Sour cherries made into jam

Sour Cherry Jam – A Classic Recipe Full of Flavor

Who doesn't love the sweet and slightly tart aroma of sour cherry jam? While my favorite is bitter cherry jam, when sour cherries are in season and their aroma beckons, you can't resist the temptation to prepare a delicacy that will delight your taste buds. This sour cherry jam recipe is simple but requires a bit of time and patience, especially when it comes to pitting the cherries. However, once you get past this step, everything becomes a piece of cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: Approximately 3 jars of 800 g and 1 jar of 400 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 kg pitted sour cherries
- 2 kg granulated sugar

The history of sour cherry jam:
Sour cherry jam is a traditional recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing back memories of summer and moments spent with loved ones. It is an excellent way to preserve seasonal fruits and enjoy their aroma throughout the year. Sour cherries, with their distinct taste, are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them not only delicious but also beneficial for health.

Step by step: How to make sour cherry jam

1. Preparing the cherries:
Start by washing the cherries under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities or insects. Then, remove the stems and leaves. It's time to pit the cherries! You can use a special pitting tool, or if you don't have one handy, you can use the end of a safety pin. Be careful to keep the cherries whole, as their appearance will affect the final beauty of the jam.

2. Forming the syrup:
After cleaning the cherries, place them in a large bowl and add the sugar. Gently stir with a wooden spoon so that the sugar is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours, so the sugar can dissolve and form a delicious syrup.

3. Cooking the jam:
Once the syrup has formed, transfer the mixture to a large pot and place it over low heat. When it starts to boil, a foam will form on the surface due to the sugar. Use a skimmer or a wooden spoon to remove this foam, so the jam remains clear and shiny. Let it boil for about an hour and a half, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam is ready when the liquid has reduced, and if you drop a little on a plate, it will flow slowly.

4. Preparing the jars:
While the jam is boiling, prepare 3 jars of 800 g and 1 jar of 400 g. Make sure they are clean and dry. You can sterilize the jars by rinsing them with hot water or by submerging them in boiling water for a few minutes.

5. Bottling the jam:
Once the jam is ready, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, use a small ladle to fill the jars with the hot jam, leaving a little space at the top. Screw on the jar lids and place them on a metal rack. Cover everything with a thick blanket and let it cool gradually until the next day.

6. Storage:
Once the jars have completely cooled, store them in a dark and cool place. At optimal temperature, sour cherry jam can be kept for several years without problems.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with adding spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to give your jam a unique flavor.
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar by up to 20%.
- Serve sour cherry jam alongside yogurt or cottage cheese for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

Nutritional benefits:
Sour cherries are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the body. Additionally, they are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to stay fit.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why is it important to remove the foam? The foam contains impurities and can affect the texture and final appearance of the jam.
- Can I use frozen sour cherries? Yes, you can use frozen sour cherries, but make sure to fully thaw and drain them before use.
- How can I check if the jam is ready? You can do the plate test: drop a little of the hot jam on a cold plate. If it thickens and flows slowly, the jam is ready.

This sour cherry jam is not just a dessert but also a way to preserve summer memories. Try it and enjoy its taste and aroma, perhaps alongside a fruit tea or a refreshing lemonade. It could quickly become your favorite!