Sour cherry jam

Bitter Cherry Jam: A Sweet Treasure from the Garden

Bitter cherries are a truly special ingredient, full of character and flavor, that transforms a simple jam into a true delicacy. This bitter cherry jam recipe is not only straightforward but also steeped in tradition, with deep roots in the art of fruit preservation. Each jar holds a story, a memory of summer and the joy of cooking with fresh ingredients. So, gather all your ingredients and make some space in your pantry to store these jars full of flavor!

Preparation Time
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Cooling time: 2–3 hours
- Cooking time: 30–40 minutes
- Total: 3–4 hours
- Servings: Approximately 4 jars of 400 ml

Ingredients
- 1.5 kg of pitted bitter cherries
- 1 kg of sugar
- Juice of one fresh lemon

Making Bitter Cherry Jam

Step 1: Preparing the Cherries
Start by thoroughly washing the cherries in cold water. It's important to remove any impurities to achieve a quality jam. After washing, remove the stems and carefully pit the cherries. You can use a cherry pitter or do it manually if you don’t have one. Be careful not to crush the cherries, as this could affect the jam's texture.

Step 2: Layering
Place the cherries in a large pot, layering them alternately with sugar. I recommend starting with a layer of cherries followed by a layer of sugar. This process helps extract the juice from the cherries, forming a natural syrup. Cover the pot and leave it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours so the sugar can dissolve and create a syrup.

Step 3: Cooking the Jam
Once the cherries have chilled and soaked in sugar, it's time to heat them. Start by cooking over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is crucial to prevent the sugar from caramelizing. Once the sugar has melted, you can increase the heat.

Step 4: Removing the Foam
As the jam begins to boil, you’ll notice foam forming on the surface. It’s important to remove this with a skimmer, as it can affect the final appearance of the jam. Continue boiling the mixture until it thickens, which means it has reached a more viscous consistency. Test the consistency by dropping a spoonful of jam onto a cold plate; if it holds its shape, it’s ready!

Step 5: Adding the Lemon
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, add the lemon juice. This will not only add a fresh flavor but also help preserve the jam. Boil for a few more minutes to ensure the ingredients are well combined.

Step 6: Sterilizing the Jars
While the jam is boiling, it’s essential to prepare the jars. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water, then rinse with hot water. You can also sterilize them in the oven at 100°C for 10-15 minutes. Make sure they are completely dry before filling.

Step 7: Filling the Jars
After the jam has cooled slightly, carefully pour it into the jars. Ensure you fill the jars to the correct level, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Meanwhile, seal them tightly and leave them upright for 5 minutes, then turn them upside down to prevent the fruit from sinking.

Step 8: Cooling and Storing
Cover the jars with a towel and let them cool completely until the next day. Then, store them in a cool, dark place where they can be kept for months!

Helpful Tips
- Choosing Cherries: Select fresh, firm cherries without blemishes. Riper cherries have a more intense flavor, but those with higher acidity provide a pleasant contrast to the sugar.
- Vanilla Option: Add a split vanilla bean to impart a unique flavor.
- Mixed Jam: You can combine cherries with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, for a mixed jam.

Nutritional Benefits
Bitter cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and have anti-inflammatory properties. They also contain fiber, making them a healthy choice in your diet. By using sugar moderately, this jam can be a better option for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a caramelized flavor to the jam but will also color the final product.

2. Can I substitute lemon with something else?
Lemon is essential for preservation, but you can experiment with orange juice for a different taste.

3. How can I check if the jam is well-set?
Use the plate method: drop a few drops of jam onto a cold plate and tilt it. If the drop doesn’t spread, the jam is ready.

Serving Suggestions
Bitter cherry jam is perfect for spreading on a slice of toasted bread, pairing with goat cheese, or adding a touch of sweetness to your favorite yogurt. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or pancakes. Try serving it alongside a cup of black tea or flavored coffee to balance the sweetness.

With this bitter cherry jam recipe, you’ll bring not only a taste of summer into your pantry but also priceless joy with every spoonful. Don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones, as nothing is more delightful than savoring beautiful moments together!