How to make thick, delicious jam without artificial additives
Summer is the season of abundance for fresh fruits, perfect for making homemade preserves. Jam is one of the most popular ways to preserve the taste of summer for longer. Unfortunately, jam often turns out thin and watery, losing its appetizing appearance and consistency. Fortunately, there is a simple way to make thick, delicious jams without artificial gelling agents.
1:06 PM EDT, June 16, 2024
Making jam at home is a great way to preserve the taste of summer for winter days. To make your jam not only tasty but also adequately thick, pay attention to a few key aspects. You can achieve the perfect consistency without using gelatin or other gelling agents. You need to know a few simple tricks.
The secret to thick jam lies in the choice of fruits
The key to getting thick jam is selecting fruits with a naturally high pectin content. Pectin is a plant substance responsible for gelling preserves. The fruits with the most pectin are:
- apples,
- gooseberries,
- quinces,
- currants,
- peaches,
- citrus fruits,
- bananas,
- blackberries.
If you're using fruits with a low pectin content, such as plums, cherries, pears, or raspberries, you can combine them with fruits rich in pectin. Add about 7 ounces of pectin-rich fruits for every 2.2 pounds of other fruits to achieve a thick jam consistency.
A simple recipe for thick jam without gelatin
Ingredients:
- 4.4 pounds of fruits
- 1.1 pounds of sugar
- Juice of 2 lemons
Step 1: Prepare the fruits. Cut the fruits into equal pieces. To speed up the cooking process, use a potato masher to mix the fruits with the sugar.
Step 2: Add lemon juice. Add the lemon juice to the fruits and sugar. The lemon will enhance the flavor and aid the gelling process.
Step 3: Cooking. Cook the fruits over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the mixture begins to bubble, it will gradually thicken.
Step 4: Testing the consistency. Put a small amount on a cold plate to check if the jam is ready. If, when you push it with a spoon or finger, the path stays clear and doesn't close, the jam is ready. Otherwise, cook for a few more minutes and test again.
Step 5: Storing. Pour the hot jam into clean jars, screw on the lids, and let them cool. Store in the fridge to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.
Additional tips:
- For even thicker jam, you can cook it longer over low heat.
- Add spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to the jam.
- It's best to store the jam in a cool, dark place.
By following these simple tips, you'll easily make a thick, delicious jam that will retain its beautiful color and flavor for a long time. Enjoy!
