Rosehip jam

Hawthorn Jam

If you're looking for a fascinating and healthy recipe, hawthorn jam is the perfect choice! This jam will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of health to your life due to the therapeutic properties of hawthorn berries. Moreover, it is a simple recipe that can be adapted according to your favorite flavors.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 85 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 300g

Ingredients
- 1 kg of fresh hawthorn berries
- 1 kg of sugar
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- Preferred flavors:
- 2 star anise
- Vanilla pod (optional)
- Cloves (optional)
- Essences (optional)

Brief history
Hawthorn berries are the fruits of a plant that has been used over time in both gastronomy and medicine. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, being considered a true superfood. Hawthorn jam is a tradition in many cultures, often prepared in the fall when the fruits are at their peak ripeness. By making this jam, you join a long-standing tradition of valuing nature.

Step by step: How to make hawthorn jam

1. Preparing the hawthorn berries:
- Start by washing the hawthorn berries well under cold running water. It is important to ensure they are clean of any impurities or pesticides.
- Remove the stems and any blemishes.

2. Boiling the fruit:
- Place the hawthorn berries in a large pot and add enough water to completely cover them.
- Boil the hawthorn berries over medium heat for 30 minutes or until they become soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Processing the puree:
- After the hawthorn berries have cooled, pour them along with the boiling water into a blender or food processor. Process until you obtain a smooth puree.
- Return the puree to the pot and add 3-4 cups of water. Boil for another 5 minutes.

4. Straining:
- Use a fine sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp of the hawthorn berries. This step is essential to obtain a smooth and delicious jam.

5. Making the jam:
- Pour the obtained puree into a heavy-bottomed pot. Add 1 liter of water, sugar, star anise, and any other preferred flavors.
- Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly. It is important to skim off the foam that forms on the surface to obtain a clear jam.

6. Consistency test:
- The jam is ready when it falls slowly from a spoon. A simple technique is to place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it cool for a few seconds. If it thickens, it is a sign that it is ready.

7. Finalizing:
- Once ready, remove the star anise, add the lemon juice, and mix well.
- Pour the hot jam into clean jars, leaving a little space at the top.
- Sterilize the jars by boiling them in water or baking them in the oven, ensuring they are sealed.

Useful tips
- Choosing hawthorn berries: Choose fresh, ripe hawthorn berries, but not too soft. Many people prefer to use berries that have been frozen before use, as freezing helps break down the fibers, making the preparation process easier.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. A less sweet jam can be obtained by reducing the amount of sugar, but make sure it is enough to help preserve the jam.
- Customized flavors: Instead of star anise, you can try other flavors like cinnamon or ginger to give your jam a unique taste.

Frequently asked questions
- How can I tell if the jam is properly sterilized?
- Check if the lids are indented. If they pop up, the jam is not sealed.

- Can I use hawthorn jam in other recipes?
- Absolutely! Hawthorn jam is delicious on toast, pancakes, or even as a filling for pastries. You can also add it to yogurt or smoothies for a vitamin boost.

- What are the nutritional benefits of hawthorn jam?
- Hawthorn berries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. Consuming hawthorn jam can support the immune system and digestive health.

Serving and combinations
Hawthorn jam pairs wonderfully with a slice of toasted bread or crunchy biscuits. I recommend serving it with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect breakfast. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or as a filling for homemade cakes.

So, get ready to enjoy a culinary experience full of flavors and health! Hawthorn jam is not just a delicious recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature into your daily life. Savor it with friends and family, sharing the joy of a quick and healthy dessert!