Sour cherry jam

Sweet and Sour Cherry Jam: Classic and Refined Recipe

Who doesn’t love a well-made cherry jam? This sweet and sour jam is perfect for spreading on toast, adding to yogurt, or using as a filling for pastries. Today’s recipe is special because it will teach you how to prepare a delicious cherry jam without using sugar from the start, so we can preserve the vibrant color and flavor of the fruit.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: about 8 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 4 kg very ripe cherries (with pits)
- 1 kg sugar

A bit of history
Jams have a long history, being a traditional way to preserve fruits and keep their flavor for winter. Cherry jam, in particular, enjoys special popularity due to its unmistakable taste. This simple yet effective recipe will help you create a tasty and healthy jam without compromising the quality of the ingredients.

Step by step: Preparing cherry jam

1. Washing and pitting the cherries
Start by washing the cherries well under running water. Make sure to remove any impurities or leaves. After washing, remove the pits. This process may seem time-consuming, but it is essential for obtaining a fine and delicious jam.

2. Cooking the cherries
Place the pitted cherries in a large pot over low heat. It is important to cook them without sugar initially, as sugar caramelizes and can darken the color of the jam. Let the cherries cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice that the cherries will start to release their juice.

3. Evaporating the juice
As you continue to cook the cherries, allow the juice to evaporate. How long you leave the cherries on the heat depends on the desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker jam, let them boil longer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

4. Adding the sugar
Once the juice has reduced sufficiently, add the 1 kg of sugar. Mix well and let it boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar completely dissolves. This takes about 15-20 minutes.

5. Checking the consistency
A simple trick to check the consistency of the jam is to place a drop on a cold plate. If the drop holds and does not run, the jam is ready. If you prefer a thicker jam, leave it on the heat for a few more minutes.

6. Jarring the jam
Prepare sterilized jars before filling them with jam. If you are concerned about fermentation, you can place the empty jars in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes to sterilize them. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the jars with airtight lids.

7. Cooling and storing
Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place.

Useful tips
- Choosing cherries: Choose very ripe cherries for a more flavorful jam. Greener fruits can give a sour taste.
- Sugar-free option: If you want a healthier version, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia or maple syrup, but keep in mind that cooking time may vary.
- Adding flavors: You can experiment with additional flavors like cinnamon or vanilla to give the jam a unique twist.

Frequently asked questions
- Why not add sugar from the start?
Sugar caramelizes and can darken the color of the jam. It is better to add it after some of the juice has evaporated.

- How can I prevent fermentation?
Sterilize the jars and use hot jam to fill them. Also, keep the jam in a cool, dark place.

- Can I use other fruits?
Of course! This method can also be applied to other fruits like cherries, plums, or peaches.

Delicious combinations
Cherry jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese or yogurt. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or tarts. Try adding it to smoothies for a delicious fruity note.

Nutritional benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming cherry jam can help strengthen the immune system and maintain cardiovascular health.

This sweet and sour cherry jam recipe will not only bring a touch of joy to every morning but will also be a pleasant reminder of summer, even on the coldest winter days. So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy the magic of cooking!