Cherry Jam – A Sweet Memory of Summer
Who doesn't love the sweet and intense aroma of cherry jam? This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for preserving the taste of summer in jars, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year. By making cherry jam, not only do you indulge your taste buds, but you also enrich your pantry with a delightful treat, free from added preservatives. So, get ready to turn your cherries into sweet gold!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 7 jars of 375g
Necessary ingredients:
- 2,200g fresh cherries, washed and pitted
- 2,200g granulated sugar
- Juice of one fresh lemon
- 7 sterilized jars of 375g
- A piece of damp cellophane
Necessary utensils:
- A suitable pot for boiling
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Jars with lids and labels for storage
Step 1: Preparing the cherries
The first step is to ensure that the cherries are perfectly prepared. Choose the ripest and most aromatic cherries, as these will influence the final taste of the jam. Wash them thoroughly under a stream of cold water and remove the pits. This may seem like a tedious process, but it is essential for achieving a fine and pleasant jam.
Step 2: Marinating the cherries
After cleaning the cherries, place them in a clean pot. Add the sugar over the cherries, mixing well to ensure that each cherry is coated. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight. This step allows the sugar to extract the juice from the cherries, creating a delicious base for the jam.
Step 3: Boiling
The next day, after the cherries have marinated, take the pot out of the refrigerator. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, leaving the lid off. It is important to stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Boil the mixture for 2 hours, until the jam becomes thick and rich in flavor.
Step 4: Adding the lemon
In the last 15 minutes of boiling, add the lemon juice. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps preserve the vibrant color of the jam.
Step 5: Bottling
When the jam is ready, use a spoon or ladle to transfer it into the sterilized jars. It is important to work carefully, as the jam will be extremely hot. Cover each jar with a piece of damp cellophane, then screw the lid on tightly. This method helps seal the jars, keeping the flavors fresh.
Step 6: Cooling and labeling
Place the jars lid down for about 15 minutes. This trick helps create a natural vacuum, thus prolonging the shelf life of the jam. After they have cooled, turn them back upright and label them with the preparation date and contents. Then arrange them nicely on the shelf in your pantry.
Practical tips:
- Buy cherries from the market or local farmers to ensure quality.
- You can experiment with the amount of sugar, but keep in mind that less sweet jam will have a more liquid texture.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the cherries with a hand mixer before boiling.
- Instead of lemon, you can try adding a splash of vanilla or cinnamon for a different and interesting flavor.
Delicious combinations:
Cherry jam is perfect on a slice of toast or as a filling for pancakes. You can also use it to sweeten yogurt or cottage cheese, giving them a touch of flavor. It is also wonderful alongside desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and are low in calories. Consumed in moderation, they can contribute to a healthy diet, helping to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before preparation.
- How can I tell if the jam is ready? You can do the plate test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If it doesn’t spread, it’s ready.
- How long does the jam last? If properly sterilized, the jam can be kept for up to 1 year. After opening the jar, keep it in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks.
I conclude with a personal note: each jar of cherry jam you make will not only enrich your pantry, but it will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones who will savor this delight. It may even inspire you to share some of this goodness with friends or family, creating sweet memories that you will cherish forever. Enjoy the preparation and savoring!
Who doesn't love the sweet and intense aroma of cherry jam? This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for preserving the taste of summer in jars, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year. By making cherry jam, not only do you indulge your taste buds, but you also enrich your pantry with a delightful treat, free from added preservatives. So, get ready to turn your cherries into sweet gold!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 7 jars of 375g
Necessary ingredients:
- 2,200g fresh cherries, washed and pitted
- 2,200g granulated sugar
- Juice of one fresh lemon
- 7 sterilized jars of 375g
- A piece of damp cellophane
Necessary utensils:
- A suitable pot for boiling
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Jars with lids and labels for storage
Step 1: Preparing the cherries
The first step is to ensure that the cherries are perfectly prepared. Choose the ripest and most aromatic cherries, as these will influence the final taste of the jam. Wash them thoroughly under a stream of cold water and remove the pits. This may seem like a tedious process, but it is essential for achieving a fine and pleasant jam.
Step 2: Marinating the cherries
After cleaning the cherries, place them in a clean pot. Add the sugar over the cherries, mixing well to ensure that each cherry is coated. Cover the pot with a lid and let the mixture sit in the refrigerator overnight. This step allows the sugar to extract the juice from the cherries, creating a delicious base for the jam.
Step 3: Boiling
The next day, after the cherries have marinated, take the pot out of the refrigerator. Place it over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, leaving the lid off. It is important to stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking. Boil the mixture for 2 hours, until the jam becomes thick and rich in flavor.
Step 4: Adding the lemon
In the last 15 minutes of boiling, add the lemon juice. This not only enhances the flavor but also helps preserve the vibrant color of the jam.
Step 5: Bottling
When the jam is ready, use a spoon or ladle to transfer it into the sterilized jars. It is important to work carefully, as the jam will be extremely hot. Cover each jar with a piece of damp cellophane, then screw the lid on tightly. This method helps seal the jars, keeping the flavors fresh.
Step 6: Cooling and labeling
Place the jars lid down for about 15 minutes. This trick helps create a natural vacuum, thus prolonging the shelf life of the jam. After they have cooled, turn them back upright and label them with the preparation date and contents. Then arrange them nicely on the shelf in your pantry.
Practical tips:
- Buy cherries from the market or local farmers to ensure quality.
- You can experiment with the amount of sugar, but keep in mind that less sweet jam will have a more liquid texture.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the cherries with a hand mixer before boiling.
- Instead of lemon, you can try adding a splash of vanilla or cinnamon for a different and interesting flavor.
Delicious combinations:
Cherry jam is perfect on a slice of toast or as a filling for pancakes. You can also use it to sweeten yogurt or cottage cheese, giving them a touch of flavor. It is also wonderful alongside desserts like cheesecake or ice cream.
Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and are low in calories. Consumed in moderation, they can contribute to a healthy diet, helping to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before preparation.
- How can I tell if the jam is ready? You can do the plate test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If it doesn’t spread, it’s ready.
- How long does the jam last? If properly sterilized, the jam can be kept for up to 1 year. After opening the jar, keep it in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks.
I conclude with a personal note: each jar of cherry jam you make will not only enrich your pantry, but it will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones who will savor this delight. It may even inspire you to share some of this goodness with friends or family, creating sweet memories that you will cherish forever. Enjoy the preparation and savoring!
Ingredients
2,200g washed and pitted cherries 2,200g sugar lemon, just juice 7 jars 375g with lid/sterilized cellophane