Cherry and sour cherry jam

Cherry and Sour Cherry Jam

Who doesn't love the sweetness of summer? Cherry and sour cherry jam is a perfect choice to preserve the flavor of these delicious fruits all year round. This simple and quick recipe will help you transform fresh fruits into a delicious jam, perfect for spreading on a slice of toasted bread, adding to pastries, or even enjoying as a filling for pancakes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400g

Ingredients you need:

- 1.5 kg cherries (weighed without pits)
- 0.5 kg sour cherries (weighed without pits)
- 2 packets of Gelfix 3:1 (to achieve the perfect texture)
- 1 kg sugar (preferably fine sugar for quick dissolution)
- 1 packet of lemon salt (to enhance the flavor of the fruits)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the fruits:
Start by washing the cherries and sour cherries well under cold running water. Make sure the fruits are clean and free of impurities. Remove the stems and, using a knife or a special tool, carefully remove the pits. Then, weigh the fruits to ensure you have exactly 2 kg of cleaned fruits.

2. Grinding the fruits:
Place the cleaned fruits in a food processor and process until you obtain a smooth paste. This step will allow the natural juices from the fruits to be released, contributing to a more flavorful jam. If you don't have a food processor, you can use a blender or even a manual masher.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
In a separate bowl, mix the Gelfix with the sugar and lemon salt. This will help enhance the flavors and prevent the sugar from crystallizing. Once you have a uniform mixture, add it over the ground fruits. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are integrated.

4. Boiling the jam:
Transfer the mixture to a large pot with a thick bottom to prevent sticking. Place the pot over medium heat, stirring continuously. It is important not to let the jam stick to the bottom of the pot, so be attentive and stir constantly. After about 10-15 minutes of boiling, the jam will start to bubble.

5. Testing the consistency:
Once the jam has started to boil, let it cook for another 10-15 minutes. You can test the consistency of the jam by placing a teaspoon of the mixture on a cold plate. If the jam does not spread and has a slightly viscous texture, it is ready!

6. Bottling:
Remove the pot from the heat and, using a ladle, pour the jam into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are completely clean and dry to prevent contamination. Screw the lids tightly and wrap the jars in a blanket to keep them warm. Leave them like this until the next day, during which time the jam will cool and seal.

7. Storing:
Once the jars are completely cool, store them in a cool, dark place. Cherry and sour cherry jam can be kept for a year, but few will be able to resist the temptation to consume it for that long!

Practical tips:
- If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 200-300 g.
- You can add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon to provide an extra flavor note.
- Make sure the jars are properly sterilized to prevent fermentation of the jam.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries and sour cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These fruits contribute to heart health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and support the immune system. The jam obtained will retain some of these benefits, making it a better choice than commercial jams full of preservatives.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! You can experiment with peaches, plums, or even combinations of fruits, adjusting the amounts of sugar and Gelfix according to their acidity.

2. How can I tell if the jam has set?
The plate test is the simplest way. You can also observe a slight color change and a thicker consistency.

3. What can I do if the jam doesn’t set?
If the jam doesn't set, you can add another packet of Gelfix and boil the mixture for a few more minutes.

4. How can I use the jam?
Cherry and sour cherry jam is delicious on toasted bread, alongside cheese, in fillings for pastries or pancakes, or even as a sauce for ice cream.

Delicious pairings:
This jam pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. I recommend serving it alongside goat cheese or aged cheese for a savory contrast. You can accompany everything with mint tea or a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the jam.

End your day on a sweet note, turning every spoonful of cherry and sour cherry jam into a memory of summer, even in the middle of winter. Enjoy!