Cherry jam is one of those delicacies that reminds us of summer, warm days, and moments spent with loved ones. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of cherries with a hint of acidity from lemons, creating a unique and refined taste. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to achieve the perfect cherry jam, which can be enjoyed on toast, pancakes, or as an ingredient in various desserts.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1-2 hours
Total time: 1-2 hours (plus 24 hours for maceration)
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400 g
Ingredients:
- 3.5 kg cherries (pitted)
- 3.5 kg sugar
- 2 lemons
Necessary utensils:
- Large pot for boiling
- Skimmer (for removing foam)
- Glass jars (preferably sterilized)
- Wooden spoon
- Bowl for maceration
- Clean towel
Preparing cherry jam – Step by step
Step 1: Preparing the cherries
The first step is to deal with the cherries. Start by removing the stems and washing them well under cold running water. It is important to ensure they are clean, as we want to retain all the natural flavors. Now comes the most delicate part – pitting the cherries. If you have a cherry pitter, it will make your job easier. If not, you can use a small knife to carefully remove the pits. This stage can be a bit time-consuming, but it is worth every minute.
Step 2: Macerating the cherries
Once you have pitted the cherries, place them in a large bowl and add the sugar over them. Gently mix so that the sugar distributes evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator to macerate for 24 hours. You will notice that the cherries will release their juice, forming a delicious syrup.
Step 3: Cooking the jam
The next day, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Pour the cherries along with the syrup into a large pot. Place the pot over low heat and let it simmer. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon to avoid sticking. During this time, foam will appear on the surface, which you will need to remove with the skimmer. This is an essential step that will ensure your jam has a smooth and pleasant texture.
Step 4: Adding the lemon
After about 60-90 minutes of cooking (depending on the water content in the cherries), the jam will start to thicken. This is the perfect time to add the juice from the two lemons. They will add a touch of freshness and help preserve your jam. Mix well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
While the jam is cooking, it’s time to take care of the jars. Wash them well, then place them upside down on a clean towel to dry. This will prevent contamination of the jam. Another method of sterilization is to place them in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Filling the jars
When the jam is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a filling jug or ladle to pour the jam into the jars, being careful not to burn yourself. It is better to place the jars in a small bowl to avoid accidents. Fill the jars almost to the top, but leave a little space for expansion.
Step 7: Preserving the jam
After you have filled all the jars, close them with lids and place them in the preheated oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. This will help seal the jars, ensuring that the jam stays fresh for a longer time. Once you’re done, take the jars out of the oven and let them cool on a clean towel. It is best to store the jam in a dark and cool place.
Useful tips
- If you want a more aromatic jam, you can add half a vanilla pod during cooking.
- You can also experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or plums, using the same technique.
- Cherry jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a delicious breakfast or as a filling for cakes.
Nutritional benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and are low in calories. A serving of cherry jam (approximately 100g) has about 250 calories, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries are an excellent alternative, but it’s important to let them thaw and remove excess water before using them.
2. How can I tell when the jam is ready?
You can check the consistency of the jam by placing a drop on a cold plate. If it does not spread and retains its shape, it is ready.
3. How can I preserve the cherry jam for longer?
Make sure the jars are well sterilized and that the jam is hot when pouring it into the jars. Store them in a cool, dark place.
Now that you have this detailed cherry jam recipe, all that’s left is to start cooking! Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or give it as a gift, this jam will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Happy cooking!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1-2 hours
Total time: 1-2 hours (plus 24 hours for maceration)
Number of servings: approximately 10 jars of 400 g
Ingredients:
- 3.5 kg cherries (pitted)
- 3.5 kg sugar
- 2 lemons
Necessary utensils:
- Large pot for boiling
- Skimmer (for removing foam)
- Glass jars (preferably sterilized)
- Wooden spoon
- Bowl for maceration
- Clean towel
Preparing cherry jam – Step by step
Step 1: Preparing the cherries
The first step is to deal with the cherries. Start by removing the stems and washing them well under cold running water. It is important to ensure they are clean, as we want to retain all the natural flavors. Now comes the most delicate part – pitting the cherries. If you have a cherry pitter, it will make your job easier. If not, you can use a small knife to carefully remove the pits. This stage can be a bit time-consuming, but it is worth every minute.
Step 2: Macerating the cherries
Once you have pitted the cherries, place them in a large bowl and add the sugar over them. Gently mix so that the sugar distributes evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator to macerate for 24 hours. You will notice that the cherries will release their juice, forming a delicious syrup.
Step 3: Cooking the jam
The next day, take the bowl out of the refrigerator. Pour the cherries along with the syrup into a large pot. Place the pot over low heat and let it simmer. It is important to stir constantly with a wooden spoon to avoid sticking. During this time, foam will appear on the surface, which you will need to remove with the skimmer. This is an essential step that will ensure your jam has a smooth and pleasant texture.
Step 4: Adding the lemon
After about 60-90 minutes of cooking (depending on the water content in the cherries), the jam will start to thicken. This is the perfect time to add the juice from the two lemons. They will add a touch of freshness and help preserve your jam. Mix well and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Sterilizing the jars
While the jam is cooking, it’s time to take care of the jars. Wash them well, then place them upside down on a clean towel to dry. This will prevent contamination of the jam. Another method of sterilization is to place them in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 10-15 minutes.
Step 6: Filling the jars
When the jam is ready, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Use a filling jug or ladle to pour the jam into the jars, being careful not to burn yourself. It is better to place the jars in a small bowl to avoid accidents. Fill the jars almost to the top, but leave a little space for expansion.
Step 7: Preserving the jam
After you have filled all the jars, close them with lids and place them in the preheated oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. This will help seal the jars, ensuring that the jam stays fresh for a longer time. Once you’re done, take the jars out of the oven and let them cool on a clean towel. It is best to store the jam in a dark and cool place.
Useful tips
- If you want a more aromatic jam, you can add half a vanilla pod during cooking.
- You can also experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or plums, using the same technique.
- Cherry jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a delicious breakfast or as a filling for cakes.
Nutritional benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and are low in calories. A serving of cherry jam (approximately 100g) has about 250 calories, so it’s best to enjoy it in moderation.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, frozen cherries are an excellent alternative, but it’s important to let them thaw and remove excess water before using them.
2. How can I tell when the jam is ready?
You can check the consistency of the jam by placing a drop on a cold plate. If it does not spread and retains its shape, it is ready.
3. How can I preserve the cherry jam for longer?
Make sure the jars are well sterilized and that the jam is hot when pouring it into the jars. Store them in a cool, dark place.
Now that you have this detailed cherry jam recipe, all that’s left is to start cooking! Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or give it as a gift, this jam will surely bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. Happy cooking!