How to make jam at home
Preparing homemade jam is an art that has always combined creativity and tradition. And it's fun, which shouldn't be underestimated. Its strength lies in the possibility of rediscovering authentic flavors, but also of customizing recipes according to the tastes of the person preparing it. Those who love this recipe constantly ask themselves questions such as, for example, how much sugar per kg of fruit for jam or how to thicken jam? To prepare it in the best possible way, it is necessary to follow a precise process that will lead to jars with a unique and genuine taste. Let's discover together how to make jam from different fruits and all the tools needed for a perfect result!
Pasteurization
The first step is definitely to sterilize the jars in which the mixture will be placed. This process is called pasteurization, and there are many ways to do it, but one of the most useful is using pasteurizers, which can be electric or coil-based. Sterilization is an essential operation to achieve a good and safe result. But how do you pasteurize homemade jams and how long should jam jars boil? Simply fill the jars to 1-2 cm from the rim, making sure to clean them perfectly, close with the lid without overtightening, and immerse them one at a time in the pasteurizer, keeping track of the time required. Each appliance is different, so it is always advisable to read the instructions. To put the jam in the jars without the risk of losing some, it is useful to use a jar funnel with a reducer or a simple funnel. Once placed in the jars, they should rest upside down for at least 15 minutes so that the vacuum is perfectly completed.
How to make fig jam
Fig jam is probably one of the most delicious thanks to its sweet and intense flavor. Ideal for breakfasts and snacks, but also perfect accompanied with cheeses and cured meats, this jam is a must on tables. Let's look at the ingredients needed for 2 jars (approx. 250 gr each):
- 600 gr of peeled figs
- 240 gr of sugar
- 1 and a half lemons
How to prepare
The first thing is to remove the skin from the figs. Once done, they should be left to marinate in a bowl with sugar, lemon peel cut into strips, and its filtered juice. Cover with cling film and wait from a minimum of 2 hours to a maximum of 12 for perfect marinating. At this point, remove the lemon peel and transfer the mixture to a pot where it will cook for at least 1 hour, making sure to stir occasionally so that the sugar does not stick to the bottom. The pots are very important, which is why it is necessary to choose quality ones with the right capacity for the mixture. The result at the end of cooking will be soft and full-bodied. If you want to eliminate the small pieces of fruit that remain, simply pass the jam through a food mill. If it has become too liquid, the trick is to put it back on a low heat for 20 minutes; it will thicken.
How to make apricot jam
To prepare an excellent homemade apricot jam, for two jars, the following ingredients are needed:
- 1 kg of apricots
- 300 gr of sugar
- 2 lemons
How to prepare
Wash, slice the apricots and pour them into a pot. Add the sugar and mix well, then turn on the heat. Squeeze the juice of two lemons into the pot and cook for at least an hour. During this time, it is necessary to stir occasionally. When the mixture begins to thicken, turn up the heat and stir continuously for a few minutes. In this case too, a blender can be used to obtain a more homogeneous mixture. At this point, the apricot jam is ready.
How to make orange jam
Easy and delicious, orange jam is prepared with the following ingredients:
- 4 oranges, sugar as needed (must be 50% of the weight of the oranges)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
How to prepare
First, cut the orange peel. Clean the fruits, making sure to completely remove the white part because it is bitter, and cut them into small pieces. At this point, you will need to add the sugar, which, remember, should be 50% of the weight of the cleaned oranges. Pour the fruit and sugar into a pot, adding the cinnamon sticks. Stir and turn the heat to high to cook the mixture for at least 45 minutes. You will need to stir, especially during the last few minutes of cooking. It may be normal for the jam to remain a little liquid, but don't worry, it will thicken once cooled.
How to make jam without sugar
Not everyone likes sweetened jam or, for example, many cannot consume it because they follow a controlled diet. There is a solution, and it is delicious anyway: sugar-free jam. Often people ask themselves, what happens if I don't put sugar in the jam? Here's the explanation: you'll simply have a lighter jam. There are two solutions: decide not to use any sugar at all, the fruit flavor will still delight palates, or add a natural sweetener like stevia, which does not raise blood sugar and contains no calories. And once the mixture is ready in the jars? It will be nice to cover the lids with jar covers and, why not, give the jam to relatives and friends! What is lemon for in jam? Another of the many questions about jam making that everyone asks is: what is lemon juice for in jam? The answer is simple. Lemon is an excellent antioxidant, so it allows the fruit not only not to oxidize, but also to maintain its color intact. This is the most useful secret for making clear jams.
