Acacia syrup and jam

Acacia Syrup and Jam – A Fragrant Delicacy from Nature

Introduction

Welcome to the delicate world of acacia flower aromas! These flowers, known for their unmistakable fragrance, are often used to make syrups and jams, bringing a note of freshness and a unique taste to your desserts. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare acacia syrup and jam, two delicious complements for hot summer days or for moments when you want to indulge in something special.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Number of Servings: Approximately 4 jars of jam and 1 liter of syrup

Ingredients for Acacia Jam:
- 2.5 kg fresh acacia flowers
- 1 kg sugar
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 1 packet of citric acid
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 3 liters of water
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 2 packets of preservative

Ingredients for Acacia Syrup:
- 1.5 kg fresh acacia flowers
- 1 kg sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 liters of water
- 1 packet of citric acid
- Zest of one lemon

Preparing Acacia Jam

1. Harvesting and Washing the Flowers:
Start by harvesting the acacia flowers. Choose only fresh flowers, preferably in the morning when they are full of dew and fragrance. After harvesting, wash them carefully under a stream of cold water or soak them in water for 30 minutes, then rinse them again to remove any impurities.

2. Preparing the Syrup:
In a large pot, add the sugar and a little water (about 500 ml). Boil the mixture for 10 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves and a syrup forms.

3. Adding the Acacia Flowers:
Add the 3 liters of water and the acacia flowers to the pot. Boil the mixture over high heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

4. Flavoring:
After an hour of boiling, add the cinnamon, vanilla essence, lemon juice and zest, as well as the citric acid. Let everything boil for an additional 15 minutes.

5. Sterilizing the Jars:
While the jam is boiling, prepare the jars. Preheat the oven to 160°C and place the jars and lids on a tray. Sterilize them for 20 minutes.

6. Bottling:
Fill the jars with the hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Cover them with the sterilized lids and put them back in the oven for another 10 minutes on low heat to ensure effective preservation. Turn off the oven and let the jars cool inside.

Preparing Acacia Syrup

1. Washing the Flowers:
Similar to the jam, wash the acacia flowers to clean them of impurities.

2. Boiling the Flowers:
In a pot, place the acacia flowers, 3 liters of water, and let them boil for 20 minutes. Cover the pot to retain the aroma.

3. Preparing the Syrup:
Strain the obtained mixture to separate the flowers from the liquid. In another pot, add the sugar, 200 ml of water, and the citric acid, and boil for 10 minutes.

4. Adding the Concentrated Tea:
Add the strained infusion of acacia flowers, lemon zest, and boil until the syrup reduces by half.

5. Bottling and Storing:
Pour the hot syrup into clean, dry bottles, seal them well, and store them in cool places.

Serving and Recommendations

Acacia syrup is ideal to serve with cold water and ice, transforming into a fragrant lemonade perfect for hot days. You can also add a few slices of lemon or mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness!

Acacia jam is a wonderful accompaniment for pancakes, muffins, or ice cream. Try using it in cakes or as a filling for pies – you will be surprised by the combination of flavors!

Nutritional Benefits

Acacia flowers are known for their antioxidant properties and can contribute to improved digestion. Acacia syrup, with its natural sugar content, is a healthier alternative to industrially sweetened beverages and can be enjoyed in moderation.

Possible Variations

To customize the acacia syrup or jam, you can experiment with adding flavors like lavender or mint. Additionally, you can replace regular sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier option.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dried acacia flowers? It is recommended to use fresh flowers to achieve the intense aroma and taste. Dried flowers will not produce the same result.

- How can I keep the syrup and jam longer? Ensure that the jars are well sterilized and store them in a cool, dark place. The syrup can be kept in the refrigerator.

- Can I add other fruits to the jam? Yes, you can experiment with adding fruits like strawberries or berries to obtain a more diverse jam.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to start cooking! Acacia syrup and jam are not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring the flavors of nature into your kitchen. Treat yourself and enjoy these homemade delights!