Velvety pumpkin jam: A seasonal delight with health benefits

Pumpkin season is the perfect time to prepare homemade preserves for the long winter evenings. Making velvety pumpkin jam is one of the most delicious and healthiest ways to use this vegetable. Its sweet taste, delicate texture, and aromatic spices will make every bite a real treat for the palate.

Autumn is when pumpkins take centre stage on our tables. You can create not only delicious soups, cakes, or salads from its flesh but also a unique pumpkin jam. This aromatic delicacy is perfect for morning toast, fresh baguettes, or pancakes. Pumpkin jam is not only a tasty addition to dishes but also a genuine treasure of health benefits that you can easily prepare at home.

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also a very healthy vegetable. It is rich in beta-carotene, which supports our immune system and has antioxidant effects. Additionally, pumpkin contains fibre, which improves bowel function and helps maintain a healthy weight. Homemade pumpkin jam is an excellent way to give your body these valuable nutrients.

Ingredients:                          

• 2.2 lbs of pumpkin flesh,
• 2.2 lbs of sugar,
• Juice of 1 orange,
• Juice of 2 lemons,
• 1 pinch of salt,
• 1 vanilla bean,
• ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.

Preparation:              

1. Preparing the pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin flesh into smaller pieces and cook in water until soft. Then blend it into a smooth purée.
2. Cooking the jam: Add sugar, lemon and orange juices, seeds from the vanilla bean, and nutmeg to the pot with the purée. Mix everything thoroughly and bring to a boil.
3. Thickening the jam: Cook the jam on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. To check if the jam is ready, take a small amount on a spoon and let it cool. If the jam does not spread, it is ready.
4. Sterilization: Transfer the hot jam to sterilized jars, seal them, and pasteurize in the oven for about 20 minutes at a temperature of 285°F.

Tips:              

• Choosing the pumpkin: It's best to choose Hokkaido or butternut squash for making the jam.
• Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter jams, you can add more sugar.
• Spices: Experiment with spices. Besides cinnamon and nutmeg, you can add cardamom, ginger, or cloves.
• Preservation: To extend the shelf life of the jam, it's recommended to pasteurize it. This can be done in the oven or in a pot with water.