Sugar-free summer jams: Healthier homemade recipes with xylitol
Summer is the time for abundant fresh fruit, perfect for making homemade jams. However, traditional recipes often contain significant white sugar, which can negatively affect our health, especially for children. Fortunately, there is a healthier alternative - xylitol.
3:14 PM EDT, June 22, 2024
Homemade fruit jams are a real summer treat, full of flavor and aroma. However, traditional recipes require large amounts of sugar, making them calorie-dense and unhealthy. Is there a way to enjoy jams without worrying about excess sugar? The answer is yes! With a few simple substitutions, we can prepare lower-calorie jams that do not cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
Sugar-free fruit jams – is it possible?
Many people believe that sugar-free jams lose their taste. However, this is a myth. In reality, you can prepare delicious and sweet preserves by limiting the amount of white sugar. The key is to use natural sweeteners, such as xylitol. Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, has about 40% fewer calories than traditional sugar and a significantly lower glycemic index. Thus, it is safe for diabetics and people watching their weight.
Strawberry jam with xylitol – a simple recipe
Making delicious strawberry jam with xylitol is incredibly simple. You only need:
- 2 pounds of strawberries
- 21 ounces of xylitol
- juice from 1 lemon
Making jam with xylitol is simple and not significantly different from the traditional method. For 2 pounds of fruit, use about 21 ounces of xylitol. The exact amount may vary depending on the fruit's sweetness.
The fruit should be thoroughly washed and cut (if necessary). Then, sprinkle them with xylitol and set aside a few hours to release the juice.
Next, place the fruit with xylitol in a pot and cook over low heat, stirring gently. Cook until the jam thickens. Towards the end, you can add lemon juice or citric acid for better taste and preservation.
The finished jam should be transferred to sterilized jars and tightly sealed.
