Sweet Homemade Grape Jam
How to Make Delicious Grape Jam with Seasonal Grapes
Today, I’ll introduce you to a wonderful recipe for making delicious grape jam that your children will love. Made with fresh grapes without any additives, this homemade jam is perfect for kids’ snacks or spread on toast.
Jam Ingredients- 2kg Fresh Grapes (seedless varieties recommended)
- 700g Oligosaccharide (or granulated sugar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the grapes under running water. Separate the grapes from their stems, and carefully remove any remaining stems, leaves, or debris. This step is crucial for a clean jam.
Step 2
Place the drained grapes into a heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven). Begin to cook them over medium heat. At this stage, gently press down on the grapes with a spatula or ladle. This action prevents burning and helps the grape skins burst, releasing plenty of juice to form the base of your jam.
Step 3
Grapes tend to cook faster than you might expect. Continue to cook over medium heat, regularly pressing down on the softening grapes with your spatula. Cook until the grapes have broken down completely and become mushy.
Step 4
Once the grapes are thoroughly softened and mushy, stir in 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice. Lemon juice helps maintain the vibrant color of the jam and adds a pleasant tartness that enhances the overall flavor. It also acts as a natural preservative, so don’t skip it.
Step 5
Remove the pot from the heat. Pour the cooked grape mixture into a fine-mesh sieve placed over a bowl or another pot. Use your spatula or ladle to press down firmly on the grapes, extracting as much juice (nectar) as possible from the pulp and skins. You want to collect only the clear, concentrated grape juice.
Step 6
Return the strained grape juice to the pot and cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cooking time can vary: if you used sugar instead of oligosaccharide, it might take less time, and the amount of jam being made also affects the duration. The jam is ready when it reaches a consistency where it coats the back of a spoon and slowly drips off. If it seems too thick, you can add a little water; if too thin, continue simmering.
Step 7
Once the jam has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. The jam will appear thinner when hot but will thicken as it cools. While still hot but slightly cooled, carefully ladle the jam into sterilized glass jars. Seal the jars tightly. Once completely cooled, store the jam in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delicious, fresh homemade grape jam!
