sour cherry jam

Sour Cherry Jam with Lemon – A Sweet and Tart Indulgence

If you're looking for a quick and easy recipe for a delicious jam, sour cherries are the perfect choice. This sour cherry jam with lemon not only preserves the fresh flavor of summer but also adds a vibrant note of acidity that makes it irresistible. Plus, it's an excellent way to preserve seasonal fruits and enjoy them throughout the year.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg sour cherries (weighed without pits)
- 1 kg sugar
- 2 packets of Gelfix 2:1 from Dr. Oetker
- 1/2 lemon

A bit of history:
Sour cherry jam is a traditional recipe found in many cultures, with deep roots in the art of preserving. Sour cherries, fruits with a history of hundreds of years, are appreciated not only for their sweet-tart flavor but also for their nutritional benefits. This jam is not just a delicacy on toast but also a versatile ingredient in various desserts, sauces, and dishes.

Preparing the sour cherry jam:

1. Preparing the cherries:
Start by washing the sour cherries well under cold running water. Make sure they are fresh and ripe to achieve a jam with an intense flavor. Remove the pits using a special tool or simply with your fingers.

2. The lemon:
Cut the lemon into small pieces. This will add a note of freshness to your jam and help preserve the color and flavors.

3. The fruit mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the sour cherries with the lemon pieces. Ensure they are well mixed so that the lemon flavor integrates throughout the jam.

4. Preparing the Gelfix:
Mix the Gelfix with two tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl before adding it to the cherry mixture. This will help activate the gelling agents and prevent clumping.

5. Boiling:
Place the cherry mixture in a large pot and bring it to medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent sticking. When the mixture starts to boil, remove it from heat. Then, add the remaining sugar and mix well.

6. Final cooking:
Put the pot back on the heat and continue stirring. At first, foam will appear, which you should remove with a spatula or spoon. Cook the mixture for about 15 minutes until it reaches a jam-like consistency.

7. Bottling:
It is essential to sterilize the jars before pouring in the jam. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or washing them in the dishwasher. Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a little space at the top. Put on the lids and turn the jars upside down for 5-10 minutes. This process will help create a vacuum, essential for preserving the jam.

8. Cooling:
After turning the jars, wrap them in a blanket to keep them warm and allow the jam to cool gradually. Leave them like this until the next day.

Serving suggestions:
Sour cherry jam is delicious on toast, but you can also use this jam as an ingredient for cakes, pancakes, or yogurts. I recommend trying the jam alongside cottage cheese or as a filling for a vanilla cake.

Possible variations:
For an even more complex flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon during cooking. You can also experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or peaches, to create a unique combination.

Nutritional benefits:
Sour cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming sour cherry jam can help improve digestion and strengthen the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can use brown sugar or natural sweeteners, but make sure to follow the preparation instructions for Gelfix.

2. Can I freeze the jam?
Although it is optimal to store the jam in jars, you can freeze it if you don't have enough jars available. Make sure to use airtight containers.

3. What should I do if the jam doesn't thicken?
If you notice the jam hasn't thickened after cooking, you can put it back on the heat, adding another packet of Gelfix, stirring constantly.

End your day on a sweet note and indulge your taste buds with this sour cherry jam with lemon. It's a simple recipe but with an impressive result, perfect for adding a touch of originality to your meals. Savor every spoonful and enjoy the memories of a fragrant summer, even on the cold winter days!