coat each fruit. Let the raspberries sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the juice to come out and combine with the sugar.

3. Boiling: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and continue to stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, being careful not to crush the raspberries. Boil the mixture for 30-40 minutes, until it thickens. You can check the consistency of the jam using the plate method: place a drop on a cold plate, and if it sets, it is ready.

4. Bottling: Prepare clean jars. Fill each jar with hot jam, leaving a small space (about 1 cm) at the top. Seal the jars tightly with the lids.

5. Sterilizing the jars: Place the jars in a deep tray, fill the tray with hot water up to halfway up the jars, and place them in the oven at 100°C for 40-50 minutes. This process will help sterilize the jars and prevent fermentation.

6. Cooling: Once the sterilization time has expired, turn off the oven and let the jars cool inside the oven until the next day. This step is important to prevent the jars from cracking due to temperature differences.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh, ripe raspberries for superior quality jam.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 800 g.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a little vanilla or lemon juice to enhance the taste.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen raspberries? Yes, but you need to bring the frozen raspberries to room temperature before using them.
- How can I check if the jam is ready? The plate method is the simplest. Test the consistency every 10 minutes after the first 30 minutes of boiling.

Delicious combinations:
Raspberry jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese, yogurt, or as a filling for pastries. You can use it as a sauce for pancakes or waffles, or even add it to smoothies for an extra burst of flavor.

So, dear cooking enthusiasts, this raspberry jam recipe is not only simple and quick but also full of emotion, reminding us of the warm summer days. I encourage you to try it and enjoy the taste of raspberries even on the coldest winter days. Savor every spoonful of this wonderful jam, which will surely bring smiles to your face and beautiful memories to your heart. Enjoy your meal!