Carrot jam: a sweet treat with Portuguese roots and health benefits

We often make jam from fruits, but few people know that vegetables can also be used for these preserves, particularly those with a naturally sweet taste. Carrot jam is a perfect example.

Carrot jam is a tasty and healthy treat that you can easily prepare at home. Its roots are in Portugal, where the tradition dates back to when Portugal sought to introduce more vegetables into children's diets. As a result of these efforts, the jam, with its sweetness and delicate taste, quickly gained popularity among children and adults. If you want to surprise your loved ones with an original jam unavailable in stores, this recipe is just for you.

Carrot jam is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Carrots are rich in Vitamins A, C, and K and fibre, making this jam a valuable addition to a diet. The natural sweetness of carrots allows you to reduce the amount of added sugar, which is beneficial for health-conscious individuals.

Carrot jam works excellently as an addition to bread, pancakes, crepes, or yogurt. You can also use it to fill cakes and cookies, creating unique baked goods to surprise your guests.

Ingredients for carrot jam:

        
• 900 grams of carrots,
• 1 cup of sugar,
• juice from one lemon,
• juice from one orange,
• zest from half an orange.

Preparation:

1. Preparation of carrots: wash and peel them, then cut them into small pieces.
2. Cook carrots in water until soft, about 25-30 minutes.
3. Prepare the jam: drain the carrots and blend them into a smooth paste.
4. Transfer the carrots to a pot, add sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, and grated orange zest.
5. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the jam thickens and starts to caramelize slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Storage: Transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars, tightly close them, and place them upside down to cool.

Tips and advice:

1. Experiment with spices: To give the jam an even more refined taste, add a bit of cinnamon, vanilla, or ginger.
2. Storage: If you plan to store the jam for a long time, make sure the jars are well sterilized and the jam is hot when sealing them. This will ensure the jam has a longer shelf life.
3. Alternative sweeteners: If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences.