Red currant jam

Red currant jam with tonka flavor

If you're looking for a quick and flavorful dessert, red currant jam is the perfect choice. This preparation not only enriches any meal with a sweet-sour note but also brings a touch of nostalgia in every jar. Let's explore the recipe, steps, and some useful tips to achieve a delicious jam.

Preparation time: 3 hours (including waiting time)
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 5 jars of 250 ml

Ingredients

- 1 kg fresh red currants
- 500 g fructose
- 2 tonka beans

About red currants

Red currants are berries rich in vitamins and antioxidants, having a high content of vitamin C and fiber. They are known for their beneficial properties on the immune system and their ability to aid digestion. Red currant jam can be used as a topping for yogurts, pancakes, or even as a filling for cakes, bringing a note of freshness and acidity.

Steps for preparation

Step 1: Preparing the currants

Start by cleaning the red currants. Use a fork to remove the stems, being careful not to crush the fruits. It is important to choose fresh and firm currants, as they will provide the best sweet-sour flavor.

Step 2: Mixing with fructose

Place the cleaned currants in a large bowl and sprinkle the fructose over them. Mix well, ensuring that all the fruits are evenly coated with fructose. This will not only sweeten the jam but will also extract juice from the currants. Let the mixture sit for 2.5 - 3 hours. You will notice that a rich syrup forms, which is a sign that the fruits have released their juice.

Step 3: Boiling the currants

After the waiting time, transfer the mixture of currants and syrup into a large pot. Add the tonka beans, which will bring an exotic and unique flavor to your jam. Boil over medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tonka is a special flavor, so it's best to use it in moderation; this ingredient will add a subtle note of vanilla and almonds.

Step 4: Continuing to boil

After 30 minutes, remove the tonka beans from the pot. Continue to boil the jam on low heat for about another hour, stirring more frequently towards the end. This will help thicken the jam and achieve the perfect consistency. This is the moment when you can adjust the taste; if you want a sweeter jam, add a little more fructose.

Step 5: Bottling the jam

Once the jam has reached the desired consistency (it should be slightly viscous), it's time to transfer it into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are well cleaned, either by washing with hot water or by sterilizing in the oven. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Close the lids tightly and turn the jars upside down to create a vacuum, thus helping to preserve the jam. Leave them in this position until the next day.

Serving suggestions

Red currant jam is wonderful on a slice of toasted bread or alongside creamy cheese. You can use it as a filling for cakes or add it to your favorite yogurt for a healthy breakfast.

Possible variations

If you want to bring a different note, you can experiment with other spices, such as cinnamon or cardamom, which pair wonderfully with currants. You can also combine currants with other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create a mixed jam with diverse flavors.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace fructose with regular sugar?
Yes, you can use sugar instead of fructose, but you will need to adjust the amount, as sugar has a different sweetening power.

2. How long does the jam last?
If properly sterilized, the jam can be kept for 1-2 years in the pantry. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few weeks.

3. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Currants can be combined with other berries or even exotic fruits to create unique flavors.

Nutritional benefits

Red currant jam is not only tasty but also healthy. Currants contain powerful antioxidants that contribute to cardiovascular health and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, fructose, being a natural sweetener, has a lower glycemic index compared to sugar, making it a better choice for those pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

Personal note

This red currant jam recipe with tonka is very special to me. It reminds me of the moments spent in my grandmother's garden, where we picked currants directly from the lush bushes. The aroma of the jam spreading through our home was always a sign that summer was here. I encourage you to share this recipe with your loved ones to create new memories and bring a touch of sweetness into your lives.

Now that you know how to make delicious red currant jam, all that's left is to get to work! Whether you prepare it for yourself or to gift to loved ones, this jam will surely be appreciated. Enjoy!