Imagine the comfort of biting into hot toast smeared with homemade jam, where the taste of fresh fruits bursts in every mouthful.
As the trend for delicious recipes sweeps the nation, more families are leaning into jam making. They're on the hunt, just like you, for that perfect healthy jam recipe to ensure their spread is as good for the body as it is for the taste buds.
Let's discover the ultimate jam recipe, along with all the healthy benefits.
What this article covers:Healthy Jam Recipe: Delicious, Quick and Easy
Whipping up a no-added sugar jam that's utterly delicious has never been easier! Without further ado, let's get stuck into making a gluten free, no added sugar blackcurrant jam just like ours!
How to Make No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Jam
For this jam recipe, you can use GOOD GOOD's low sugar pancake syrup (just like for a keto jam recipe) to ensure a low-sugar jelly consistency and taste without compromising on your diet goals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of fresh blackcurrants
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of apple juice concentrate (for sweetness; this is natural fruit sugar, not an added sweetener) or another natural sweetener (like stevia vanilla) of your choice
- 2 tbsp of chia seeds (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Here's how to prepare the blackcurrants:
- Begin by rinsing the blackcurrants thoroughly in cold water.
- Remove any stems or leaves, and if you come across any soft or blemished currants, discard them.
Now, it's time to cook the blackcurrants:
- In a large pot, combine the blackcurrants and water.
- Turn on cook mode on your stove and let the mixture simmer on medium heat until it starts to break down, releasing its natural juices.
- Then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This will soften the currants and release their natural pectin, which helps the jam set.
Add a little sweetness:
- Stir in the apple juice concentrate and mix it well. This will add natural sweetness to your jam.
- If you want, you can adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
Thickening the jam:
- If you're using chia seeds, add them at this stage as the mixture heats. Chia seeds absorb liquid and act as natural thickeners, helping you achieve that coveted jam-like texture.
- Continue to cook the mixture for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Testing the Jam
To test if your blackcurrant jam has set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through the jam; if it wrinkles and doesn't flood to fill the gap, it's ready. If not, you can cook it a bit longer and/or add more chia seeds.
Storing the Jam
Once your jam has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Transfer the jam to an airtight container (a sterilized jar in this case), leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal the jars while the jam is still warm.
Store the jam in the refrigerator. This jam can be served immediately or stored in the fridge. For a thicker consistency, leave it in the fridge overnight. Since there's no added sugar or preservatives, it's best to consume the jam within a month.
Et voila! It's time to sit back and enjoy your homemade, no added sugar blackcurrant jam!
Expanding Your Jam-Making Repertoire
Once you've mastered this basic recipe, venture out and try variations like our sugar free orange marmalade, sugar free grape jelly, or our tangy sugar free lemon curd.
Combine it with some delectable chocolate spread (Choco Hazel and Choco Orange flavors) to give your sandwiches and meal times a rich and zesty punch.
Why Is ‘No Added Sugar' So Important in Jam Recipes?
The global movement towards healthier food choices has sparked many a debate. From pondering, ‘Is toast and jam healthy?', to searching for the best jam for kids, today's consumers are more educated and discerning than ever.
Health Benefits of Reduced Sugar Intake in Sandwich Spreads
When you lower your intake of added sugar, especially refined sugar, you're taking a significant step toward improved health. Reduced sugar intake can lead to:
- Decreased risk of dental issues.
- Reduced chances of weight gain and obesity.
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Potential for improved heart health.
The Peanut Butter and Jelly Paradigm
Many wonder, ‘How healthy are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches?' The answer largely depends on the ingredients. A homemade jam recipe with natural sugars from fruit is undoubtedly better than a commercial jam laden with additives and refined sugars.
Combine it with whole-grain bread and GOOD GOOD's crunch peanut butters or our low sugar peanut butter, and you've turned a classic sandwich into a more nutritious choice.
Embracing Natural Sweetness
A delicious recipe doesn't need to be brimming with sugar. For instance, a jam recipe that harnesses the natural sugars from fruits doesn't require extra sweetening. When a recipe calls for sweeteners, consider natural alternatives or reduce the quantity.
Take Control with Online Tools
Curious about how much sugar is in your spread? Use an online nutrition calculator to gauge the sugar content of your jams, or better yet, dive into crafting your own healthy fruit jam. It's not about eliminating sweetness from our lives, but rather redefining it. The shift toward no added sugar celebrates nature's offerings while promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Conclusion
Embracing healthier choices has never been this delicious. With the surge of store bought jams, it's tempting to pick convenience. However, it's essential to remember the long-term benefits of what we feed our bodies.
At GOOD GOOD, we're all about giving you options that support a balanced lifestyle without compromising taste. Wondering about shelf life? Our range of sugar free jams and jellies isn't just fresh; it's crafted for lasting goodness.
Ready for a tasteful change? Explore our range, try our products, and, hey, why not share your own healthy jam recipes with us while you're at it? Dive in and savor the sweetness of making healthy choices with GOOD GOOD today!
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