Jam can be made not only from the usual strawberries, raspberries and black currants, but also from more rarely used berries, for example, from mountain ash. It has a specific bitter taste that will add original notes to the jam.
It is necessary
-
- 1 kg of mountain ash;
- 1 kg 300 g sugar;
- 300 ml of water;
- 2-3 tbsp cognac.
Instructions
Step 1
Choose the right time to harvest rowan. This is best done after the first frost. In this case, under the influence of low temperatures, it will lose some of its bitterness and become sweetish. Until freezing, delicious jam will not work from this berry. Pay attention to the place of collection. The best choice is a tree growing in your own summer cottage garden. Dust, dirt and harmful emissions settle on the berries of urban mountain ash, and it is better to leave forest fruits for winter feeding for birds.
Step 2
Peel the rowan tree from the branches, discard the dried berries with traces of spoilage. Wash the mountain ash thoroughly and then soak in cold water for 12 hours. This is necessary to speed up the cooking of the jam.
Step 3
Boil the syrup. To do this, add sugar to boiling water, dissolve it and boil for a while. A drop of the finished syrup should hold its shape, and not spread. Boil it in a large container so there is room for the berries. When the syrup is ready, add the mountain ash to it, mix and put it in a cool place for at least a day. The berries should be infused, soaked in sugar and juice.
Step 4
Separate the syrup from the berries by straining the next day and cook again. Cook the sugar broth over medium heat for at least 20 minutes. Then return the candied berries to the syrup, mix everything thoroughly and cook for another 20-25 minutes. The syrup should thicken, and the berries should darken slightly and become soft. At the end of cooking, add 2-3 tablespoons of cognac for aroma.
Step 5
Boil glass jars and lids in water for at least 10 minutes. Remove and dry after sterilization. Pour the jam into the jars and close the lids. Either metal or dense rubber will do. The first ones should be fixed to the jar using a seaming machine. Store jam in the refrigerator or cellar. Please note that after 6-8 months, it may start to become sugar-coated. However, in this case, it can be used, although the taste of such a jam may decrease.
