Prickly Pear Jam Recipe
Category: Jams and Preserves
Yields: 1 jar
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 500g |
| Prickly pears | 1kg |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Lemons (juice) | Juice of 1 |
Preparation Instructions:
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Sanitize the Jars:
Begin by thoroughly sanitizing your jars. Follow the guidelines set by the Ministry of Health, which can be found at the bottom of this recipe. This step is crucial to ensure the long-lasting preservation of your jam.
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Prepare the Prickly Pears:
Wearing a pair of latex gloves is highly recommended to protect your hands from the prickly spines. Start by cutting off both ends of the prickly pears, and use a sharp knife to make vertical incisions along their entire length. Gently peel back the skin, using the knife to assist in lifting it away from the flesh. -
Chop the Flesh:
Once the skins are removed, cut the flesh of the prickly pears into small cubes. This will help them break down more easily when cooked. -
Cook the Prickly Pears:
Place a pot on the stove and add the water to the chopped prickly pear flesh. Bring it to a boil, and cook until the fruit becomes soft and mushy, which should take a few minutes. -
Strain the Mixture:
After boiling, remove the pot from the heat and strain the pulp through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate the seeds. This will leave you with a smooth fruit base for your jam. -
Add Lemon Juice and Sugar:
Return the strained pulp to the pot, and turn the heat back on. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the mixture and add the sugar. Stir well to combine. -
Cook the Jam:
Let the mixture simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will begin to thicken as it cooks. Keep an eye on it and test the consistency by checking if it coats the back of a spoon. -
Transfer to Jars:
Once the jam has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sanitized jars, leaving about 1 centimeter of space from the top. Close the jars tightly, but avoid overtightening the lids. -
Create the Vacuum Seal:
Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. As the jam cools, it will create a vacuum seal, preserving the jam for long-term storage. You can test the vacuum by pressing gently in the center of the lid. If you don’t hear the classic “click-clack” sound, the jar has sealed correctly. -
Enjoy:
Once cooled and sealed, your prickly pear jam is ready to be enjoyed! Use it as a spread for toast, an accompaniment for cheese, or simply savor it on its own.
Tips for Success:
- Sanitation is Key: Make sure to properly sanitize the jars to prevent contamination.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter jam, feel free to add more sugar.
- Storage: Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place. After opening, refrigerate the jam to keep it fresh.
This homemade prickly pear jam is the perfect way to enjoy the unique, refreshing flavor of prickly pears throughout the year. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with every spoonful!
