Cherry jam with mint

Cherry Jam with Mint - A Delight for the Senses

Cherry jam with mint is a classic recipe, but with a fresh twist that will turn any meal into a celebration of flavors. The cherries, with their sweet and slightly tart aroma, blend perfectly with the freshness of mint, offering a unique tasting experience. This preparation will not only sweeten your mornings but will also add a touch of elegance to any dessert or on a slice of toasted bread.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars of 400 g

Necessary ingredients:
- 3 kg cherries (pitted)
- 1,050 g sugar (350 g sugar/kg of fruit)
- 3 packets of Gelfix 3:1 (to ensure the perfect consistency)
- 10 sprigs of fresh mint

Necessary utensils:
- A large pot
- A knife
- A wooden spoon
- Clean and sterilized jars
- A blender (optional, for a finer texture)

Preparing the cherries
1. Washing and cleaning the cherries: Start by washing the cherries thoroughly under cold running water. Make sure to remove all impurities. Use a knife to remove the pits and stems, being careful not to damage the fruit.

2. Exact quantities: After cleaning the cherries, weigh them. It is important to know exactly how many cherries you have to adjust the amount of sugar and Gelfix.

Making the jam
3. Boiling the cherries: In a large pot, add the cleaned cherries and 3/4 of the sugar (about 790 g). Mix well to coat the fruit with sugar. This process will help extract the juices from the cherries.

4. Adding the mint: Place the pot over medium heat and wait for it to reach the boiling point. When it starts to boil, add the bouquet of mint. Let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Including the Gelfix: After 5 minutes, mix the Gelfix with the remaining sugar (about 260 g) in a separate bowl. This step will help achieve a jam with a perfect texture, without sugar crystals. Add the Gelfix and sugar mixture to the pot and mix well.

6. Final boiling: Let the mixture boil for another 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. You will notice it thickening and becoming glossy. This is the sign that the jam is ready.

Bottling and preserving
7. Preparing the jars: While the jam is boiling, prepare the jars you sterilized earlier. You can do this by boiling them or washing them in the dishwasher.

8. Transferring the jam: Use a spoon or ladle to pour the hot jam into the prepared jars. Make sure to leave a small space at the top (about 1 cm).

9. Sealing the jars: Close the jars with their lids as quickly as possible to create a vacuum. Place them upside down for a few hours to cool completely.

10. Storage: Once the jars have cooled completely, place them in your pantry, away from direct light. The cherry jam with mint will keep well for a year.

Useful tips
- Choosing cherries: Use ripe and juicy cherries, preferably fresh. Frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- Variations: If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try adding a few drops of lemon juice or a tablespoon of rum to the mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Serving: Cherry jam with mint is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, but it can also be used as a filling for cakes or as a topping for yogurts and ice creams.

Nutritional benefits
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially vitamin C and potassium. Consuming cherry jam can help improve heart health and prevent inflammation. Mint adds a note of freshness and can aid in digestion.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of sugar?: Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar or natural sweeteners, but you may need to adjust the amount of Gelfix.
2. How do I know when the jam is ready?: You can check by placing a drop on a cold plate; if it thickens and does not spread, it is ready.
3. Can I add other flavors?: Absolutely! You can try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla to customize the flavor.

Enjoy the cherry jam with mint and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family. It’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of happiness to every morning!