Jam is a sweet way to preserve fruits when they are in their best season, and preparing it at home is a pleasure that brings us back to traditional cuisine. The problem is that it is a preparation that requires a significant amount of added sugars, and not only for the sweet taste. With agar-agar we can thicken it very easily, without strange textures or flavors.
Chia seeds have become a very popular ingredient in the preparation of healthy homemade jams and compotes, since when hydrated they release their gelling power. However, they are not liked by everyone because of their texture; that’s why we propose a alternative with algae powder, today easy to find in any large supermarket and specialized stores.
If we use fresh fruits, wash and dry gently. In the case of using them frozen, put in a strainer under the tap of water with gentle power to remove some of the ice, drain and arrange in a saucepan or wide pot.
Add the vanilla bean split in two with a longitudinal cut, the citrus juice to taste and the finely chopped pitted date. If it’s a medjool it should be very juicy; otherwise, let it soak beforehand if necessary.
Put on the fire and cook stirring and crushing the fruits gently, until it acquires a homogeneous and smooth consistency, almost undone, and almost all the liquid released by the fruit evaporates. It can be mashed with a blender if desired.
Remove the vanilla, dissolve the agar-agar in a little cold water, add and stir gently. Bring to a boil for about 5 minutes more and put out the fire. Carry one or two airtight containers and store in the fridge when chilled or frozen. Consume in a week maximum.
With what to accompany the sugar-free red fruit jam
The flavor and sweetness of our healthy jam It will vary according to the type of fruit and the proportion that we use, so we can play with the quantities and flavorings to our liking or according to the use that we want to give it. Less sweet, it is perfect to accompany savory dishes, as it goes very well, for example, with poultry or neutral proteins such as grilled tofu or smoked seitan. In any case, we recommend taking it for breakfast and snacks with 100% wholemeal bread, a fitness sponge cake or with natural yogurt or fresh cheese.
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