Strawberry Banana Jam – A Sweet and Flavorful Delight
Do you appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits? Then, strawberry banana jam is perfect for you! This simple and quick recipe transforms two delicious and aromatic fruits into something truly special. The strawberries retain their vibrant color, while the bananas add a creamy note, making this jam an ideal choice for breakfasts or desserts. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!
Preparation time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 5 jars of 350 ml
Ingredients
- 2 kg of fresh strawberries
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 cup (250 g) of sugar
- 1 large lemon (for juice)
A Brief Story
Strawberry banana jam is a combination that not only merges two popular fruits but also pays tribute to the traditions of fruit preservation. This practice has been used for generations to keep the taste of fresh fruits during winter. Strawberries and bananas not only complement each other in flavor but also in texture, offering a jam with a perfect consistency.
Making the Jam – Step by Step
1. Preparing the strawberries:
- Start by washing the strawberries well. Place them in a large bowl with cold water and add the juice of half a lemon. This will help preserve the color and freshness of the strawberries. Do not leave them too long in water, as they can absorb moisture and lose their flavor. 5-10 minutes is enough.
- After washing, remove the stems and let them drain well.
2. Preparing the bananas:
- Peel the 4 bananas and slice them. They will add a creamy texture and natural sweetness to the jam.
3. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large pot, place the whole strawberries (the small ones) and the cut large ones, along with the banana slices.
- Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the fruits and add the remaining lemon juice. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. This step is crucial, as the sugar helps to extract the juices from the fruits.
4. Cooling the mixture:
- Let the mixture sit in the cold for a few hours (ideally 2-3 hours), so that the sugar dissolves completely and the fruits release their aroma.
5. Boiling the jam:
- Place the pot over high heat. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- At this point, you will notice foam forming on the surface due to the bananas. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, as it will help achieve a clear and tasty jam.
6. Testing the consistency:
- After about an hour, check the consistency of the jam. You can do this using the "cold plate" method: place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If, after tilting the plate, the jam does not run, it is ready.
- If you wish, you can add some sugar at the end to improve the jam's binding.
7. Bottling the jam:
- Prepare the jars by washing them with hot water. It is important that the jars are hot to prevent them from breaking when you add the hot jam.
- Pour the hot jam into the jars, filling them up to 1 cm from the edge. Cover the jam with lids and place them in the oven for a few minutes to create a protective crust.
- Place the jars upside down in blankets to cool slowly. This method helps create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh for a longer period.
Useful Tips
- Preserving the color: Lemon juice not only helps preserve color but also adds a splash of acidity that balances the sweetness of the jam.
- Choosing strawberries: Opt for ripe strawberries, preferably organic, for an intense and natural flavor. They should be firm, without black spots.
- Sugar: If you want a less sweet jam, reduce the amount of sugar, but be careful as this affects the preservation process.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Per serving (about 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Vitamin C: 10% of the recommended daily intake
Strawberry banana jam is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, while also being low in calories, making it a good choice for small snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure they are of good quality and do not contain added sugar.
- How can you vary the flavors? You can add a bit of grated ginger for an extra flavor boost or even some mint leaves for a fresh taste.
Serving
This strawberry banana jam is perfect for spreading on a slice of toasted bread, on pancakes, or as a filling for cakes. Why not use it as a topping for Greek yogurt or as a filling for tart?
Experiment with flavors and enjoy the delights that this homemade jam offers! Regardless of the occasion, strawberry banana jam will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!
Do you appreciate the natural sweetness of fruits? Then, strawberry banana jam is perfect for you! This simple and quick recipe transforms two delicious and aromatic fruits into something truly special. The strawberries retain their vibrant color, while the bananas add a creamy note, making this jam an ideal choice for breakfasts or desserts. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!
Preparation time
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: 5 jars of 350 ml
Ingredients
- 2 kg of fresh strawberries
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 cup (250 g) of sugar
- 1 large lemon (for juice)
A Brief Story
Strawberry banana jam is a combination that not only merges two popular fruits but also pays tribute to the traditions of fruit preservation. This practice has been used for generations to keep the taste of fresh fruits during winter. Strawberries and bananas not only complement each other in flavor but also in texture, offering a jam with a perfect consistency.
Making the Jam – Step by Step
1. Preparing the strawberries:
- Start by washing the strawberries well. Place them in a large bowl with cold water and add the juice of half a lemon. This will help preserve the color and freshness of the strawberries. Do not leave them too long in water, as they can absorb moisture and lose their flavor. 5-10 minutes is enough.
- After washing, remove the stems and let them drain well.
2. Preparing the bananas:
- Peel the 4 bananas and slice them. They will add a creamy texture and natural sweetness to the jam.
3. Mixing the ingredients:
- In a large pot, place the whole strawberries (the small ones) and the cut large ones, along with the banana slices.
- Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the fruits and add the remaining lemon juice. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. This step is crucial, as the sugar helps to extract the juices from the fruits.
4. Cooling the mixture:
- Let the mixture sit in the cold for a few hours (ideally 2-3 hours), so that the sugar dissolves completely and the fruits release their aroma.
5. Boiling the jam:
- Place the pot over high heat. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium. It is important to stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- At this point, you will notice foam forming on the surface due to the bananas. Use a skimmer to remove this foam, as it will help achieve a clear and tasty jam.
6. Testing the consistency:
- After about an hour, check the consistency of the jam. You can do this using the "cold plate" method: place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it sit for a few seconds. If, after tilting the plate, the jam does not run, it is ready.
- If you wish, you can add some sugar at the end to improve the jam's binding.
7. Bottling the jam:
- Prepare the jars by washing them with hot water. It is important that the jars are hot to prevent them from breaking when you add the hot jam.
- Pour the hot jam into the jars, filling them up to 1 cm from the edge. Cover the jam with lids and place them in the oven for a few minutes to create a protective crust.
- Place the jars upside down in blankets to cool slowly. This method helps create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh for a longer period.
Useful Tips
- Preserving the color: Lemon juice not only helps preserve color but also adds a splash of acidity that balances the sweetness of the jam.
- Choosing strawberries: Opt for ripe strawberries, preferably organic, for an intense and natural flavor. They should be firm, without black spots.
- Sugar: If you want a less sweet jam, reduce the amount of sugar, but be careful as this affects the preservation process.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
Per serving (about 2 tablespoons):
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Vitamin C: 10% of the recommended daily intake
Strawberry banana jam is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, while also being low in calories, making it a good choice for small snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure they are of good quality and do not contain added sugar.
- How can you vary the flavors? You can add a bit of grated ginger for an extra flavor boost or even some mint leaves for a fresh taste.
Serving
This strawberry banana jam is perfect for spreading on a slice of toasted bread, on pancakes, or as a filling for cakes. Why not use it as a topping for Greek yogurt or as a filling for tart?
Experiment with flavors and enjoy the delights that this homemade jam offers! Regardless of the occasion, strawberry banana jam will bring smiles to everyone's faces. Enjoy!