Bring the bright taste of the tropics to your table with this delightful pineapple jam. Sweet, tangy, and bursting with the vibrant aroma of fresh pineapple, this jam is a versatile treat. It’s perfect on toast or pancakes, a wonderful filling for baked goods like tarts, and it even adds a unique twist to cheese boards and grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) fresh pineapple flesh
- 500 g (about 2.5 cups) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 unwaxed lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
Yields
This recipe makes approximately 800 g (about 28 oz) of jam, depending on the juiciness of your pineapple and how long you cook it.
Preparation:
- Prepare the Pineapple: Peel the pineapple, remove the tough core, and cut the flesh into small cubes. You will need 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of cubed pineapple.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the pineapple cubes in a large pot. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar. Mix everything together well and place the pot over low heat, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Jam: Let the jam simmer for about 50 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. To check if it’s ready, do the “plate test”: put a small drop of jam onto a cold plate and tilt it. If it runs slowly, the jam is ready.
- Jar and Seal: Ladle the hot jam into pre-sterilized jars, leaving about 2 cm (1 inch) of space at the top. Seal them with lids.
- For Long-Term Storage (Water Bath Canning): To ensure a long shelf life, process the sealed jars. Place them in a large pot with a kitchen towel lining the bottom and between the jars. Fill the pot with water to a level about 4 cm (1.5 inches) above the lids. Bring the water to a boil and process for 30 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely in the water before removing them. Check the vacuum seal (the lid shouldn’t “pop” when pressed). Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few days.
Chef’s Tip: For a more complex flavor, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or a split vanilla bean pod while the jam is simmering. This will give it an extra special aroma, making it a perfect addition to a holiday spread.
