Jam of apples, pears, and quinces

Apple, Pear, and Quince Jam – A Fall Delight

When autumn makes its presence known, there’s nothing more delightful than the fresh flavors of seasonal fruits. Apple, pear, and quince jam is an excellent choice to preserve the essence of this season, transforming the fruits into a delicacy that you can enjoy all year round. This recipe is simple, yet the result is simply delicious. Moreover, it’s a perfect opportunity to use fruits received from loved ones or even from the local market.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: approximately 5 jars of 400g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg quinces
- 2 kg apples
- 2 kg pears
- 1.5 kg sugar
- 1 lemon
- 3-4 pieces of star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 6-7 pieces of green cardamom

Preparing your apple, pear, and quince jam:

1. Initial stage – preparing the fruits
Wash all the fruits well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Quinces are the hardest fruits, so we start with them. Peel and core them, then grate them using a large grater. This technique will help release the juices and facilitate the cooking process.

2. Cooking the quinces
Place the grated quinces in a large pot or saucepan. Add the sugar and mix well. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for about an hour. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

3. Adding the spices
Once the quinces have softened and started to release their juices, add the star anise, cardamom, and cinnamon sticks. These spices will add a warm and comforting aroma to your jam.

4. Including the apples and pears
Grate the apples, and cut the pears into small cubes, as they are softer and can easily be crushed. Add both fruits to the jam mixture and continue to boil. Also, add the remaining sugar, stirring constantly. This step is essential, as the sugar helps preserve the jam and improve its texture.

5. Final boiling
Continue to cook the jam for about an hour and a half or until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. You can check the consistency of the jam with a simple test: take a teaspoon of the mixture and let it fall on a cold plate. If it forms a slight crust and doesn’t spread, it’s ready! Be careful not to let it stick to the pot; if you notice it starting to stick, you can use a heat diffuser to distribute the heat evenly.

6. Finalizing the jam
At the end, add the juice of one lemon. This will add a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the jam and helps with preservation.

7. Bottling
Prepare the jars by sterilizing them. You can do this by boiling them for 10 minutes. Pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars and put on the lids. Cover the jars with a thick blanket to let them cool gradually. This method will help create a vacuum, keeping the jam fresh for a longer time.

Store the jam in your pantry and enjoy the aroma of autumn throughout the year!

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with other spices, like cloves or vanilla, to create unique variations of the jam.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the jam with an immersion blender after it has cooled slightly.
- This jam pairs perfectly with toasted bread, pancakes, or as a filling for cakes and tarts.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! A combination of peaches or plums could work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the fruits.

2. How can I tell if my jam is ready?
In addition to the plate test, you can also check if the jam drips off the spoon in a thin stream, not as a syrup.

3. How long does the jam last?
If well sterilized, the jam can be stored in the pantry for up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the fridge and consume it within a few weeks.

Delicious combinations:
This jam pairs perfectly with cheeses like brie or camembert, as well as with Greek yogurt for a healthy breakfast. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or as a filling for pastries.

Whether you enjoy it simply alongside a slice of toasted bread or use the jam to add a touch of sweetness to desserts, this apple, pear, and quince jam is sure to become a favorite in your home. Try it and let yourself be carried away by the flavors of autumn! Enjoy!