As a homemade jam enthusiast, you are probably always looking for new flavors to incorporate into a classic recipe. One of the best ways to get a unique jam to share with family and friends is to put aside the traditional plum or raspberry mixture and try a recipe with melons. But how do you perfectly incorporate melon into your homemade jam recipe? Discover in the following everything you need to know to prepare a delicious homemade melon jam.
The delicious flavor of melon in your homemade jam is at your fingertips with the melon jam recipe from The Catalan Gazette. Combine a few simple ingredients, like chunks of melon, sugar and lemon juice, and simmer them to make a delicious jam to serve as an accompaniment to breads, toast or cakes. You will be surprised by the rich and delicious taste that this recipe gives to your homemade jam.
The unique qualities of melon for jam
Melon, like its colleagues in other plant families, is high in fructose and vitamins A and C. While the sweet, juicy texture of melon is irresistible, its sweet taste makes it a worthwhile addition to your sweet condiment. It is naturally sweeter than other varieties of fruit and produces small amounts of pectin, which means that the jam obtained will be more fluid than that obtained with other fruits commonly used for jams, such as strawberries, raspberries and the blueberries.
Melon is one of the best options for homemade jam because it is abundantly available, rich in nutrients, and produces light amounts of sugar. In addition, its sweet and subtle taste will pair perfectly with a variety of fruits and other flavors. How you cut the melon can also play an important role in the final product you end up with. Most often, the melon is cut into small cubes, which allows it to simmer in the sugar syrup longer and achieve a richer flavor.
Types of melon used for jam
Due to its unique qualities not found with many other fruits, melon is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into your homemade jam recipe. One can find several varieties of melons available for jam, but the Charentais melon and the Galia melon are the most commonly used for this purpose. Charentais melons are known for their bark skin and fragrant flesh, while the Galia melon is milder, and is therefore ideal for incorporating into recipes that call for a subtle flavor.
Moreover, melon can also be combined with different varieties of other fruits to get a new and interesting flavor. Melons are usually mixed with peaches, pears, figs, grapes, bananas and even passion fruit to create various jams.
How to make melon jam
Preparing an old-fashioned melon jam is quite simple and suitable for everyone. First, you will need to find the right melon. It is better to choose a melon that is ripe, but not overripe, and select it according to your taste. Then you can clean the skin and cut the melon into small cubes, and remove the seeds and stems. From there, you’ll need to let the melon and additional fruit sit in lemon juice and maple syrup for about 30 minutes.
Once your preparation is finished, you can start boiling your jam. You will need to add sugar and lemon juice to a large saucepan and make sure not to overfill the fruit mixture. Depending on the desired taste, you will have to let the mixture boil for a while, stirring regularly.
The main brands of melon jam
Thanks to the growing popularity of homemade jams, there are now several brands that offer melon jams that are just as delicious as those made at home. Major brands include:
- Good Mom : this French brand offers a variety of top quality products at an affordable price. Its blend of apricot melon is particularly irresistible.
- Hartley Jam Maker : this brand offers a variety of delicious jams and jellies, including a cinnamon melon jam.
- Smucker’s Natural Fruit Spread : This Smucker’s Melon Jam product is free from artificial preservatives and flavors and offers natural, delicious flavor.
- house routine : for lovers of bolder flavors, this brand of melon-strawberry jam is an excellent option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, melon is a delicious and innovative choice to incorporate into homemade jam recipes. Although making homemade jam can be a bit of a time-consuming process, it is very easy and delivers a rich, delicious flavor that will appeal to anyone who tries it. If you’re looking for an alternative to classic jam recipes, adding melon jam to your culinary menu can be a great way to achieve an unforgettable end product.