children's recipe - Green Walnut Jam

Green Walnut Jam – A Nostalgic Delicacy

Who doesn't fondly remember the warm summer days spent in nature, with the scent of green walnuts in the air? This green walnut jam recipe is not just a way to preserve the essence of summer, but also a warm reminder of moments shared with loved ones. Moreover, it’s a simple recipe with a spectacular outcome that will bring a touch of nostalgia and joy to every jar.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 5-6 jars

Ingredients:

- 1.5 kg green walnuts (make sure they are young and fresh)
- 1 kg sugar
- 500 ml water
- Juice from 1 lemon (to add a note of freshness)
- 1 vanilla pod or 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for a sweet and floral aroma)
- 1 cinnamon stick (for a warm and comforting flavor)
- 2-3 cloves (for an extra hint of flavor)

A Bit of History:
Green walnut jam is a traditional recipe that has been passed down through generations. Over time, this jam has become a symbol of summer, lovingly prepared in households that wanted to capture the essence of the warm seasons. Green walnuts, in particular, are appreciated for their crunchy texture and unique taste, which transforms into a sweet and tangy delight under the magic of boiling.

Making Green Walnut Jam:

1. Preparing the walnuts:
Start by preparing your green walnuts. Use surgical gloves to avoid stains that are hard to remove. Begin by peeling the green skin off. This can be a fun activity, but make sure to be careful not to get too messy. Once you’ve peeled the walnuts, place them in a bowl of cold water. This step is essential to remove the characteristic bitterness of the walnuts.

2. Soaking the walnuts:
Leave the walnuts in cold water for 24 hours, changing the water a few times. This process will help eliminate the bitter taste, making them more pleasant to eat. If you want to shorten this step, you can opt for a 12-hour soak, but the result may be less satisfying.

3. Boiling:
In a large pot, combine the water with the sugar, vanilla pod, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture reaches a boiling point, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the syrup begins to thicken.

4. Adding the walnuts:
Drain the walnuts from the water and rinse them under cold running water. Add the walnuts to the pot along with the lemon juice. Continue to simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. You will notice that the syrup thickens and the walnuts become translucent, a sign that the jam is nearing completion.

5. Preserving:
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency (this is usually when the syrup coats a spoon without running off), prepare the jars. Make sure they are sterilized beforehand. Fill the jars with the hot jam, leaving a little space for expansion. Then, seal the jars and turn them upside down to create a vacuum that will help preserve the jam.

6. Cooling:
Allow the jars to cool completely. This process will help prevent mold formation and keep the jam fresh for a longer period.

Practical Tip:
Green walnut jam is excellent not only on toast but also as a topping for ice cream or as an ingredient in cakes. You can also use it in combinations with cheeses or as a filling for pancakes. Additionally, if you want to give a special gift, the jam jars can be personalized with beautiful labels and colorful ribbons.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where can I get green walnuts?
Green walnuts can be found in local markets or picked from trees. Make sure they are fresh and young for the best flavor.

2. What can I do if the jam doesn’t thicken?
If the jam doesn’t thicken, you can boil it for a few more minutes. Adding a bit of pectin can speed up the gelling process.

3. What is the nutritional value of green walnut jam?
Green walnuts are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart health. However, the jam also contains a considerable amount of sugar, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Possible Variations:
If you want to add a personal touch, you can experiment with added flavors such as grated ginger or cardamom. These will give an exotic taste and transform the jam into a unique culinary experience. You can also replace regular sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramelized flavor.

Serving:
Green walnut jam is best served on a slice of toasted bread or alongside goat cheese. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. Don’t forget to serve it with a fragrant tea or fresh lemonade to create the perfect meal.

Dream of summer days, the sweet aroma of green walnuts, and the moments spent with family while enjoying this green walnut jam. Cooking is an art, and this recipe will help you express your creativity and bring a piece of summer into every day!