Acacia flower jam

Acacia flower jam – A floral delicacy

Now that spring is making its presence felt with its fragrant flowers, it’s the perfect time to let ourselves be inspired by the nature around us and transform these delicate flowers into acacia jam. This jam recipe is not just a way to preserve the aroma of acacia flowers, but also a joy for the senses, perfect for savoring on a slice of toasted bread or alongside fresh cheese.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 5 jars of 250g

Necessary ingredients:
- 600 g acacia flowers (make sure they are fresh and untainted)
- Sugar: the amount of sugar should be enough to cover the flowers in a pot (approximately 1 kg)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (for an extra flavor)
- Juice of one small lemon (helps balance the sweetness)

Preparing the jam:

1. Preparing the flowers:
Start by washing the acacia flowers well in cold water. It is essential to clean them of any impurities or insects. After washing, carefully remove the stems, keeping only the flowers. Place them in a sieve to drain well. Give them some time to dry to avoid diluting the syrup.

2. Preparing the syrup:
In a large pot, add enough water to completely cover the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. It is important to pay attention to the consistency of the syrup; it should be slightly thicker, but not so thick that it turns into caramel.

3. Adding flavors:
Once the syrup has reached boiling point, add the lemon juice and vanilla sugar. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help preserve the jam. Mix well and prepare to add the flowers.

4. Incorporating the flowers:
Add the acacia flowers to the boiling syrup. Let the mixture boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. It is important to be patient; it will take a little time for the jam to start to set. The sign that it is ready is when the consistency becomes similar to that of honey.

5. Bottling:
When the jam has reached the desired consistency, prepare the jars. Make sure they are clean and completely dry. Fill the jars with hot jam, being careful to leave a little space at the top. Screw the lids on tightly and turn the jars upside down, allowing them to cool in this position. This trick helps create a vacuum, which will keep the jam fresh.

Helpful tips:
- Buy acacia flowers from trusted places where you know no pesticides or other chemicals have been used.
- If you want a more aromatic jam, you can add a few mint or basil leaves during boiling.
- This jam keeps excellently in a cool, dark place, and once opened, it can be stored in the refrigerator.

Nutritional benefits:
Acacia flower jam is a natural and flavorful option, free from chemical additives. Acacia flowers are known for their benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while sugar provides a quick source of energy.

Serving suggestions:
This jam is perfect on a slice of toasted bread, alongside goat cheese or as a filling for pancakes. It can also be used as a topping for ice cream or as an ingredient in various desserts.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dried acacia flowers?
Answer: It is recommended to use fresh flowers, as the aroma and texture are much more intense.

- How do I know when the jam is ready?
Answer: When the jam sets and has a consistency similar to that of honey, it is ready. You can do a test on a cold plate to check the consistency.

- Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Answer: While it is possible to reduce the sugar, it plays an essential role in preservation. A significant reduction may affect the texture and shelf life of the jam.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious acacia flower jam, don’t hesitate to experiment! It’s a simple recipe that will bring a touch of magic to your pantry. Enjoy the jam and let yourself be inspired by the flavors of spring!