| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 242 | 0g | 0g | 63g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 56g | 3g | 0g | 1mg |
There are some flavors that awaken the deepest corners of your memory. For me, Fresh Papaya Jam is one of them. I remember the bright tropical aroma, the velvet texture, and the unique taste dancing on my tongue each time I lathered it on fresh ciabatta baked by my grandmother when I was a kid.
A Gift from Nature
Papayas, the heart of this delectable recipe, boast not only a vibrant tropical flavor but also a significant array of health benefits. Originating from Central America, this fruit is remarkably high in Vitamin C and digestive enzymes, supporting your immune system and promoting gut health. When transformed into jam, these benefits are conveniently packed into a delicious spread you can enjoy with your favorite snacks or breakfast items.
The Italian-American Twist
Creating jam from scratch might seem a little removed from my Italian-American heritage, but I like to think that it embodies the spirit infused into every meal by my beloved nonna – the devotion to natural, wholesome ingredients, the joy in making something wonderful for the family, and the fusion of the old and new. It’s a universal process that transcends cuisines, cultures and generations. Plus, the experience of making and savoring a fresh batch of Fresh Papaya Jam is representative of the love and care placed in each meal at my family’s table.
I highly recommend this Fresh Papaya Jam as a fantastic companion to an assortment of dishes. It complements savoury dishes perfectly, adding a tropical twist to an Italian bruschetta with mozzarella or spread atop a classic American turkey club sandwich. But my personal favorite is spooning it onto warm, fluffy pancakes on a lazy Sunday morning, reinforcing the presence of tradition and love in each meal I share with my loved ones. As an integral part of my culinary journey, I hope this recipe will also bring a touch of sweetness and joy to your table.
What You’ll Need
- 2 large ripe papayas
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of pectin
- 1/2 cup of water
Method
Step One
Start by peeling the papayas and scooping out their seeds. Cut them into small chunks.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the papaya chunks, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir everything together to mix it well.
Step Three
Over medium-high heat, bring the mix to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the papaya from sticking to the pot.
Step Four
After simmering for about 20 minutes, the papaya should be soft and broken down. At this point, add the pectin into the pot and stir until it is completely dissolved.
Step Five
Return the mix to a boil and let it cook for about 10 more minutes until the jam starts to thicken. Be sure to stir regularly to prevent scorching.
Step Six
Finally, remove the pot from heat and allow the jam to cool before transferring it into jars. Once cool, you can store it in the refrigerator, where it will further thicken. Your fresh Papaya Jam is now ready to enjoy!
