On how to make thick, delicious summer jam without gelatin

Summer is the season of abundance for fresh fruits, perfect for making homemade preserves. Jam is one of the most popular ways to preserve the taste of summer for longer. Unfortunately, jam often turns out thin and watery, losing its appetizing appearance and consistency. Fortunately, there is a simple way to make thick, delicious jams without artificial gelling agents.

Making jam at home is a way to preserve the taste of summer for winter days. Pay attention to a few key aspects to make your jam not only tasty but also adequately thick. We can achieve the perfect consistency without using gelatin or other gelling agents. You need to know a few simple tricks.

The key to getting thick jam is selecting fruits with a naturally high pectin content. Pectin is a plant substance responsible for gelling preserves. The fruits with the most pectin are:

              
• apples,
• gooseberries,
• quinces,
• currants,
• peaches,
• citrus fruits,
• bananas,
• blackberries.

If you're using fruits with a low pectin content, such as plums, cherries, pears, or raspberries, you can combine them with fruits rich in pectin. Add about 200 grams of pectin-rich fruits for every 1 kilogram of other fruits to achieve a thick jam consistency.

Ingredients:

    
• 2 kilograms of fruits
• 500 grams of sugar
• Juice of 2 lemons

Step 1: Preparing the fruits Cut the fruits into equal pieces. You can use a potato masher to mix the fruits with the sugar, which will speed up the cooking process.

Step 2: Add lemon juice to the fruits and sugar. The lemon will enhance the flavour and aid the gelling process.

Step 3: Cooking Cook the fruits over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the mixture begins to bubble, it will gradually thicken.

Step 4: Testing the consistency To check if the jam is ready, put a small amount on a cold plate. If, when you push it with a spoon or finger, the path stays clear and doesn't close, the jam is ready. Otherwise, cook for a few more minutes and test again.

Step 5: Storing Pour the hot jam into clean jars, screw on the lids, and let them cool. Store in the fridge to enjoy the taste of summer all year long.

Additional tips:

• For even thicker jam, you can cook it longer over low heat.
• Add spices such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves to the jam.
• It's best to store the jam in a cool, dark place.

By following these simple tips, you'll easily make a thick, delicious jam that will retain its beautiful colour and flavour for a long time. Enjoy!