| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins – 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 1g | 0g | 75g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 70g | 2g | 1g | 0.01g |
From the coastal regions of Charleston, South Carolina to the eclectic food scene of dynamic urban eateries, one cannot underestimate the versatility of the humble fruit-based recipe. And one such gem in this fruity gastronomy is none other than the delicious, tangy and vibrant Ximenia Jam.
A Tangy Twist on Tradition
Widely cherished for my Southern classics like melt-in-your-mouth biscuits and savory fried chicken, creating something sweet, tangy and delectably fruity like Ximenia Jam brings a refreshing counterpoint to my usual kitchen repertoire. This recipe has a winning combination of Ximenia fruit, sugar, water, lemon juice and a touch of vanilla extract, all thickened beautifully with pectin for the perfect spreadable consistency. I can’t help but imagine the sweet-tart goodness of this jam spread generously over a hot, buttery biscuit straight out of the oven – pure bliss!
Bringing Health and Flavor Together
As a surfing enthusiast, I like to keep my recipes as health-conscious as possible. And this Ximenia Jam is no different. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, Ximenia fruit is recognised for its wide array of health benefits. The fruit has been used in traditional African medicine for generations to treat a plethora of ailments, from skin conditions to gastrointestinal issues. Including this fruit in your diet could be a small step towards a healthier lifestyle, without compromising on the taste and enjoyment of food.
Perfect Pairings
This Ximenia jam draws inspiration from some of my favorite fruit preserve recipes. It bears semblance to the familiar tangy sweetness of apricot or peach jam, but with a distinctly unique fruity note that sets it apart.
Whether it’s layered on freshly toasted sourdough or dolloped atop a stack of fluffy pancakes, Ximenia jam works beautifully with a wide array of dishes. Pair it with savory offerings like cheeseboards or light sandwiches for a delightful contrast of flavors. For a true Southern delicacy, try accompanying it with traditional dishes like chicken and waffles or biscuits and gravy. The refreshing tartness of Ximenia jam cuts through the richness of these dishes, complementing them perfectly. Discover more about the world of fruit preserves here.
Elevate your morning toast or bring a novel twist to your next brunch with this savory-sweet Ximenia Jam. A delicious testament to the fact that food is not just about tradition, but also about discovery, creativity, and above all, taste!
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of Ximenia fruit
- 1.5 cups of white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 packet (1 ounce) of pectin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 sterilized glass jars with lids
Method
Step One
First, you need to thoroughly cleanse the Ximenia fruit. After washing, pit the fruit and cut it into small pieces. Be sure to discard any seeds.
Step Two
In a large pot, combine the Ximenia fruit, 1 cup of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes until the fruit becomes soft.
Step Three
Add the sugar into the pot while stirring continuously until it dissolves fully. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the pectin and allow the mixture to return to a boil. Let it boil for roughly 1 minute.
Step Four
After the mixture has boiled, now is the time to add the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir these in and remove the pot from the heat.
Step Five
Take your sterilized jars and fill them with the hot Ximenia mixture. Leave approximately 1/4 inch space at the top to allow for expansion during the preservation process. Seal the jars tightly with the lids.
Step Six
Now, to preserve the jam for a longer period, put a rack into a large pot filled with boiling water. Place the filled and sealed jars onto the rack, ensuring that they are completely covered by the boiling water. Let them stay in the boiling water for approximately 10 minutes. After this, remove the jars from the water and let them cool at room temperature.
Step Seven
Your Ximenia jam is now ready to be enjoyed! Store the cooled jars in a dark, cool place until ready to use. Enjoy on toast, biscuits, or any way you prefer!
