Sea buckthorn jam

Sea Buckthorn Jam – A Natural Delicacy for Cold Winters

How wonderful it is to have a jar of sea buckthorn jam in your pantry, filled with color and flavor! This jam is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Sea buckthorn is known for its rich content of vitamin C, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, which help strengthen the immune system and maintain skin health. Let’s embark together on this simple yet flavorful recipe that will remind us of sunny days even in the coldest winter months.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4 jars of 300 ml

Ingredients:

- 1 liter of sea buckthorn puree (approximately 1.5 kg of fresh sea buckthorn)
- 750 g of sugar (preferably unrefined sugar for a deeper flavor)

A Bit of History:
Sea buckthorn jam has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Sea buckthorn, also known as "European ginseng," has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Besides being an excellent choice for jams and preserves, sea buckthorn has been used in various culinary dishes and tinctures. Today, sea buckthorn jam is appreciated not only for its unique taste but also for its nutritional contribution.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Sea Buckthorn:
If you're using fresh sea buckthorn, start by washing it thoroughly under cold running water. Drain it and place it on a clean towel to dry. If you have pre-made sea buckthorn puree, make sure it is of high quality, without additives or preservatives.

2. Cooking the Jam:
In a 4-liter pot, add the sea buckthorn puree along with the sugar. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Cooking:
Once the mixture begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Continue to stir periodically to ensure the jam thickens evenly. The boiling process will take about 30-40 minutes. You can check the jam's consistency by dropping a drop onto a cold plate; if it thickens, it’s ready!

4. Cooling and Bottling:
Once the jam has thickened, remove the pot from heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. This will help achieve a better texture. Fill the sterilized jars with the warm jam, leaving a little space at the top. Seal them well and let them cool completely at room temperature.

5. Storage:
After the jars have completely cooled, store the jam in your pantry, in a dark and cool place. Sea buckthorn jam can be kept for up to a year, but it is so delicious that it won’t last long!

Practical Tips:

- For added flavor: Add a few drops of lemon juice to the mixture during cooking. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help preserve the jam.
- Storage: Make sure the jars are well sterilized. You can do this by boiling them or washing them in the dishwasher.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or ginger to customize the flavor of your jam.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use alternative sugar?
Yes, you can use honey or a natural sweetener, but the final result may differ in texture and taste.

2. How can I use sea buckthorn jam?
Sea buckthorn jam is delicious on toast, in yogurt, or as an ingredient in desserts like cakes and tarts. You can also use it to add a special flavor to sauces or marinades.

3. Is sea buckthorn jam healthy?
Yes! Sea buckthorn is known for its nutritional benefits, and the jam is an excellent way to introduce these properties into your diet.

Serving Suggestion:
For a special culinary experience, serve sea buckthorn jam alongside goat cheese or as part of a cheese platter. Its sweet-tart flavor will add a sophisticated touch and surely impress your guests.

Enrich your pantry with this delicious sea buckthorn jam, which will not only add a splash of color but also provide a health boost. Whether you enjoy it alone or share it with loved ones, this jam is an excellent choice all year round!