Homemade preserves reimagined: Xylitol's sweet secret to better health

Do you make homemade preserves? If so, I want to share a clever trick with you that my mom once told me about. I tried it, and I have to admit, I'm thrilled. The contents of the jars are always perfect, and the method also benefits your health.

Many years ago, I realized that buying mass-produced jams in stores does not satisfy my taste buds. Anyone who savours a jar of sweet, homemade preserves will understand this. The difference is enormous. While initially focusing on taste, we should also consider the health aspect. The disparity becomes even more significant here, mainly when our homemade jam is based on a clever trick.

In my family, my mom was always the master of homemade jams. Years of experimenting, trial and error, and analysis resulted in preserves that are simply a culinary wonder. Some time ago, my mother shared a secret with me—she stopped using sugar to make the jams. Why? for two reasons: practicality and health.

When discussing this topic, it's worth answering the question: Why is sugar actually used to make preserves? It's not just about the taste of the jam but also its texture and durability. Sugar makes preserves more gel-like and durable because the sweet condiment preserves them well. Knowing this, we come to the point where we ask a new question: What can replace sugar?

My mom revealed that she has not used sugar in her preserves for years but instead relies on xylitol. The birch-derived product has the same properties as popular white crystals. Through its antibacterial actions, it preserves the preserves and gives them a gel-like consistency. And that's pretty much all we need for jams. But there's more.

Xylitol is also a healthier sugar substitute. It has a lower glycemic index, does not require insulin for its metabolism, contains fewer calories than sugar, and even positively affects the gut microbiota. Interestingly, xylitol also benefits... teeth. It fights cavities and ensures proper enamel mineralization. What a pleasant change from the destructive effects of sugar, right?