| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 0g | 0g | 68g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 67g | 1g | 0g | 0g |
Whenever I am in the kitchen, I am always on the lookout for recipes that pair well with my favorite New England seafood dishes. That’s how I came across this heavenly recipe, Acerola Jam, brimming with the tart and sweet flavors of Acerola cherries. This jam, with its unique blend of ingredients, promises an exciting culinary journey that compares favorably with the richest, freshest fruit preserves out there.
Acerola Jam: A Taste of the Tropics
Despite being a native of Portland, Maine, I have a particular fondness for tropical fruits. The Acerola cherry, originating from the rich soils of the West Indies but now growing in abundance in regions like Mexico and Florida, is one such fruit. With a mildly tart flavor profile, Acerola cherries set the foundation for a tastefully vibrant jar of the Acerola Jam. Balanced out with the sweetness of granulated sugar and a squirt of fresh lemon juice, the jam offers the perfect combination of tangy and sweet.
The Health Perks
Not only is the Acerola Jam bursting with tangy sweetness, but it also packs a healthy punch. Acerola cherries are recognized worldwide for their high Vitamin C content which greatly aids in boosting immunity. It is also a source of antioxidants that help fight against free radicals in the body. Throw in some lemon juice and you get even more Vitamin C along with a healthy dose of potassium. Trust me when I say this jam offers a delightfully sweet route to staying healthy!
Pairing the Jam with Other Dishes
As great as the Acerola Jam is on its own, its versatile flavor makes it even more exciting as a partner for other dishes. It pairs beautifully with classics like toast or pancakes for a hearty breakfast. If you’re in mood for a sweet and tangy twist, try serving it along with some grilled pork, a trick I learned from a dear Food Network chef. And for my fellow seafood lovers, try it as a glaze on broiled salmon. The combination of the tender, flavorful fish and the sweet, tangy jam: absolute perfection!
So, if you’re a fan of exciting flavor combinations as much as I am, do give this Acerola Jam recipe a try. Whether you’re spreading it on your morning toast or using it to jazz up your grilled salmon dinner, it’s a sweet treat that will take your meals to new heights.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of acerola cherries
- 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 cup of water
Method
Step One
Start by washing the acerola cherries thoroughly under cold water. After, remove the seeds from each cherry.
Step Two
Place the de-seeded cherries in a large pot along with the granulated sugar and the juice of one large lemon.
Step Three
Add a cup of water to the pot, stirring all the ingredients together until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Four
Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 60 to 90 minutes or until the mixture becomes thick and syrupy, resembling a jam-like consistency.
Step Five
Once your jam is ready, carefully transfer it to sterilized glass jars, leaving some headspace at the top. Seal the jars immediately while the jam is still hot.
Step Six
Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. Once cooled, you can store the jam in the refrigerator for up to three months. Remember to shake the jars before using.
