How To Make Raspberry Jam?
Canned fruits are one of the best ways to enjoy them all year round or to take advantage of those pieces that are about to go bad. A recipe that is sure to surprise you is raspberry jam.
In addition, for many it is interesting to know that its preparation is simple; It consists of few steps and no special utensils are necessary. Just one night of maceration with the sugar and a few more minutes of cooking.
So both great cooks and beginners can get down to work now to enjoy this sweet that accompanies a good slice of bread, a creamy yogurt or a homemade cheesecake.
The health benefits of raspberry
Rubus idaeus is the scientific name of the shrub known as raspberry , native to Europe and northern Asia. Its fruit is small and can be of many colors, although the most common is usually red.
Its striking tone already indicates the presence of some healthy phytochemicals. Also, of all the berries it is one of the sweetest. The best time to consume it is between late summer and early fall.
But apart from standing out for its flavor and uses in the kitchen, some of its nutrients are remarkable. The most notable are vitamin C, K, magnesium, manganese, and fiber. It is a very light fruit with an abundant proportion of water.
Antioxidant activity
Antioxidants present in food are necessary to neutralize free radicals that are generated in the body or found in the environment.
Different types of them have been identified in raspberries, such as vitamin C, anthocyanins, quercetin and elegic acid.
Oxidative stress (produced by an excess of free radicals) is associated with an increased risk of suffering from some diseases, such as premature aging, cancer, diabetes or heart problems.
Great source of vitamin C
Beyond citrus, this micronutrient is present in other fruits, such as strawberries, pineapple or raspberries. Of the 3 servings of fruit that it is advisable to take per day, a piece with a high contribution of vitamin C should be introduced to ensure daily needs.
And it is that this vitamin is important in many aspects. Thanks to it, the body absorbs iron from food more efficiently, improves healing due to the generation of collagen and contributes to defense against pathogens.
Protection against non-communicable diseases
In recent decades, some health problems such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and cardiovascular disease have been on the rise.
Generally, the experts advise a diet high presence of fruits and vegetables, as their protective effect is known. In the case of raspberries, there are also specific studies.
Although more evidence is needed in humans, in vitro tests show stabilizing metabolic and anti-inflammatory activity. These effects are related to better markers in blood pressure, lipid profile, arteriosclerosis and glycemia.
Light and low in carbohydrates
A cup of raspberries provides few calories and a significant amount of fiber. Thanks to this, they are good allies when it comes to following weight loss diets. In addition, its natural sweetness can help reduce the desire for more sugary foods.
It is also one of the fruits with a lower carbohydrate content than the rest, along with watermelon, cantaloupe, avocado and strawberries. Thus, they become a good choice in diets with a low content of this macronutrient.
Raspberry jam recipe
Now that you know its virtues and benefits, it is time to introduce it into the diet. Not only is it eaten fresh, but it can be part of a large number of preparations. But one of the best to achieve maximum conservation is undoubtedly the raspberry jam.
Ingredients needed for the recipe
- 500 grams of fresh raspberries.
- 350 grams of white sugar.
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Steps to follow in the preparation of the raspberry jam
- First, wash and drain the raspberries well. Then place in a saucepan and sprinkle the sugar on top. Cover with paper film and leave in the fridge all night.
- The next day, place the saucepan over a high heat. At the moment it starts to boil, lower it to a minimum. Stir well, cover and cook for 10 minutes. After this time, uncover and boil 5 more minutes at medium power. Add the lemon juice and stir carefully.
- Turn off and let the preparation cool down. If you do not want to find seeds or larger pieces of fruit, you have to pass it through a strainer.
- Pack in suitable jars and keep in the fridge.
To obtain a long-lasting preservation, it is necessary to carry out another packaging. With the raspberry jam still hot, pour into mason jars. Cover and put in a water bath for 20 minutes.
Get the most out of the raspberry jam recipe
Making raspberry jam at home does not have any difficulties. The key point is to choose the fruit neither too green nor too stale, as it is when it presents its best flavor and all the nutrients.
With this recipe it is possible to enjoy the flavor and its benefits for much of the year. Although it is important to emphasize that a sweet preparation never replaces a whole piece of fruit and should be introduced into the diet in moderation.
As is the custom in many places, jam is often used as a spread on a slice of bread or to sweeten a yogurt. But there is also the possibility of adding it to all homemade ice creams and shakes with which you get an extra surprising flavor.
It also becomes a curious sauce to accompany cheese appetizers or baked chicken wings. Also with a little butter it is reduced and makes a delicious meat sauce or a vinaigrette with oil. And it is that in the imagination there is also the magic of the kitchen.
