Hawthorn flower jam

Rosehip flower jam: a natural delicacy

Rosehip flower jam is a recipe that will delight you with its delicate aroma and fine texture. While rose jam may be the most well-known, this variant will pleasantly surprise you with its ease and beauty. Rosehips, with their fragile and fragrant flowers, are an excellent choice for creating a refined jam, perfect for enjoying on a slice of toasted bread or added to various desserts. Let's discover together how we can prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 4 jars of 200 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 100 g rosehip flower petals (make sure they are fresh and untreated with chemicals)
- 500 ml water
- 500 g granulated sugar
- juice from 1/2 lemon

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at hand and that you have prepared the necessary utensils: a pot, a spatula, clean and dry jars, and a strainer for filtering the syrup.

1. Gathering the flowers: Carefully choose the rosehip flowers, preferably in the morning when they are full of dew. Make sure to select only intact petals, without signs of damage or spots.

2. Washing and preparing the petals: Wash the petals well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Gently dry them using absorbent towels. This step is essential to preserve the pure aroma of the flowers.

3. Preparing the syrup: In a pot, add the water and sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar completely dissolves. Add the lemon juice, which will not only give a note of freshness but will also help preserve the color of the jam. Boil the syrup for about 15-20 minutes, until it thickens. This is a crucial step - a syrup that is too thin will cause the jam not to preserve well.

4. Mixing the petals with sugar: In a separate bowl, add the flower petals and sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of sugar over them. Gently rub them with your fingers so that they soften a little. This step will enhance the aroma of the flowers in the jam.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the syrup is ready, take it off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then add the rosehip petals to the syrup. Gently mix with a spatula, being careful not to crush the petals too much to preserve the delicate texture.

6. Bottling: Fill the clean and dry jars with the hot jam, leaving a few centimeters of free space. Place the lid on each jar and, to create a vacuum, turn the jars upside down. This simple trick will help preserve the jam for a longer period.

7. Storing: Allow the jars to cool completely in a dry, cool place. The rosehip flower jam will keep well for several months, and the flavors will intensify over time.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the flowers are freshly picked, preferably from clean areas, away from pollution.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 20%.
- You can experiment with other flavors by adding a few mint leaves to the syrup for a refreshing note.

Nutritional benefits: Rosehip flower jam is not just a delicacy but also a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Rosehips are known for their immune-boosting properties and anti-inflammatory effects.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dried rosehip flowers?: It is recommended to use fresh flowers to preserve the intense aroma. Dried flowers can be used, but the taste will be different.
- What other recipes can I try with rosehip jam?: This jam pairs perfectly with cheeses, buttered toast, or as a filling for cakes. You can add a spoonful to your favorite tea for a wonderful floral taste.

Variations: You can also add other edible flowers to the recipe, such as lavender or elderflower, to create a unique combination of flavors. Additionally, instead of lemon, you can use orange juice for a fruitier jam.

Serving suggestion: Serve rosehip jam with Greek yogurt, sprinkled with chopped nuts, or alongside fluffy pancakes for a special breakfast. You can also create an elegant dessert by serving it with vanilla ice cream or as a filling for a mousse cake.

Rosehip flower jam is not just a delicious preparation but also a way to bring nature into your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful and let the delicate aromas delight your senses!