Paradise Jam
Paradise Jam is a vibrant, sweet fruit preserve combining crushed pineapple, ground peaches, and maraschino cherries. Its luscious texture and balanced sweetness make it perfect for spreading on toast or serving with desserts. Ideal for fruit lovers seeking a colorful, homemade treat to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil prepared fruit for 1 minute.
- Add Certo and remove from heat.
- Stir for 5 minutes to prevent floating fruit.
- Skim foam if necessary.
- Ladle into jars.
- Cover at once with wax.
- If using jelly jars with 2-piece lids, fill jar to 1/8-inch of top.
- Screw tops on tight.
- Invert jars for 5 minutes, then turn upright.
- After jars have cooled, check seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker jam, consider adding a bit of lemon juice to enhance flavor and help with preservation. If you prefer a sweeter jam, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but be aware that this may affect the setting. Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-drained to avoid excess moisture. To make this jam more unique, try incorporating a splash of vanilla extract for added depth.
Serving Suggestions
Paradise Jam is delightful spread over toast or scones for breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with Spicy Nuts for a savory-sweet snack. Consider serving it alongside cheese platters or as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. For a unique twist, use it as a filling in pastries or cakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of Paradise Jam in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until just heated through. This preserves the flavor and texture without compromising the jam's quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Paradise Jam contains roughly 1013 calories, with 3g protein, 261g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 19g 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 fresh peaches instead of ground peaches?
Yes, you can use fresh peaches! Just peel and chop them finely, then blend them to achieve a ground consistency. Ensure to measure the equivalent amount as specified to maintain the jam's texture and sweetness.
How can I tell if the jam has set properly?
If you're uncertain about the setting, a candy thermometer can be helpful. The jam should reach a temperature of about 220°F (104°C) to ensure proper consistency.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar, but keep in mind that sugar plays a crucial role in preservation and texture. Reducing it too much might affect the jam's ability to set and its shelf life. Experiment with small reductions to find the right balance for your taste.
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).