Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will transform your pantry and tantalize your taste buds! This extraordinary Rowan Berry Apple Jam is not just another preserve – it's a magical fusion of wild foraged rowan berries and sweet apples that captures the essence of British countryside cooking. With a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, this jam is a rare treasure that will elevate your breakfast spread and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to unlock a recipe that's both traditional and extraordinary!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 6 jars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rowan berries
- 4 cups apples, chopped
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Carefully wash the rowan berries and apples, removing any stems or damaged fruit.
- Place rowan berries and water in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the berries are soft and begin to break down.
- Add chopped apples to the pan and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush the fruits, creating a smooth consistency.
- Add fresh lemon juice to help with pectin activation and to balance the sweetness.
- Gradually stir in the sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely over low heat.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Continue boiling for approximately 20-25 minutes, periodically testing the jam's setting point using the cold plate method.
- Sterilize glass jars and lids by washing in hot, soapy water and then heating in an oven at 140°C for 15 minutes.
- Remove jam from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes to allow slight thickening.
- Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace at the top.
- Seal jars immediately and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Store in a cool, dark place. The jam will continue to set as it cools and can be stored for up to 12 months.
Tips
- • Rowan berries can be quite tart, so ensure you balance the flavors with sweet apples and enough sugar. • The cold plate method is crucial for checking jam setting – place a small plate in the freezer before cooking, and drop a teaspoon of jam on it to test if it wrinkles when pushed. • Always use sterilized jars to prevent bacterial growth and ensure a longer shelf life. • Wear protective gloves when handling hot jam to prevent burns. • If the jam doesn't set initially, you can re-boil it with a little extra pectin or lemon juice. • For a smoother consistency, you can strain the jam through a fine-mesh sieve after cooking. • Store in a cool, dark place and consume within 12 months for the best flavor and quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
