Rosehip jam

Hawthorn Jam - a natural and healthy delicacy

At the end of October, when the hawthorn berries are ripe but still firm, we prepare to turn them into hawthorn jam - a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for adding a touch of flavor to breakfast or snacks. This simple recipe brings an authentic and healthy taste, thanks to the natural ingredients used.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: Approximately 10 jars of 200 g

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of fresh hawthorn berries
- 200 g of honey (or 1 liter of water, if you prefer a less sweet version)

Step 1: Preparing the hawthorn berries
To achieve perfect hawthorn jam, the first step is to deal with the fruit. Choose ripe, intensely red hawthorn berries that have been slightly affected by frost. They are now full of flavor and sweetness. Use scissors to remove the stems and thorns. It is important to ensure the fruits are well cleaned, as any impurities can affect the final taste.

Step 2: Boiling the hawthorn berries
After cleaning the hawthorn berries, wash them under a stream of cold water and then place them in a large pot. Add the honey (or water, depending on your preference) and stir gently. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Lower the heat and continue to boil for about 30-40 minutes, until the hawthorn berries become soft and break down.

Step 3: Blending
Once the hawthorn berries are boiled and softened, use a hand blender or food processor to turn the mixture into a fine paste. If you want a jam with a more rustic texture, you can leave some larger pieces.

Step 4: Thickening
Reintroduce the obtained paste into the pot and simmer over low heat, stirring constantly, for an additional 20-30 minutes, until you achieve the desired consistency. The jam should be thick and pull away from the sides of the pot.

Step 5: Preserving
When the jam is ready, pour it hot into sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are completely clean and dry to prevent mold formation. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool completely at room temperature before storing.

Serving suggestions:
Hawthorn jam is delicious on toast, as a filling for pancakes, or as a topping for yogurt. Try it alongside aged cheeses for a surprising combination of flavors.

Possible variations:
For a touch of originality, you can add spices like cinnamon or cloves during boiling. Also, experiment with different types of sweeteners, such as coconut sugar or agave syrup, to adapt the recipe to your preferences.

Practical tips:
Make sure you have all the ingredients and utensils on hand before you start. This will make the cooking process more enjoyable and organized. Also, don’t forget to check the consistency of the jam during preparation, as each batch of hawthorn berries can vary.

A tight budget and simple ingredients make this hawthorn jam recipe an accessible dessert for everyone. Enjoy it with pleasure, knowing that you have created something healthy and delicious from seasonal fruits!