Jam is one of the most traditional products in Catalan cuisine and one of the most popular preserves in the world. At Fruita Blanch, we are artisan jam makers from Lleida, and today we want to explain how we make this exquisite product.
The first step in making jam is selecting the fruit. At Fruita Blanch, we only use the best fruit from the harvest in our fields, picked by ourselves. This allows us to guarantee a product of unique quality and flavor. Once the fruit is selected, we clean it and cut it into small pieces. Then, we place it in a pot and add sugar. The proportion of sugar will depend on the type of fruit we use, but typically, an amount of sugar equivalent to the weight of the fruit is used.
After placing the fruit and sugar in the pot, we put it on low heat and begin to stir. It is important to stir constantly to prevent the fruit from burning in the pot. The cooking process should be gentle and gradual, allowing the fruit to release its water and the jam to achieve the right texture.
When the jam is ready, we let it cool slightly and then put it into sterilized glass jars. Once sealed, the jars are placed in a water bath for a few minutes to ensure they are properly sealed and that the jam will be preserved well.
At Fruita Blanch, we make different jam flavors, such as apple jam, plum jam, strawberry jam, fig jam, and many more. Each fruit has its own cooking time and properties, making each jam unique and different.
The apple jam is a classic and perfect for accompanying toast or for making sweets and cakes. The plum jam, on the other hand, is ideal for accompanying meat dishes or cheeses. The strawberry jam is perfect for accompanying yogurts or for making desserts. And fig jam, with its smooth texture and sweet taste, is ideal for pairing with cheeses and toast.
In summary, jam is an exquisite and healthy product that can be made with many types of fruit. At Fruita Blanch, we follow family tradition and make artisan jams with the best fruits from Lleida. We hope that with this article you have learned how to make jam and that you are encouraged to make your own homemade jam with seasonal fruits.