Quince jam with apples and anise

Quince and Apple Jam with Star Anise - A Fall Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 10 jars of 400 g

Quince and apple jam with star anise is a true autumn feast, a recipe that combines the sweetness of apples with the distinctive and warm aroma of quinces and star anise. This combination is not just a delicious way to preserve seasonal fruits, but also a journey back to childhood memories when our grandmothers turned fallen fruits into unforgettable treats.

Ingredients needed:
- 2 kg apples
- 1 kg quinces
- 6 star anise pods
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 0.5 kg sugar
- A handful of fresh lemon balm (optional)

Ingredient details:
- Apples: Choose sweet and juicy varieties like Golden Delicious or Gala, which add a sweet flavor note.
- Quinces: These aromatic fruits are high in pectin, making them ideal for jam making. Ensure they are ripe but firm.
- Star anise: This spice not only adds a unique fragrance but also a deep and comforting flavor, perfect for the colder season.
- Lemon: Besides preventing the oxidation of apples, it adds a pleasant acidity that balances the sweetness.
- Lemon balm: An optional addition that can provide a fresh taste and floral note.

Step by step for perfect jam:

1. Preparing the fruits:
Start by washing the apples and quinces thoroughly under cold running water. Peel the apples, remove the cores, and grate them using a food processor with a coarse grater. Place the grated apples in a large pot.

2. Adding lemon and sugar:
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the grated apples and add the sugar. This step will not only prevent oxidation but also help draw out the juice from the apples. Gently mix and let the fruits sit for about 30 minutes to release their juices.

3. Preparing the quinces:
In the meantime, peel the quinces and remove the cores, then cut them into appropriately sized cubes, being careful to keep the pieces intact for a pleasant texture in the jam.

4. Cooking the mixture:
Add the chopped quinces to the grated apples. Place the pot over low heat and add the star anise. Simmer the mixture for about an hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Testing the consistency:
Use my favorite trick: place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking the jam. When you think it’s ready, take the plate out and drop a few drops of the hot mixture onto it. If it sets, the jam is ready!

6. Adding lemon balm:
A few minutes before turning off the heat, chop a good handful of fresh lemon balm and stir it into the jam for an extra touch of freshness.

7. Jarring the jam:
Prepare the jars, ensuring they are clean and dry. Pour the hot jam into the jars, screw the lids on tightly, and turn the jars upside down. This step helps create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh for longer.

Helpful tips:
- Preservation: This jam does not require preservatives, but make sure it is cooked long enough to prevent fermentation.
- Possible variations: You can add some chopped nuts or cinnamon for a more complex flavor.
- Serving: It is delicious on toast, as a filling for pancakes, or as an accompaniment to cheeses.

Nutritional benefits:
This jam brings together the vitamins from apples and quinces, making it a good source of antioxidants. Additionally, star anise has digestive properties, and lemon balm provides a boost of vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can brown sugar be used? Yes, brown sugar will provide a deeper flavor.
- Can I add other fruits? You can experiment with pears or peaches for a varied jam.
- How long can it be stored? Properly preserved, the jam can last up to a year.

Quince and apple jam with star anise is not just a recipe but an invitation to savor autumn, to enjoy its flavors, and to add a touch of warmth to chilly days. I wish you success in making this treat and may you have many delicious moments with your loved ones!