Sour cherry jam

Sour Cherry Jam - The Taste of Summer in a Jar

Who hasn't been delighted by a serving of homemade sour cherry jam? This simple and flavorful recipe will transport you back to warm summer days, where ripe sour cherries await their turn to be transformed into an irresistible delicacy. Perfect for enjoying on a slice of toasted bread, as a filling for pastries, or simply as a topping over ice cream, sour cherry jam will bring a smile to anyone's face.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 300g

Ingredients:
- 4 kg fresh sour cherries
- 3 kg sugar
- 1 lemon

A bit of history:
Sour cherry jam is a tradition in many households, often prepared during the summer season when the fruits are in full bloom. The old times remind us of moments spent with family picking sour cherries, and making this jam becomes a charming and memory-filled activity. This is not just a recipe, but a way to savor summer all year round.

Step by step, for a perfect result:

1. Preparing the sour cherries:
Start by washing the sour cherries well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities. Once drained, remove the pits. You can use a thimble or a special device to make this process easier. It takes a few minutes, but it is essential for achieving a fine jam.

2. Marinating the fruits:
In a large pot, place half of the sour cherries, followed by half of the sugar. Continue with the remaining sour cherries and top with the rest of the sugar. Cover the pot with a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. This step will help extract the juice from the sour cherries and facilitate the cooking process.

3. Boiling the jam:
The next day, take the pot out of the refrigerator. Preheat a cauldron or a large pot over the fire. Pour the mixture of sour cherries and sugar into the cauldron. At first, set the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Then, when it starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently.

4. Mixing:
It is important to stir occasionally, as the jam may stick to the bottom of the pot. Watch how the sour cherries transform, releasing their juice and thickening. This process takes about 40-50 minutes.

5. Adding the lemon:
When the jam reaches the desired consistency, add the juice squeezed from one lemon. This will not only provide a fresh and balanced taste but will also help preserve the jam. Let it boil for another 5 minutes.

6. Bottling:
Prepare the jars by washing them and letting them drain well. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Seal tightly with lids.

7. Cooling:
Wrap the jars in a blanket and let them cool slowly until the next day. This step will help create a vacuum inside the jars, preserving the aroma and quality of the jam.

Useful tips:
- You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla for a more complex flavor.
- If you want a less sweet jam, reduce the amount of sugar by 500g.
- Make sure to use ripe sour cherries, but not too soft, to achieve a good texture in the jam.

Nutritional benefits:
Sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, having beneficial effects on heart health and the immune system. Moderate consumption of sour cherry jam can provide vitamins A and C, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
- How long does the jam last?
If stored correctly in sterilized jars, sour cherry jam can be preserved for up to a year.

- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! The same recipe can be adapted to use cherries, raspberries, or even peaches.

Serving and combinations:
Sour cherry jam is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, but also as a topping for pancakes or donuts. You can combine it with Greek yogurt for a healthy and sweet breakfast.

Personal note:
Every year when I make sour cherry jam, I like to add a hint of vanilla. The aroma blends perfectly with the acidity of the sour cherries and creates an unmistakable taste. I encourage you to experiment and find the combination that suits you best!

I wish you much success in making this delicious sour cherry jam! Each jar will bring not only the taste of summer but also pleasant memories with loved ones. Bon appétit!