Carambola Jam
Sweet and tangy carambola jam features vibrant starfruit flavor, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheeses. Suitable for fruit lovers and homemade jam enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove stems from the fruit.
- Peel the carambola.
- Remove seeds from the fruit.
- Crush the fruit and measure 4 cups into a 6 or 8 quart pot.
- Stir in 7 cups of sugar.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of butter or margarine.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Add Certo fruit pectin.
- Return to a full, rolling boil and boil for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and skim off foam.
- Pour the jam into jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother jam, ensure the carambola is thoroughly crushed, and consider using a food processor. If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it may affect the setting. Adding a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor. If you don't have Certo, use another brand of fruit pectin suitable for jams.
Serving Suggestions
Carambola jam is delightful on toast or as a topping for pancakes. It pairs beautifully with Polish Sweet Bread for a unique breakfast. For dessert, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or yogurt. You can also use it as a glaze for meats or in a cheese platter for an interesting contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the jam in sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Keep the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, store in the refrigerator where it will last for up to a month. If you want to reuse jars, ensure they are well cleaned and sterilized before filling them again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carambola Jam contains roughly 1309 calories, with 3g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 138g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen carambola for this jam?
Yes, you can use frozen carambola. Thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before crushing and measuring it for the recipe. The flavor may be slightly different, but it will still make a delicious jam.
How do I know if my jam has set properly?
To check if your jam has set, place a spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn't run back together, it's set. If not, boil for an additional minute and test again.
What can I do with leftover carambola jam?
Leftover jam can be used in various ways. Use it as a filling for pastries or cakes, swirl it into oatmeal, or mix it into yogurt for a fruity treat. It also works well as a glaze for meats or a topping for desserts like cheesecake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).