Rosehip jam

Rosehip Jam – A Natural Delicacy for a Healthy Breakfast

Who doesn't nostalgically remember childhood days when grandma prepared delicious jams from forest fruits? Rosehip jam is a traditional recipe, packed with vitamins, that can transform an ordinary breakfast into a sweet and healthy feast. This jam is not only an excellent option for sandwiches but also a versatile ingredient in desserts or sauces. Moreover, making it is a delightful process that can bring the whole family together.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 6 jars of 300 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg of rosehips
- 1 kg of sugar
- 1 l of water
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Preferred flavors (I recommend star anise for an exotic touch)

The history of rosehip jam
Rosehips, the wonderful fruits of the wild rose, have been used for centuries in folk medicine due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This jam has become a cherished delicacy, thanks to its fine texture and sweet-sour taste. It is an excellent way to preserve these vitamin C-rich fruits found in forests and clearings around the world.

Step by step, how to prepare rosehip jam:

1. Preparing the rosehips
- Start by washing the rosehips thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities or dried leaves.
- Once cleaned, place the rosehips in a large pot and add enough water to cover them (about an extra cup of water to fully submerge them).

2. Boiling the rosehips
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the rosehips simmer for about 30 minutes until they become soft. This process will extract all the flavors and nutrients from the fruits.

3. Preparing the puree
- After boiling, let the rosehips cool slightly. Then, transfer everything to a food processor, including the cooking water. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree.
- Strain the puree through a sieve to remove the seeds and skin, resulting in a fine and homogeneous mixture. This step is essential for achieving a velvety texture, similar to Nutella.

4. Preparing the jam
- Place the obtained puree in a double-bottomed pot, add 1 l of water, sugar, and preferred flavors (for example, star anise). Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- It is important to skim off the foam that forms on the surface, as it can affect the final appearance of your jam.

5. Testing the consistency
- The jam is ready when, after lifting it with a spoon, it falls slowly, forming threads. A simple method to test the consistency is to put a drop on a cold plate and see if it holds its shape.

6. Finalizing the jam
- When the jam has reached the desired consistency, squeeze in the lemon juice, stirring well. This will help preserve the color and enhance the flavor.
- Remove the star anise if used, and mix everything again.

7. Bottling
- Fill clean jars with the hot jam, leaving a few centimeters of space at the top. Cover with lids and sterilize either in the oven or by boiling in water for 10-15 minutes.

Serving and combinations
Rosehip jam is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, spread with butter or margarine. It can be used as a filling for cakes, pancakes, or even in yogurt. Additionally, you can combine it with goat cheese for a savory snack.

Useful tips:
- Ensure that the jars are well sterilized to avoid fermentation of the jam.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar amount to 800 g.
- You can experiment with flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to customize the taste of the jam.

Nutritional information (per 100 g of rosehip jam):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen rosehips?
Yes, you can use frozen rosehips, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before preparation.

2. How can I store the jam for a longer time?
Ensure that the jars are perfectly sterilized and keep them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store them in the refrigerator.

3. What can I do with the leftover seeds and skin?
You can add the leftovers to a tea or smoothie to benefit from their nutrients.

By adopting this simple yet flavorful recipe, you will not only bring a sweet taste to your mornings but also a family story in each jar. So, get ready to enjoy the unmistakable aroma of rosehip jam, a delicacy that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!