Velvety pumpkin jam: A sweet fall treat with health perks

Autumn is when pumpkins reign supreme on our tables. From its flesh, you can create delightful soups, cakes, and salads and an exceptional pumpkin jam. This aromatic treat is perfect for morning toast, fresh baguettes, or pancakes. Pumpkin jam is not only a tasty addition to dishes, but it also offers a wealth of health benefits that you can easily prepare at home.

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also a very healthy vegetable. It is rich in beta-carotene, which supports our immune system and has antioxidant properties. Additionally, pumpkin contains fiber, which improves bowel function and helps maintain a healthy weight. Homemade pumpkin jam is an excellent way to give your body these valuable nutrients.

Ingredients:

            
• 2.2 lbs pumpkin flesh
• 2.2 lbs sugar
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 vanilla bean
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

Preparation:

      
1. Prepare the pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin flesh into smaller pieces and cook in water until soft. Then blend into a smooth puree.
2. Cooking the jam: Add sugar, lemon and orange juices, vanilla bean seeds, and nutmeg to the pot with the puree. Mix everything thoroughly and bring to a boil.
3. Thickening the jam: Cook the jam over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. To check if the jam is ready, take a small amount on a spoon and let it cool. If the jam doesn't run, it is ready.
4. Sterilization: Transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars, seal, and pasteurize in the oven for about 20 minutes at 285°F.

Tips:

      
• Pumpkin selection: For making the jam, it's best to choose Hokkaido or butternut squash.
• Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter jams, you can add more sugar.
• Spices: Experiment with spices. In addition to cinnamon and nutmeg, you can add cardamom, ginger, or cloves.
• Preservation: To extend the shelf life of the jam, it's worthwhile to pasteurize it. This can be done in both the oven and a pot of water.