Carrot jam: A surprising and healthy treat with Portuguese roots

We most often make jam from fruits, but few people know that vegetables can also be used for these preserves, particularly those with a naturally sweet taste. A perfect example is a carrot.

Carrot jam is not only a tasty but also a healthy treat that you can easily prepare at home. Carrot jam has its roots in Portugal. The tradition of making it dates back to when Portugal sought ways to introduce more vegetables into children's diets. As a result of these efforts, the jam, with its sweetness and delicate taste, quickly gained popularity among children and adults. This recipe is just for you if you want to surprise loved ones with an original jam unavailable in stores.

Carrot jam is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Carrots are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fibre, which makes this jam a valuable addition to your diet. The natural sweetness of carrots allows you to reduce the amount of added sugar, which is beneficial for health-conscious individuals.

Carrot jam works excellently as an addition to bread, pancakes, crepes, or yoghurt. You can also use it as a filling for cakes and cookies, creating unique baked goods that will surprise your guests.

Ingredients for carrot jam:

• 1 kilogram of carrots,
• 200 grams of sugar,
• Juice from one lemon,
• Juice from one orange,
• Zest from half an orange.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the carrots: wash and peel them, then cut them into small pieces.
2. Cook the carrots in water until soft, about 25-30 minutes. Prepare the jam: drain the carrots and blend them into a smooth paste.
3. Transfer the carrots to a pot, add sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, and grated orange zest.
4. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the jam thickens and caramelises slightly for 10-15 minutes.
5. Storage: Transfer the hot jam to sterilised jars, tightly close them, and place them upside down to cool.

Tips and advice:

1. Experiment with spices: To give the jam an even more refined taste, add a bit of cinnamon, vanilla, or ginger.
2. Storage: If you plan to store the jam for a long time, make sure the jars are well sterilised and the jam is hot when sealing them. This will ensure the jam has a longer shelf life.
3. Alternative sweeteners: if you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences.