Sea buckthorn jam

Sea Buckthorn Jam - A Delicacy Full of Vitamins

Sea buckthorn, also known as "Romanian ginseng," is a superfood that has been used for centuries for its nutritional benefits. The small, yet vitamin-rich fruits are perfect for transforming into a savory jam. This sea buckthorn jam recipe is not only simple but also brings a touch of health to every jar. In just a few steps, you will have a delight that you can enjoy on a slice of toasted bread or as an ingredient in various desserts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 5 jars of 400g

Required ingredients:

- 3 cups of fresh sea buckthorn berries (approximately 600g) - choose the ripest and most aromatic fruits
- 2 cups of sugar (approximately 400g) - for a less sweet jam, reduce the amount
- 1 package of classic gelfix (approximately 250g) - helps thicken the jam
- 50 ml of water - to help dissolve the sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice - adds a note of freshness and preserves color
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar - for a refined taste

A bit of history

Sea buckthorn jam is a traditional recipe with deep roots in culinary culture. Sea buckthorn has been used in folk medicine due to its rich content of vitamins A, C, and E, often recommended for strengthening the immune system. This jam not only preserves the flavor of fresh fruits but also their nutritional properties, making it an excellent accompaniment for winter meals.

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the fruits:
Start by washing the sea buckthorn berries well under a stream of cold water. Make sure to remove any leaves or impurities. Sea buckthorn has a thin skin, so there is no need to peel or cut them.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large pot, add the 3 cups of sea buckthorn berries, 50 ml of water, 2 tablespoons of sugar (from the 2 cups), and the package of gelfix. Mix with a spatula to combine the ingredients. It is important for the sugar and gelfix to distribute evenly to achieve a well-bound jam.

3. Boiling the mixture:
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it starts boiling, add the remaining sugar (1.5 cups), lemon juice, and vanilla sugar. Stir continuously to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Completing the cooking process:
After the mixture starts boiling again, let it boil for 5 minutes. It is important to respect this time to ensure optimal consistency of the jam.

5. Bottling:
Once the time is up, turn off the heat. Prepare the jars by washing, sterilizing, and drying them. Fill the jars with the hot jam, leaving a small space at the top. Seal them immediately with sterilized lids. Let them cool to room temperature.

Useful tips:

- How to check the consistency: If you want to check the consistency of the jam, you can do a simple test. Take a teaspoon of the mixture and let it cool for a few seconds. Then, tilt the spoon and observe if the jam flows easily. If it does, it is ready!
- Variations: You can experiment with additional flavors by adding a dash of cinnamon or a few cloves during cooking for a jam with a more complex flavor profile.
- Serving: Sea buckthorn jam pairs perfectly with cottage cheese, yogurt, or as a filling for cakes. You can also use it as a topping for pancakes or in hot beverages.

Nutritional benefits:

Sea buckthorn is an excellent source of vitamin C, contributing to strengthening the immune system. It is also rich in omega-7 fatty acids, which support skin and mucosal health. Consuming sea buckthorn jam may help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen sea buckthorn? Yes, you can use frozen sea buckthorn berries. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.
- How can I store sea buckthorn jam? The jam will keep well in sterilized jars, stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.
- What if I don't have gelfix? You can use gelling sugar instead of gelfix, but you will need to follow the instructions on the package for quantities and cooking times.

Conclusion

Making sea buckthorn jam is a pleasant and healthy activity that will reward you with a unique delicacy. With a simple recipe and natural ingredients, you will bring not only flavor but also the benefits of this wonderful plant to your table. Don't hesitate to experiment and add a personal touch to the recipe! Enjoy every jar of jam as a true treasure of nature!

 Ingredients: 3 cups of sea buckthorn berries, 2 cups of sugar, 1 packet of classic gelfix, 50 ml of water, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 packet of vanilla sugar.