Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of mayapple fruit, washed and chopped
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Water bath canner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped mayapple fruit, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir well to combine.
2. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. After 20-25 minutes, the mixture should have thickened and the fruit should be soft. Remove the pot from the heat.
4. Using a canning funnel, carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
5. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or drips. Place the lids and bands on the jars, tightening the bands just until they are snug.
6. Using a jar lifter, carefully place the jars into a water bath canner filled with boiling water. Make sure the jars are covered with at least 1 inch of water.
7. Process the jars in the boiling water for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a wire rack.
8. Once the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid pops up and down, the jar did not seal properly and should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks. Sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling, medium heat for simmering
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 3 cups of jam, or 6-8 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120 per serving
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 31g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Mayapple fruit can be substituted with other tart fruits such as rhubarb or gooseberries.
- Lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal twist.
- Substitute half of the mayapple fruit with strawberries or raspberries for a mixed berry jam.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jam reaches the proper temperature for setting (220°F).
- Sterilize canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before filling with jam.
- Use a canning funnel to prevent spills and make filling jars easier.
- Remove air bubbles from the jars by tapping them gently on a flat surface before sealing.
Storage Instructions:
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat jam, simply remove the lid and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve mayapple jam on toast, biscuits, or scones. It also pairs well with cheese and crackers.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Pairings:
Mayapple jam pairs well with sharp cheeses, such as cheddar or goat cheese.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve mayapple jam with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the jam does not set properly, try re-cooking it with a bit of pectin or lemon juice.
- If the jars do not seal properly, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
Food Safety Advice:
- Always use clean, sterilized canning jars and lids.
- Process jars in a water bath canner to ensure they are properly sealed.
- Discard any jars that show signs of spoilage, such as mold or off odors.
Food History:
Mayapples are native to North America and have been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for centuries. The fruit is high in vitamin C and has a tart, citrusy flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
Mayapple jam has a sweet, tart flavor with a hint of citrus.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve mayapple jam on toast, biscuits, or scones. It also pairs well with cheese and crackers.
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