Sour cherry jam

Cherry Jam: A Delicacy from the Heart of Summer

Who doesn’t love the sweet-sour aroma of cherries? This fruit not only delights our taste buds but also reminds us of sunny summers, moments spent with loved ones, and the joy of preparing something delicious in our own kitchen. Today, I invite you to discover together the recipe for cherry jam, a simple and tasty preparation, perfect for adding a touch of freshness to breakfast or sweetening desserts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 5 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh cherries
- 1 kg sugar
- 400 ml water

Preparing the cherry jam

Step 1: Preparing the cherries
Start by washing the cherries well under a stream of cold water. This step is essential to remove any impurities. After washing, remove the stems and pit the cherries. You can use a special device for this, or if you don’t have one, a toothpick or a safety pin works just as well. Make sure the cherries are clean and ready to use.

Step 2: Draining the cherries
After pitting, place the cherries in a sieve to drain excess juice. This will help achieve a more concentrated jam without being too watery. Let them sit in the sieve for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup
In a large pot, add 400 ml of water and 1 kg of sugar. Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Let it boil until a thick syrup forms, about 10-15 minutes. This syrup will serve as the base for your jam.

Step 4: Boiling the cherries
Once the syrup is ready, add the drained cherries. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer gently. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. During boiling, you will notice foam forming on top. Don’t forget to skim it off with a slotted spoon, so your jam will have a smooth and pleasant texture.

Step 5: Testing the jam
After about an hour and a half, the jam will be almost ready. To check if it’s thick enough, you can do the plate test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and tilt it. If the jam doesn’t run, it’s a sign that it’s perfect!

Step 6: Bottling
Once the jam is ready, prepare your jars. Make sure they are sterilized and well dried. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the jars with sterilized lids and let them cool to room temperature.

Practical tips:
- Choose ripe but firm cherries. Overripe fruits can lead to a jam with an unpleasant texture.
- If you prefer a more tart jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar to 800 g.
- You can add a hint of flavor by adding a few drops of lemon juice or some mint leaves during boiling.

Delicious combinations:
Cherry jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese or ricotta at breakfast. You can also use this jam to fill fluffy pancakes or add a splash of flavor to a cheesecake. Another delicious combination is with vanilla ice cream or a fruit tart.

Nutritional values:
A serving of cherry jam (about 2 tablespoons) contains approximately 100 calories. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, having beneficial effects on heart health and the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. How long does cherry jam last?
If stored properly, the jam can last up to a year.
2. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
3. What other fruits can be used to make jam?
You can experiment with cherries, plums, or peaches using the same preparation technique.

In conclusion, cherry jam is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to preserve the taste of summer in jars. As you enjoy it on a slice of toasted bread or as part of a dessert, you will surely feel how beautiful memories come back to life. So, don’t wait any longer, put on your apron, and let’s turn these fresh cherries into something truly special!