Mandarin jam is a real treat, perfect for starting the day with a fresh and sweet note! Easy to make and with an irresistible aroma, this jam is ideal for spreading on toast, adding to yogurt or even filling tarts and cakes. Its slightly citrusy and fresh taste will delight everyone!
Ingredients (for about 4 jars):
1 kg of mandarins (preferably organic)
500 g of sugar
The juice of 1 lemon (to accentuate the fresh taste)
1 apple (optional, to add natural pectin and help gelation)
1 small glass of orange liqueur (optional, for an extra touch)
Preparation:
1️⃣ Prepare the mandarins:
Wash the mandarins well and peel them. Cut them in half and remove any seeds. You can also cut them into pieces for a softer consistency, or leave them in thin slices if you prefer a jam with some more visible pieces of fruit.
2️⃣ Add the apple (optional):
If you want a thicker jam, grate an apple and add it to the mixture. The apple, in fact, contains natural pectin, which will help thicken the jam without the use of additives.
3️⃣ Cooking:
Place the mandarins (and the apple, if using it) in a large saucepan. Add the sugar and lemon juice, then mix well. Bring everything to the boil and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens. You can test the consistency by placing a little jam on a cold plate: if it doesn’t drip, it’s ready!
4️⃣ Add the liqueur (optional):
If you like, add a small glass of orange liqueur during the last minute of cooking. This step will give the jam an even more intense and aromatic aroma.
5️⃣ Bottle the jam:
Once ready, pour the hot jam into sterilized jars (to do this, just boil the jars in water for a few minutes), close them well and turn them upside down to create the vacuum. Leave to cool to room temperature.
Tips:
If you prefer a jam without pieces of fruit, you can blend the mandarins before cooking, to obtain a smoother consistency.
Storage: You can store the jam in the pantry for a few months, but once the jar is opened, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2 weeks.
Variations: You can also add fresh grated ginger or cinnamon to give a spicy touch to the jam!
Conclusion:
Mandarin jam is perfect for those looking for a natural, fresh and genuine dessert. Its quick preparation will allow you to enjoy it in a short time, bringing a little sunshine and freshness to your table!
