Sour cherry jam

Sour Cherry Jam – A Classic Delicacy Full of Flavor

Who doesn’t remember the sweet and tart aroma of sour cherry jam? This simple and delicious recipe is perfect for preserving the taste of summer in jars, giving you a piece of sunshine to enjoy in winter. Over time, sour cherry jam has been appreciated not only for its taste but also for its versatility in the kitchen. It can be used in cakes, tarts, or even as a topping for pancakes and yogurt. Let’s discover together how to make the perfect sour cherry jam!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 5 kg fresh sour cherries
- 2 kg sugar (optional, for a sweeter taste, you can add another 0.5 kg)
- Preservative (optional, but recommended)
- Jars with lids (make sure they are well sterilized)

Making sour cherry jam:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries under cold running water. It is important to clean them well, as any impurities can affect the final taste of the jam. After washing, remove the stems and let them drain for a few minutes.

2. Removing the pits: Using a special pitter, carefully remove the pits from the cherries. This step can be a bit laborious, but it is essential for achieving a fine and delicious jam. If you don’t have such a device, you can also use a knife, but it will take longer.

3. Mixing cherries with sugar: Once the cherries are cleaned, place them in a large bowl and add the sugar. If you prefer a more pronounced sweetness, now is the time to add another 0.5 kg of sugar. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Cover the bowl and let it sit overnight so that the sugar melts and releases the juice from the cherries.

4. Boiling the jam: The next morning, transfer the cherry and sugar mixture into a large pot and place it over medium heat. It is essential to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot. After about 30-45 minutes, you will notice that the jam begins to thicken. Use a spoon to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear appearance and a uniform texture.

5. Adding the preservative: When the jam reaches the desired consistency, add a packet of preservative, mixing well to incorporate it evenly. This will help preserve the jam for the long term, maintaining its freshness and aroma.

6. Jarring the jam: Fill the sterilized jars with hot jam, leaving a little space at the top. Screw on the lids and turn the jars upside down for 5 minutes. This method will create a vacuum, helping to preserve the jam.

7. Cooling and storing: Prepare a box or crate to place the jars of jam. Cover them with a thick blanket and let them sit covered until completely cool, which can take between one to two days. Once cooled, store them in a pantry in a cool, dark place.

Practical tips:
- Choose ripe, quality cherries for a jam with an intense flavor. Avoid overly soft or damaged cherries.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences. If you want a less sweet jam, reduce the amount of sugar.
- If you want to experiment, try adding some spices, such as a splash of vanilla or cinnamon, to give a richer flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Sour cherries are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress. Additionally, sour cherries have anti-inflammatory properties and can contribute to improving sleep quality.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used, but you may need to adjust the amount of sugar as they may be sweeter.

2. How can I check if the jam is ready?
A simple method is to put a spoonful of jam on a cold plate. If it thickens as it cools, it’s ready. If not, boil it for a few more minutes.

3. Can I add other fruits to the sour cherry jam?
Sure! You can combine sour cherries with cherries, plums, or other flavorful fruits to create a unique jam.

Recipes and combinations:
Sour cherry jam pairs perfectly with fluffy pancakes, muffins, or as a filling for cakes and tarts. Also, try serving it with natural yogurt or as a topping for ice cream. A cup of tea or aromatic coffee will perfectly complete this culinary experience.

Now that you’ve discovered how to prepare this delicacy, all that’s left is to get to work! Enjoy every step of the process and let yourself be inspired by the sweet aromas of sour cherries. Sour cherry jam is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a tradition, a memory, and an explosion of flavors that will bring a smile to your face!