Sea buckthorn jam

Sea Buckthorn Jam Recipe with Gel Fix

Sea buckthorn jam is a delight that not only pleases the taste buds but also brings numerous nutritional benefits. Sea buckthorn, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is a superfood worth enjoying. In this recipe, we decided to transform the leftover fruits from making sea buckthorn syrup into a delicious and quick jam, using gel fix to preserve the perfect aroma and texture.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 5 jars of 250 g

Ingredients
- 3 cups of sea buckthorn berries (approximately 600 g)
- 2 cups of sugar (approximately 400 g)
- 1 packet of classic gel fix (or gel fix for jams)
- 50 ml water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Necessary utensils
- A medium-sized pot
- Wooden spoon
- Sterilized jars (preferably 250 g)
- A sieve or blender, if you prefer a smoother texture

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Preparing the sea buckthorn berries
Start by washing the sea buckthorn berries thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove all impurities and any leaves or twigs. It is important to use fresh berries, as they contribute to the aroma and final quality of the jam.

Step 2: Mixing the ingredients
In a medium-sized pot, add the cleaned sea buckthorn berries, water, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the gel fix. Mix well to combine the ingredients. The gel fix helps to gel the jam and reduces the cooking time, thus preserving the nutrients from the berries.

Step 3: Cooking
Place the pot over medium heat and let the mixture come to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it starts boiling, add the remaining sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla sugar. The lemon juice not only adds a pleasant taste but also helps stabilize the color of the jam.

Step 4: Finishing the jam
After the jam has started boiling again, let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This short cooking time helps maintain the flavors of the berries and reduces the risk of losing valuable nutrients.

Step 5: Bottling
Once the cooking time is up, remove the pot from the heat and pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are clean and dry, otherwise, the risk of fermentation is increased. Seal the jars tightly and turn them upside down to create a vacuum, which will help preserve the jam.

Practical tips
1. Choosing the berries: Choose ripe and fresh sea buckthorn berries. Less ripe berries may lead to a more sour jam.
2. Texture: If you prefer a smoother jam, you can puree the berries with a blender before cooking them. This way, you will achieve a more homogeneous texture.
3. Gel fix alternative: If you don’t have gel fix, you can use gelling sugar, but the cooking time will be longer. This means you need to closely monitor the consistency of the jam.
4. Flavor enhancement: You can also add other spices, such as cinnamon or cloves, to give a more complex taste.

Nutritional benefits
Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It contributes to immune system health, helps reduce inflammation, and improves skin health. Sea buckthorn jam can be a delicious accompaniment to toast, yogurt, or fresh cheese.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of sea buckthorn? This recipe can also be adapted for other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries. Each fruit has a different acidity and sugar content, so adjust the amounts of sugar and lemon to taste.
2. How can I keep the jam longer? Make sure the jars are properly sterilized and store them in a dark, cool place. Once opened, keep them in the fridge.
3. What can I do with sea buckthorn jam? Sea buckthorn jam is excellent on toast, in yogurt, as a filling for cakes, or as a sauce for cheeses.

Serving suggestion
Served alongside a cup of green or black tea, sea buckthorn jam becomes a true indulgence. Add a few slices of lemon or orange to the tea for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Conclusion
Sea buckthorn jam with gel fix is a simple and quick recipe, perfect for making the most of leftover fruits. With a little effort, you can create a delicious jam that will not only delight your taste buds but also provide a significant nutrient boost to your diet. Don’t hesitate to experiment and share the recipe with your loved ones!