Jam prepared without sugar has a significantly shorter shelf life compared to traditional jam. Therefore, if it is not pasteurized, the jars must be kept in the refrigerator or freezer.
Jam / © unsplash.com
Sugar-free jam is a healthier alternative to traditional homemade preserves. It also retains the natural flavor of berries and fruits and is lower in calories. For making such jam, it’s best to use ripe, juicy fruits, as they contain the most natural sugars.
TSN.ua has prepared a top 5 sugar-free jam recipes using the most popular fruits and berries.
Sugar-free jam does not contain a large amount of added sweetener, allowing you to better experience the natural taste and aroma of berries and fruits. It can also contain more fiber and certain beneficial nutrients. This is why such preserves are considered a lighter and more natural alternative to classic sweet preparations.
Sugar-Free Raspberry Jam
Ingredients:
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1 kg of raspberries
Preparation
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It’s best not to wash the raspberries if they are clean. Place the berries into jars, gently pressing them down with a spoon.
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Place the jars in a pot lined with a towel, fill with water up to the “shoulders” of the jars, and sterilize over low heat for approximately 40–50 minutes. During this time, the raspberries will settle and release a lot of juice.
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After sterilization, seal the jars.
Plum Jam
Ingredients:
-
2 kg of ripe plums
Preparation
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Wash the plums, remove the pits, and cut them in half. Place them in a pot and let them sit for a few hours to release their juice.
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Cook over low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally. For a thicker consistency, the jam can be cooked in two or three sessions, cooling the mixture completely between cooking periods.
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Distribute the finished jam into sterilized jars.
Apple Jam
Ingredients:
-
2 kg of apples
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100 ml of water
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juice of half a lemon
Preparation
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Peel the apples, remove the core, and chop them into small pieces. Place them in a pot, add water, and simmer covered for about 30–40 minutes until the fruit becomes soft. A
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Add lemon juice and bring to a boil.
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Then, pour into sterilized jars.
Apricot Jam
Ingredients:
-
2 kg of ripe apricots
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2–3 tbsp lemon juice (optional).
Preparation
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Wash the apricots, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Place the fruit in a pot and let it sit for 1–2 hours to release its juice.
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Place the pot over low heat and cook for approximately 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a thicker jam, after cooling, repeat the cooking process one or two more times for 15–20 minutes each.
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Add lemon juice at the end. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
Pear Jam
Ingredients:
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2 kg of ripe sweet pears;
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100 ml of water;
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juice of half a lemon;
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a pinch of ground cinnamon or vanilla (optional).
Preparation
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Wash the pears, remove the core, and chop them into small pieces. Place them in a pot, add water, and simmer over low heat for about 30–40 minutes until the fruit becomes very soft.
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Add lemon juice, and for aroma, a little cinnamon or vanilla. Simmer for another 10–15 minutes, then transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly with lids.
How to Sweeten Jam Without Sugar
If the natural sweetness of the berries is insufficient, several methods can be used:
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add a ripe banana or sweet apple puree;
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combine sour berries with sweet fruits;
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use date puree as a natural sweetener.
Adding honey during cooking is not recommended, as it loses some of its beneficial properties at high temperatures.
How to Properly Store Sugar-Free Jam
Due to the absence of a large amount of sugar, such preserves are less resistant to spoilage. Therefore, it is important to use sterile jars and lids and store the jam in a cool, dark place.
After opening, the jar should only be kept in the refrigerator and preferably used within a few days.
Sugar-free jam is an excellent base for porridges, yogurts, cheesecakes, pancakes, homemade pastries, and desserts. Most importantly, it allows you to enjoy the taste of your favorite summer berries and fruits without excess sugar.
We remind you that we wrote about how to thicken liquid jam without gelatin, starch, or pectin.
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