Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherries | 3 kg |
| Sugar | 300 g |
| Lemons | 1 |
Instructions
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Prepare the Cherries: Start by removing the stems from the cherries. Wash them thoroughly, dry them gently, and then cut them in half. Remove the pits, which should leave you with about 1 kg of cherry pulp.
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Mix with Sugar & Lemon: Place the pitted cherries in a large bowl. Add the sugar, the zest of the lemon, and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice. Stir gently to combine everything. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 6 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the cherries to release their natural juices and mix well with the sugar.
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Cook the Jam: After the resting period, remove the lemon zest and transfer the cherry mixture into a large pot. Begin to cook the fruit mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it simmer, allowing the fruit to break down and the jam to thicken.
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Prepare Jars: While the jam is cooking, take the time to sanitize your jars and lids, following the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health (or any other local food safety guidelines). This step is crucial for the preservation of your homemade jam.
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Check the Consistency: As the jam cooks, check for the desired consistency. To do so, place a small drop of the jam on a cold plate and tilt it. If the drop stays firm and does not slide off, your jam is ready. If you prefer a smoother texture, pass the jam through a food mill. However, if you like chunks of fruit, you can leave it as is or pass only half of the mixture through the mill.
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Jar the Jam: Once your jam has reached the right consistency, pour it into the sterilized jars while it’s still hot. Leave about 1 centimeter of space at the top of each jar. Place the sterilized lids on the jars, but avoid over-tightening them.
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Seal and Cool: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. The heat from the jam will create a vacuum seal, ensuring that the jam is preserved for longer storage. Once the jars are cool, check the seals by pressing gently on the center of each lid. If it doesn’t make a “click-clack” sound, the vacuum seal has formed correctly.
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Enjoy: Your homemade cherry jam is now ready to be enjoyed! Store it in a cool, dark place, and savor the delicious taste of fresh cherries all year round.
This easy and delightful cherry jam recipe will bring the taste of summer into your kitchen. Perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or simply enjoying by the spoonful!
