Homemade Loquat Jam: A Sweet and Aromatic Delight
Homemade Loquat Jam: A Sweet and Aromatic Delight
Juicy Loquat Jam – A Taste of Sunshine
Boost your immunity with the rich juices of loquats! These fruits are packed with Vitamin C, making them excellent for strengthening your immune system.
Ingredients- 2kg fresh loquats
- 500g granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on loquat sweetness)
- 1 tsp fine salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing 2kg of fresh, ripe loquats. Gently wash each fruit under running water, ensuring they are thoroughly clean. After washing, place the loquats in a colander and allow them to drain completely to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving the right jam consistency.
Step 2
Next, we’ll prepare the loquats by peeling and pitting them. Hold each loquat carefully and use a small knife or your fingers to gently peel away the skin. Then, carefully remove the hard central seed from each fruit, reserving only the pulp. This step requires a bit of patience, but it ensures a smooth and enjoyable jam.
Step 3
Place the pitted loquat pulp into a pot. Add half of the 500g of sugar prepared. Begin to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally as the sugar starts to dissolve and release the natural juices from the loquats.
Step 4
As the jam begins to simmer, you’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen. The mixture will start to thicken, and the sweet and tangy fragrance of the loquats will become more pronounced, stimulating your appetite. At this point, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, stirring frequently.
Step 5
Once the jam has reduced and thickened to your liking, add the remaining sugar and 1 teaspoon of fine salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the jam. Continue stirring gently over low heat until the jam reaches your desired consistency, being careful to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 6
The jam is ready when it reaches a rich, glossy, and slightly thickened consistency. To test, scoop a spoonful of jam and let it drip back into the pot; it should fall in thick dollops rather than runny streams. Adjust cooking time if needed to achieve this consistency – too thin and it may not store well, too thick and it can become too solid.
Step 7
Prepare your jars for storing the jam. Thoroughly wash glass jars and lids. Sterilize them by boiling in water for about 5-10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water, turn them upside down on a clean towel, and let them air dry completely. This ensures a hygienic storage environment for your homemade jam.
Step 8
While the jam is still warm, carefully ladle it into the sterilized and cooled glass jars. Fill the jars to the brim and secure the lids tightly. Once the jam has cooled completely, store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delicious homemade loquat jam spread on toast, mixed with yogurt, or in any way you prefer!
