Quince jam with ginger

Quince Jam with Ginger

Autumn is the perfect time to prepare sweet delights, and quince jam with ginger is undoubtedly an exceptional choice. This aromatic jam, with a velvety texture, combines the natural sweetness of quinces with a slightly spicy note of ginger, making it perfect for spreading on a warm slice of bread or pairing with fine cheeses. Let's explore this captivating recipe together, step by step.

History of Quince Jam

Quince jam has a long tradition, being prepared in households around the world. Quinces, with their distinctive aroma and dense texture, have been used over time to create exceptional preserves, thus preserving the fruit for the cold season. This jam has often been associated with moments of conviviality, enjoyed alongside family and friends. The addition of ginger is a modern invention that brings an extra freshness and an exotic touch.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Number of servings: Approximately 4 jars of 250 ml

Ingredients

- 1.5 kg quinces (weighed after removing the core)
- 600 g sugar
- 1.4 l water
- 2 lemons (juice)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Approximately 1.5 cm of fresh ginger (grated)

Preparation Instructions

1. Preparing the Quinces
Start by washing the quinces well under running water to remove the fuzz from the surface. After cleaning them, cut them in half, remove the core and woody parts, then slice them thinly or cut them into cubes. They do not need to be very small, like for jam.

2. Squeezing the Lemons
Place the quince slices in a large bowl and pour the juice from the two lemons over them. The lemon will not only add a pleasant taste but will also help preserve the color of the quinces.

3. Boiling the Quinces
Transfer the quinces to a large pot and add cold water until they are completely covered. Add the cinnamon stick and place the pot over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, let the quinces boil for 8-10 minutes.

4. Straining the Quinces
Once they are boiled, turn off the heat and strain the quinces, keeping the juice obtained. This will be used later to achieve the perfect consistency of the jam.

5. Preparing the Jam
Place the boiled quinces in another pot, add the sugar and 400 ml of the reserved juice. At this point, you can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. Keep in mind that the jam will thicken as it cooks.

6. Boiling the Jam
Let the mixture simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. After about 35 minutes, check the consistency of the jam. A simple method is to place a teaspoon of jam on a cold saucer from the freezer. If it holds its shape and does not run, it is ready!

7. Pureeing the Jam
With 10 minutes left before turning off the heat, use an immersion blender to puree the whole pieces of quince, achieving a finer texture.

8. Adding the Ginger
Finally, add the grated ginger and mix well. This will give the jam an amazing aroma and a spicy note, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the quinces.

9. Jarring the Jam
Before transferring the jam to jars, make sure they are clean and dry. To prevent the jars from breaking, place them on a metal plate. Fill the jars with hot jam, then seal them tightly.

10. Cooling the Jam
Cover the jars with a blanket and let them cool slowly on a wooden rack or on the table, so that a vacuum forms. Once they are completely cool, store them in your pantry.

Practical Tips

- Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount of sugar. Quinces have a high pectin content, so the jam will thicken well even with less sugar.

- Variations: You can experiment by adding other spices, such as cloves or nutmeg, to create a unique flavor.

- Serving: Quince jam pairs wonderfully with goat cheese or feta cheese, providing a pleasant contrast between sweet and salty. It is also excellent on an apple tart or as a filling for pancakes.

- Beverages: You can serve it alongside black tea or ginger lemonade, which will highlight the flavors in your jam.

Nutritional Benefits

Quinces are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, with a low calorie content. They are also an excellent source of fiber, making them ideal for a balanced diet. Ginger, besides its flavor, brings digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use frozen quinces?
While it is best to use fresh quinces, you can also use frozen quinces. Make sure to thaw them well before use.

- How can I store the jam for a longer time?
Ensure that the jars are well sealed and stored in a cool, dark place. If you open them, consume the jam within a few weeks.

- The jam is too thick, what can I do?
If the jam has thickened too much, you can add a little water or lemon juice and mix well.

I hope this quince jam with ginger recipe brings you joy and delicious flavors in your kitchen! Enjoy wonderful moments with your loved ones, savoring a spoonful of this autumn delicacy. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1,500 kg of quinces, weighed after removing the core 600 g of sugar 1.4 l of water 2 lemons 1 stick of cinnamon Ginger - approx. 1.5 cm

 Tags:  fruit gem gem quince jelly jam recipe canned fruit quince recipe quince paste sweet preserves quince quince jam