A Brief History of Jam
Some jam-making techniques extend back to the Stone Age. Because food was scarce at the time, preserves were used. Jams were created as a result of the discovery of a food preservation method.
Honey and sugar were used to preserve food in ancient times since honey had no moisture. This approach was also widely used by the Greeks.
Another intriguing truth about jam dates back to Napoleon’s reign. He’s responsible for jam’s large-scale manufacture, which was originally reserved for the top crust. As a result, only celebrities and the wealthy could partake in this delectable treat.
In 1785, he offered a reward to anyone who could find a technique to preserve food for his men. Inventor Nicholas Appert won the prize for finding how to preserve food by boiling it at high temperatures and sealing it in an airtight container. It is also how the majority of food preservation technologies came to be.
Taste & Texture of Mixed Fruit Jam
Pectin is a type of fiber found in fruits that are utilized as a thickening ingredient in recipes. Because we’re not using it in addition, our jam won’t be as solid or as jelly-like. Instead, it’ll be a little loose, like marmalade but without the fruit bits.
Because of the sugar in it, it has a sweet taste. However, there will be a hint of fruit tanginess as an aftertaste. Fruits like orange and grape are used to achieve this flavor. When it comes to enhancing the tanginess of the jam, lemon juice or lemon zest works wonders.
Which Fruits To Use in Mixed Fruit Jam?
Strawberries are the most common fruit used to make jam. As a result, the strawberry jam has become more popular. However, because this is a mixed fruit jam, we will utilize a variety of fruits.
This jam is best made using fruits that contain pectin. As a result, sour apples, oranges, grapes, pomegranate, cranberries, and other sour fruits are more commonly used.
Even so, low pectin fruits like peaches, blueberries, pineapples, and guavas can help to balance it out.
Which Fruits To Use in Mixed Fruit Jam?
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Ingredients of Mix Fruit Jam
In theory, mixed fruit jams should only contain two ingredients. Fruits and sugar are two examples of this.
To sweeten the jam, sugar is added, of course. However, this isn’t the only reason it’s on the list.
As previously indicated, sugar has long been used to make jams. It serves as a preservative and extends the life of the product.
In addition, pectin alone is insufficient to gel cooked fruits. In this case, sugar syrup plays a key role. It’s thick enough with a little less water and sugar syrup. Sugar, in combination with pectin, thickens and firms up the jam.
Preparation
The fruits must be carefully cleaned. After that, cut and combine all of the fruits.
You can’t combine the fruits completely if you want them to have bits and chunks. Another approach is to cook them separately and then combine them later. We prepare fruits for fruit preserves, but they can also be boiled. The objective is to soften the fruits by breaking down their components and structure.
As a result, the sugar concentration rises. And it allowed the sugar to do its work, stiffening the pulp and turning it into a jelly-like consistency
Preparation
Naturally, if you make this jam at home, it will be pectin-free. As a result, it’s advisable to keep it refrigerated. It will be easier to maintain it firmly and store for a long time if you keep it in a cool environment.
It must be stored in an airtight jar. It’s also a good idea to clean the container if you’re using a glass jar for it. Before storing the jam, make sure it’s completely dry.