Homemade Jujube Jam (Daechu-go)
Homemade Jujube Jam (Daechu-go)
Making Sweet Jujube Jam: For Warm Jujube Tea and Versatile Uses
Introducing our delightful homemade jujube jam, also known as ‘Daechu-go’! This jam captures the rich, deep sweetness of slowly simmered jujubes. It’s perfect for enjoying as a warm jujube tea by dissolving it in hot water, or for a refreshing twist, mix it with sparkling water for a delightful ade. Jujube jam is also wonderful spread on toast or used as a natural sweetener in your cooking. Prepare for a cozy winter with this healthy and delicious homemade jujube jam made with seasonal fruits.
Ingredients- 500g ripe jujubes
- 250g sugar (adjust based on jujube sweetness)
- Small piece of fresh ginger (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently wash the fresh jujubes under running water and ensure they are completely dry. You can remove the stems or leave them on.
Step 2
While you can simmer the jujubes until soft and then strain them, I preferred to separate the seeds from the pulp first. You can make a small cut near the stem and twist to easily remove the seeds. Whichever method you choose, the goal is to obtain the delicious jujube pulp.
Step 3
The jujube seeds themselves contain beneficial nutrients, so it’s a shame to discard them. Boiling the seeds separately can yield a tea with a subtle jujube aroma and added goodness.
Step 4
I started by placing the separated jujube seeds in a pot with water and simmering them thoroughly. This process effectively extracts their beneficial compounds and aroma.
Step 5
When simmering the jujube seeds, if you have dried ginger on hand, add it to the pot. The ginger’s mild spiciness will add a deeper, more complex layer to the jujube’s flavor. If you don’t have ginger, it’s perfectly fine to omit it.
Step 6
Let the jujube seeds and ginger simmer gently for about 30 minutes. The delicious aroma of jujube and ginger will infuse the water.
Step 7
Strain the infused water through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to obtain a clear and fragrant jujube-ginger liquid.
Step 8
After removing the seeds, the jujube pulp weighed approximately 550g. Now, it’s time to add this jujube pulp to the prepared jujube-ginger liquid and simmer them together.
Step 9
Cook over medium-low heat until the jujube pulp breaks down completely. This will allow all the delicious flavors to meld together.
Step 10
Once the jujubes are well-cooked, the liquid has reduced by about half, and the pulp is very soft, you can mash them through a fine sieve to remove any fibrous skin, resulting in a super smooth jujube jam. Alternatively, for a quicker method, you can blend the mixture (including the skin) with a blender or immersion blender until very smooth. (Straining through a sieve yields an even smoother texture!)
Step 11
Now, continue to simmer the finely blended jujube mixture over low heat until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. If you simmer it without sugar, it must be consumed quickly as it can develop mold. However, adding sugar allows for a longer shelf life of about a month and enhances the flavor. I choose to add sugar for better taste and extended storage.
Step 12
Since the initial jujube pulp weighed about 500g, I added 250g of sugar, which is roughly half the weight. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your jujubes.
Step 13
As the jujube jam thickens, be cautious as hot jam can splatter. It’s advisable to leave the lid slightly ajar or use a splatter guard, and stir gently over low heat. Remember that the jam will thicken further as it cools, so aim for a consistency slightly looser than your desired final thickness before removing it from the heat.
Step 14
The jujube jam, cooked to a smooth, porridge-like consistency, looks incredibly appetizing. Its rich and profound jujube aroma fills the air, and one taste will reveal its delightful depth.
Step 15
Once completely cooled, transfer the jujube jam into clean glass jars or airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply stir 1-2 tablespoons into hot water for a wonderfully warming and soothing jujube tea.
Step 16
This homemade jujube jam, made with care and dedication, makes for a thoughtful and elegant gift. While it requires some time, the process is quite straightforward. This winter, why not try making your own warming and healthy jujube tea? You’ll be able to enjoy both health and deliciousness.
