sour cherry jam

Cherry Jam Recipe: A Sweet Treasure from the Garden

Cherry jam is not just a delicacy, but also a sweet memory of summers spent in the garden when cherries ripen and delight us with their unmistakable aroma. This jam is popular for its intense flavor and versatility in various dishes. It can be used as a filling for cakes or as a topping for pancakes or yogurts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 jars of 400 g

Ingredients

- 2 kg fresh, ripe cherries
- 2 kg sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

Necessary Utensils

- Cast iron pot or a large saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sterilized jars (about 6)
- Jar lids
- Skimmer (optional)

Step by Step for Perfect Jam

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries thoroughly under cold running water. It’s important to ensure that no impurities remain on the fruit. After washing, remove the pits. You can use a special pitter or do it manually, but be careful not to damage the fruit.

2. Mixing with sugar: Place the pitted cherries in a cast iron pot. Add the sugar directly on top, stirring gently to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes. During this time, the cherries will release their juice, forming a natural syrup.

3. Cooking the jam: Set the pot over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. It’s essential to stir frequently to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot. After about an hour, when the syrup begins to thicken, reduce the heat to low.

4. Checking the consistency: When the jam starts to gel, you can do a simple test. Take a spoonful of the jam and place it on a cold plate. Let it cool for a few seconds, then tilt the plate. If the jam does not run, it’s ready. If it does, continue cooking and stirring.

5. Adding the vanilla sugar: Once the jam is well set, add the two packets of vanilla sugar. Stir well to combine the flavors.

6. Bottling the jam: Once the jam is ready, pour it hot into the prepared jars. Make sure the jars are sterilized to prevent bacterial growth. Place the lids on immediately and turn the jars upside down. This trick helps maintain a perfect seal.

Practical Tips

- Cherries: Choose ripe cherries, but not too soft. Ideally, they should be slightly firm to achieve a pleasant texture.
- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar, but this may affect the jam’s consistency.
- Flavoring: You can experiment by adding a few drops of lemon juice for a touch of acidity or cinnamon for a more exotic flavor.
- Storage: It’s essential that the jars are well sealed and stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the jam should be kept in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information

Cherry jam is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, with a high content of vitamin C. However, it is rich in sugars, so moderation is recommended. A serving of jam (approximately 20 g) contains about 50 calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before using them in the recipe.

2. How can I check if the jam is well preserved?
After the jars cool down, press the lid. If it doesn’t move and doesn’t make a "click" sound, then the jam is well preserved.

3. What can I pair cherry jam with?
This jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese, yogurt, pancakes, or pastries. You can also use it in more elaborate dishes, such as cherry tart.

Personal Note

Cherry jam is not just a recipe; it’s a tradition in many families. Each jar is a memory of summer and moments spent with loved ones. Once you try this recipe, you will never look at cherries the same way again. So, immerse your hands in the sweet aromas of cherry jam and enjoy every spoonful!