Sea buckthorn - the treasure from my pantry

Sea buckthorn jam - the treasure from my pantry

Every autumn, nature offers us a wealth of nutrient-rich fruits, and sea buckthorn is certainly among the most valuable. This small orange berry, packed with vitamins, has a fascinating history and is known for its therapeutic properties. Sea buckthorn is a true health treasure, containing ten times more vitamin C than oranges, making it a reliable ally during the cold season. Additionally, the process of harvesting and cleaning these fruits is often labor-intensive, which adds even more value to them. So, if you are lucky enough to have filled your pantry with sea buckthorn, here’s how you can transform these wonderful fruits into delicious jam!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4 jars of 250g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg sea buckthorn
- 4 cups of sugar

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the sea buckthorn:
Start with the sea buckthorn berries. If you took care to wash and clean them before freezing, you are on the right track. Make sure the berries are well cleaned, as any impurities can affect the taste of the jam. Also, I recommend wearing gloves, as the juice from sea buckthorn can stain your skin.

2. Mixing with sugar:
Place the cleaned sea buckthorn in a large bowl and sprinkle the 4 cups of sugar over it. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. During this time, the sugar will dissolve and form a natural syrup that will enrich the flavor of the jam.

3. Boiling:
After the sugar has dissolved, place the bowl on low heat. It is essential to boil the jam at a low temperature to prevent burning and to preserve the integrity of the fruits. Boil for 45 minutes, being careful not to stir too much. In fact, the jam is considered ready when the sea buckthorn berries start to burst, releasing their seeds. This is when the aroma becomes intense and delicious.

4. Bottling:
Once the jam is ready, prepare the jars. Make sure they are clean and sterilized. Fill each jar with the hot jam, tighten the lid well, and place the jars to sit in a draft, covered with blankets to retain heat. This step is important to ensure the jam's preservation. Let them cool completely this way.

5. Storing:
After the jars have cooled, you can store them in your pantry. Sea buckthorn jam can be used for a long time, considering that sugar acts as a natural preservative.

Useful tips:
- Sugar: You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, which can add a caramel note to your jam.
- Additional flavors: For a more aromatic jam, you can add half a teaspoon of cinnamon or some ground cloves during boiling.
- Usage: Sea buckthorn jam is ideal for serving on toast, in yogurt, or as a filling for cakes. You can use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, adding an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Sea buckthorn is rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, making it a superfood that strengthens the immune system, aids skin regeneration, and contributes to eye health. By consuming sea buckthorn jam, you not only enjoy a delicious taste but also give yourself a boost of essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen sea buckthorn? Yes, frozen sea buckthorn is perfect for this recipe. Make sure it is well cleaned before freezing.
- How can I check if the jam is ready? Look for the sea buckthorn berries that have burst and released their seeds. You can also do the plate test: drop a spoonful of jam on a cold plate and see if it holds its shape.
- How long can the jam be stored? If stored correctly in sterilized jars, sea buckthorn jam can be kept for 1-2 years.

Delicious combinations:
Sea buckthorn jam pairs wonderfully with mature cheeses, like brie or cheddar, or can be combined with peanut butter for a tasty sandwich. You can also enjoy a hot tea alongside a spoonful of jam to boost your immune system.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get started. Whether you want to stock up for winter or give a healthy gift, sea buckthorn jam is the perfect choice. Take advantage of this treasure from your pantry and enjoy every spoonful!