Apple and melon jam

Apple and cantaloupe jam

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Welcome to the sweet world of jams! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious apple and cantaloupe jam, an unusual combination that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of sunshine to your mornings. Apple jam is a classic recipe, but adding cantaloupe gives it a fresh and aromatic twist.

A brief history of jam

Jam is a traditional method of preserving fruits, used for centuries around the world. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but it is known that people began turning fruits into jams to preserve them for winter. This recipe, with sweet apples and cantaloupe, is a reinterpretation of tradition, combining the familiar flavor of apples with the sweetness and juiciness of cantaloupe.

Ingredients

- 3 kg sweet apples (preferably seasonal apples)
- 1 cantaloupe (about 1 kg peeled)
- 1 kg sugar (or 500 g fructose for a healthier option)
- 1 packet of lemon salt (optional but recommended)

Necessary utensils

- A food processor or blender
- A large pot
- A wooden spatula
- Sterilized jars
- A wooden spoon for mixing

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the apples well under cold running water. Then, remove the cores, but do not peel them, as the skin contains many nutrients and will add a pleasant texture to the jam. Cut the apples into large cubes. The cantaloupe should be peeled and seeded, then cut into cubes.

2. Grinding
Place the apple cubes in the food processor and blend until you get a puree. It is important not to turn them into a paste, but to keep a bit of texture. Then add the cantaloupe cubes and blend gently, so that small pieces of cantaloupe remain.

3. Boiling
Transfer the fruit mixture to a large pot. Add the sugar (or fructose) and mix well. Place the pot over moderate heat. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Let it boil for about 2 hours on low heat. This step is crucial for allowing the jam to thicken and develop its flavors.

4. Desired consistency
If you want a thicker jam, add a packet of lemon salt at the end. This will not only enhance the flavor of the jam but will also help preserve its color and stabilize the gelling process.

5. Packing into jars
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, take the sterilized jars and fill them with the hot jam. Make sure to leave about 1 cm of free space at the top. Cover the jars with lids and, to ensure a good seal, turn them upside down for 5 minutes. This trick helps create a vacuum, which will extend the shelf life of the jam.

6. Cooling and storage
After allowing the jars to cool, store them in a cool, dark place. The apple and cantaloupe jam will keep well for several months.

Useful tips

- Choosing apples: Choose sweet apples, such as Golden or Gala apples, which have a rich flavor and good texture for jam.
- Healthy option: Use fructose instead of sugar for a lower-calorie jam. You can also reduce the amount of sugar by 25% without compromising the taste.
- Varied flavors: You can also add spices like cinnamon or vanilla for an extra flavor boost. A delicious variation is to add a few pieces of freshly grated ginger for a spicy jam.
- Use: This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, using as a filling for cakes, or even adding to your favorite yogurt for a savory breakfast.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with other types of fruits, such as peaches or plums. Each combination will offer a unique flavor.

2. How do I know when the jam is ready?
A simple method is to put a spoonful of jam on a cold plate. If it thickens and doesn’t run, it’s ready.

3. What can I do with leftover jam?
If you have excess jam, you can use it to make a delicious sauce for cakes or to add to meat sauces.

4. How many calories does this jam have?
A serving of jam (about 100 g) has around 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. Fructose can lower this value.

This apple and cantaloupe jam is not just a recipe, but an experience that will fill your home with delightful aromas and bring you joy with every use. So, I hope you take the time to try it and share your impressions! Maybe, once you taste it, it will become a favorite for you too. Enjoy!