Sour cherry jam with raspberries

Cherry and raspberry jam – an explosion of flavors in a jar

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn an ordinary day into a celebration of tastes, cherry and raspberry jam is your answer. This recipe combines the juicy sweetness of cherries with the fresh acidity of raspberries, creating a treat that will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a splash of summer into every jar.

A bit of history about cherry jam

Fruit jams have a long-standing tradition in culinary culture, prepared by generations to preserve the taste of fresh fruits. Cherries, known for their intense flavor and pleasant acidity, are ideal for making jam. Raspberries, on the other hand, add a touch of delicacy and vibrant color, making each jar a work of art.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 350 ml

Ingredients:

- 5 kg fresh cherries
- 3 kg raspberries
- 6 kg sugar
- 1 sachet of lemon salt (approximately 10 g)
- 1 tablespoon of salicylic acid (preservative)

Step by step for perfect jam:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries thoroughly under cold running water. Then, remove the pits. This step can be a bit labor-intensive, but it’s essential for achieving a smooth jam. If you have time, you can involve your loved ones in this process, turning it into a pleasant activity.

2. Mixing the fruits: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries with the fresh raspberries. Raspberries should also be washed carefully, and the stems removed. Add the sugar over the fruits and sprinkle the lemon salt. Gently mix to avoid crushing the fruits. Let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes – this process will help the sugar extract the juice from the fruits.

3. Cooking the mixture: Place the fruit mixture in a large pot and set it over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. The jam will start to boil, and the aroma will fill the entire kitchen. Continue stirring until the jam begins to thicken. It’s important to pay attention to the consistency – to check if it’s ready, you can put a few drops on a cold plate; if it thickens and forms a skin, it’s a sign that the jam is ready.

4. Adding the preservative: When the jam has reached the desired consistency, add the tablespoon of salicylic acid and mix well. This step is essential to ensure that the jam will last longer.

5. Bottling: Prepare sterilized jars. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by baking them in the oven at 100 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. Pour the hot jam into the jars, leaving a little space at the top, and seal them tightly.

6. Storing: Place the jars in a blanket or in a warm place to cool slowly. This will help seal the jars. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place.

Useful tips:

- Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
- You can add additional flavors, such as vanilla or cinnamon, to customize the jam to your taste.
- If you want a smoother jam, you can puree the cherries and raspberries with a blender before cooking them.

Nutritional benefits:

This jam contains vitamins and antioxidants from cherries and raspberries, which are known for their health benefits. Cherries are rich in vitamin C and have anti-inflammatory effects, while raspberries are an excellent source of fiber and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:

- How can I avoid sugar crystallization in the jam?
Make sure to stir constantly during boiling and do not add excess sugar.

- What can I do if the jam doesn’t thicken?
You can boil the mixture a little longer, adding a bit more sugar, or you can add a packet of gelfix to speed up the thickening process.

Serving suggestions:

Cherry and raspberry jam is perfect for serving on a slice of toasted bread, combined with cottage cheese or as a filling for pancakes. It also pairs wonderfully as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.

For a complete culinary experience, you can pair the jam with a fragrant tea or a dry white wine, which will enhance the fruity flavors.

Transform every spoonful of this jam into unforgettable memories and enjoy the taste of summer, even on the coldest winter days!