| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 0g | 0g | 76g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 71g | 5g | 1g | 0.005g |
It was while living in Portland, Maine, that I was first introduced to the sweet and tangy delight of Chico Fruit Jam. The gentle balance of sweet and tart in this dish appeals to every dessert lover in its simplicity and elegance. Now, I get to share this delightful concoction with you, involving some of my favorite natural ingredients that let the true star of the show – the Chico fruit – shine.
Exploring a Tropical Delight
Chico fruit, also known as sapodilla, is a tropical fruit native to Central America. It has a brown sugar flavor that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of fresh lemon juice in this recipe. Just like the salty breeze from the Atlantic coast that gives a unique twist to my New England seafood dishes, the distinct sweetness of Chico fruit lends this jam recipe a refreshing take.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
What makes the Chico Fruit Jam recipe not only a refreshing kitchen experiment but also a smart one? Besides its delightful taste, the Chico fruit itself is packed with nutrients. In fact, it’s a notable source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins A, C, and E. It also contains beneficial minerals like iron, potassium, and copper. A dollop of this jam on your morning toast or stirred into a hearty bowl of porridge could give you a delightful and nutritive start to your day!
Indeed, this exotic fruit jam shares similarities with the classic peach or apricot preserves. Yet, its distinctly comforting sugary taste sets it apart and is bound to satisfy even your most elusive sweet tooth. Plus, you may find it surprisingly easy to pair with a variety of dishes – a perfect companion for your freshly-baked scones, a delightful glaze for your chicken roast, or a sweet filling for your homemade tarts. Its versatility and unique flavor assure that the Chico Fruit Jam makes a great addition to your culinary repertoire.
Please find the full recipe and instructions for making Chico Fruit Jam here. For more tropical fruit-based recipes, you may want to check out Delish‘s suggestions. Very rarely do I venture into the realms of such unique fruit-forward recipes but every time I do, it sparks joy. I hope this Chico Fruit Jam provides the same for you at your home. Enjoy this musically sweet symphony of flavors!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of chopped Chico fruit
- 1.5 cups of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of fruit pectin
- 1/2 cup of water
- 6 sterilized jam jars with lids
Method
Step One
Begin by washing and chopping the Chico fruit into small pieces. Measure out 3 cups of the chopped Chico fruit and set it aside for later use.
Step Two
Take a large saucepan and add the chopped Chico fruit, 1.5 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of water and a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix the ingredients together until well combined.
Step Three
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved and the Chico fruit becomes soft.
Step Four
Once the mixture is heated properly, add a tablespoon of fruit pectin. Stir well to ensure the pectin is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step Five
Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat. Allow it to reach a slow, rolling boil. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency.
Step Six
While waiting for the jam to cook, sterilize the jam jars and their lids. This can be done by boiling them in water for at least 10 minutes.
Step Seven
Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, carefully pour it into the sterilized jam jars. Seal them off with the lids while still hot. Allow the jars to cool down at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate before serving.
Step Eight
Your homemade Chico fruit jam is now ready to be enjoyed! Remember to store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within a month for best taste and freshness.
