sour cherry jam

Sour Cherry Jam – A Summer Delight

Preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Sour cherry jam is a delicacy that brings the taste of summer to your mornings. This preparation will not only delight your taste buds but also turn your meals into special moments. Whether you enjoy it on a slice of toast or use it as a filling for cakes, sour cherry jam is an ideal companion.

A brief history of jams

Jams have a long history, being made since ancient times to preserve fruits. They were created out of the necessity to keep fruits for the cold season when they were not available fresh. Each culture has developed its own techniques and recipes, but the essence remains the same: fruits, sugar, and a little time dedicated to the love of cooking.

Necessary ingredients:

- 1.5 kg ripe sour cherries (make sure they are healthy, without spots or signs of damage)
- 750 g sugar (you can also use raw sugar for a more intense flavor)
- Optional: juice from one lemon (for a fresher taste and to aid preservation)

Preparation techniques:

1. Preparing the sour cherries:
- Wash the cherries under cold water to remove any impurities.
- Carefully remove the stems and pits. It is essential not to crush the fruits to achieve a pleasant texture in the jam.

2. Mixing with sugar:
- In a large pot, layer the cherries alternately with sugar. This process will help the fruits release their juice, facilitating the melting of the sugar.
- Cover the pot with a lid and let it cool for about an hour. This is an important step as it helps develop the flavors.

3. Boiling the jam:
- Once the cherries have rested, place the pot over high heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking.
- Once the sugar has completely melted, reduce the heat to low and continue boiling. This is the time to be patient. Boil the jam for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice the jam starting to thicken.

4. Checking the consistency:
- To check if the jam is ready, take 2-3 teaspoons of it and place them on a plate. Let it cool for a few minutes. If it thickens, it is a sign that it is ready to be jarred.

5. Jarring the jam:
- Use clean, dry jars. It is important that they are sterilized to prevent bacterial growth.
- Once the jam is ready, skim off any foam from the surface (if applicable) and let it cool slightly. Then, fill the jars with hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top.
- Seal the jars tightly and turn them upside down for 5 minutes. This will help create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh for a long time.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the fruits: Buy seasonal, ripe, and flavorful sour cherries. Frozen fruits can be used, but the texture of the jam will be different.
- Sugar: You can experiment with the amount of sugar based on your preferences. If you prefer a tarter jam, you can reduce the sugar.
- Variations: For a more exotic jam, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a few crushed black peppercorns during the boiling process.

Nutritional benefits:

Sour cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium. Consuming sour cherry jam can help strengthen the immune system and maintain heart health. It is also a caloric treat, with approximately 250-300 calories per 100 g of jam.

Frequently asked questions:

1. How can I tell if the jam is well preserved?
- Check if the lid is sealed properly; if it clicks, it means it is good.

2. Can I use other fruits for this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can experiment with cherries, peaches, or plums.

3. How can I use sour cherry jam in other recipes?
- It is delicious used in cakes, pancakes, or as a topping for ice cream.

Serving suggestion:

Serve sour cherry jam on a slice of toasted bread with butter and, why not, alongside a cup of aromatic tea. This is a perfect way to start the day or to treat yourself on a relaxing afternoon.

Sour cherry jam is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring summer into your home, no matter the season. So, grab your ripe fruits and start your adventure in the world of jams! You will discover the joy of making something delicious that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.