Jam is a popular sweet food. But what exactly is jam? According to the definition given by the Directorate General for Competition, Consumption and the Repression of Fraud (DGCCRF), “jam is a product obtained by cooking whole fruit, in pieces or in puree, with sugar and possibly lemon juice and water”. The difference between jams, jellies and marmalades mainly lies in the texture of the final product, which is smooth and homogeneous for jam, translucent and firm for jelly, and finally grainy for marmalade.
There are many varieties of fruit that can be made into jam. The most common are strawberries, apricots, cherries, and plums. However, you can also make jams with exotic fruits such as mango or pineapple, or even with vegetables, such as green tomato or rhubarb. In general, the amount of added sugar is about 50% of the total fruit weight.
Jam is a highly regulated food product, to ensure quality and safety for consumers. The DGCCRF has established several quality criteria for jams: they must contain at least 35 grams of fruit per 100 grams of finished product, have a sugar content of at least 55% and have a total acidity not exceeding 1.5%.
In summary, jam is a sweet and delicious product, obtained by cooking whole fruit, in pieces or in puree, with sugar and possibly lemon juice and water. It is distinguished from jellies and marmalades by its smooth and homogeneous texture. It is a highly regulated food product, meeting strict quality criteria to ensure consumer safety. For more information on this subject, go to the DGCCRF website thanks to this link.
Introduction
There jam is a traditional culinary preparation, made from fruits cooked mixed with sugar. This preparation is ideal for preserving and enjoying fruit throughout the year. The fruits can be whole, in pieces or mashed. The jam can be simply frozen or have a more or less thick texture. In this article, we are going to learn more about the definition of jam and how to prepare it.
The definition of jam
According to French law, the jam is a preparation made from cooked fruit, sugar and possibly water, fruit juice or fruit pulp. The amount of sugar should be equal to or more than half of the total amount of fruit. The preparation must be sterilized to ensure optimal conservation.
The preparation of the jam
Preparing the jam is simple. First of all, it is necessary to select healthy and ripe fruits, then wash and peel them if necessary. Fruit should be cut into small pieces and mixed with sugar in a stainless steel or copper pan. It is important to stir regularly to prevent the fruit from burning.
Once the fruit is cooked and the mixture has taken on the desired texture, the pot should be removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly. The jam must then be poured into glass jars specially designed for sterilization, before being closed with an airtight lid.
The different types of jam
There are several types of jam, each with its own recipe and texture:
- Whole fruit jam: this jam is made from whole fruit, mixed with sugar and cooked over low heat. It has a thick texture and is often used to make pies.
- Fruit jam in pieces: this jam is made of fruit cut into small pieces, mixed with sugar and cooked over low heat. It has a more fluid texture than the previous one.
- Fruit puree jam: this jam is made from fruit passed through a vegetable mill to extract the pulp, mixed with sugar and cooked over low heat. It has a smooth and uniform texture.
- Jellied jam: this jam is made of cooked fruits, sugar and a gelling agent which gives it a firm and compact texture.
Tips for successful jam
To make a successful jam, you must follow certain rules:
- Use fresh, quality fruit
- Choose the right fruit/sugar ratio to achieve a savory texture and taste
- Stir regularly to prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pan
- Using a thermometer to measure the temperature of jam
- Warm the glass jars before pouring the jam to prevent the jars from breaking
There jam is a simple and delicious culinary preparation that allows you to enjoy fruit all year round. By following the preparation rules and having the right utensils, it is easy to make your own jam at home and share it with loved ones.
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Jam is a delicious culinary preparation that can be consumed at any time of the day. It can be served with toast, croissants or biscuits, and it can also be used in the preparation of cakes and desserts. Jam is usually made from fresh fruit which is cooked with sugar and lemon juice. This technique preserves the natural flavors and aromas of the fruits, while giving them a soft and chewy texture.
Jam is a French specialty very appreciated all over the world. It is often served during breakfasts and snacks, and it is considered one of the pleasures of French gastronomy. The different varieties of jams are also very popular, including strawberry jam, apricot jam, plum jam and raspberry jam.
For the jam to be successful, it is important to follow certain rules of preparation. It is recommended to use fresh, ripe fruit, cut the fruit into small pieces and gently cook them with sugar and lemon juice. The preparation must be stirred regularly to prevent the fruit from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
In summary, jam is a delicious French culinary specialty that can be eaten at any time of the day. It is prepared from fresh fruit, sugar and lemon juice, and it can be served with toast, croissants or biscuits, or used in the preparation of cakes and desserts. If you want to know more about the definition of jam and its various varieties, visit the following link: The definition of jam in detail.