How to Make Guava Jam in 5 Easy Steps

Making jam with guava is an easy and enjoyable way to preserve this tropical fruit’s delicious flavor. Whether you have a guava tree in your backyard or found them at a local market, making jam is an excellent way to enjoy guavas any time of year. From spreading it on toast to using it as a glaze for meats, guava jam is a versatile condiment that pairs well with many dishes. In this article, we will go through the simple steps to make guava jam that is sure to impress your friends and family.

The first step to making guava jam is to select ripe guavas. When the guava fruit is fragrant and has a soft texture, it is an excellent time to make jam. Start by washing the fruit thoroughly and cutting it into small pieces. In a large saucepan, add the guava pieces and water and simmer until the fruit has softened. Then, add granulated sugar and lemon juice to the mixture and continue to simmer until it thickens. Finally, pour the jam into jars, let it cool, and enjoy! With a few simple steps, you can make delicious guava jam that you will love.

Choosing the right guavas

Guavas come in different varieties and sizes, so make sure to choose the right ones for your jam. The most common type of guava is the round one with pink or yellow flesh. Look for ripe guavas that are soft and have a sweet aroma. Avoid guavas that are bruised, have black spots, or are too ripe.

Preparing the guavas

Before making jam, you need to prepare the guavas. Rinse them well and cut off the stems. Cut the guavas into small pieces, removing the seeds as you go. You can also use a food processor to blend the guavas into a puree if you prefer a smoother jam.

Adding sugar and lemon juice

To sweeten the guava jam, you’ll need to add some sugar. The amount of sugar you add depends on your personal preference and the sweetness of the guavas. Start with a ratio of 1:1 (1 cup of sugar for 1 cup of guava puree) and adjust to taste. Lemon juice is also essential in balancing the sweetness and providing a tangy flavor to the jam.

Boiling the guava mixture

Once you have mixed the guava puree, sugar, and lemon juice, it’s time to boil the mixture. In a large pot, bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until it thickens and reaches the desired consistency.

Testing for doneness

To test if the jam is ready, put a small amount on a chilled plate and let it cool for a few seconds. Run your finger through the jam; if it leaves a trail, the jam is ready. If not, continue to cook the jam for a few more minutes and repeat the test.

Removing foam

During the cooking process, foam may appear on the surface of the jam. Remove the foam using a spoon or skimmer. This will not only make your jam look more appealing but also help prevent spoilage.

Preparing jars and lids

Before filling the jars with jam, make sure they are clean and sterilized. Wash them in hot soapy water, rinse, and dry them thoroughly. If you’re using canning jars, sterilize them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Boil the lids for a few minutes as well.

Fill the jars with jam

Using a sterilized ladle, fill the jars with hot jam, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or debris. Place the lids on top and screw on the bands, but don’t overtighten them.

Processing the jars

To process the jars, place them in a boiling water bath. Make sure the water level is at least one inch above the jars. Boil for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the jars and your altitude. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a wire rack.

Enjoying your guava jam

After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing on the center of the lid. If it clicks, the jar is not sealed properly; refrigerate it and consume it within a few weeks. The rest of the jars can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a year. Enjoy your guava jam with toast, biscuits, or as a topping for ice cream!

Ingredients Required for Making Guava Jam

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let us first discuss the ingredients you will need to make a delicious jar of guava jam. Listed below are the key ingredients required for making the jam at home:

1. Guavas- 2 lbs
2. Granulated Sugar – 2 cups
3. Water – 1 and 1/2 cup
4. Lemon Juice – 1/4 cup
5. Cinnamon Stick – 1
6. Cheesecloth
7. Strainer
8. Jar for storage
9. Ladle
10. Pot

Now that you know the necessary ingredients let us move to the preparation process of making guava jam.

Preparing Guava for Making the Jam

Firstly, you need to wash the guavas thoroughly with water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Cut them into halves or quarters and discard the hard seeds from the center. Make sure you remove all the seeds as they can affect the texture of the jam.

The Boiling Process

Place the guava pieces in a pot and add water to it. Pour the sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in the pot and heat the mixture on medium heat stirring occasionally. Make sure the sugar dissolves completely. Once that is done, bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally.

Reducing the Mixture

As the mixture boils, it will start to thicken. The water will evaporate, and you will be left with a thick syrupy mixture. Let the mixture continue to boil for some more time. Stir occasionally as the mixture reduces so that it doesn’t stick to the pot’s bottom.

Checking the Mixture Consistency

To check if the mixture has reached the desired consistency, you can perform a simple test. Take a spoon, dip it into the mixture, let it cool, and observe the mixture’s thickness. If it is sticky and thick, then it’s ready, but if it’s runny, then let it boil for some more time.

Straining the Mixture

Once you have achieved the desired consistency, turn off the heat. Use the cheesecloth to strain the mixture and remove any solid particles from the jam. Squeeze the cheesecloth once or twice to extract all the syrup from it.

Storing the Jam

Take the jar that you will use to store the jam and ladle the hot guava jam into it. It’s better to use a jar with a tight lid so that the jam remains fresh and free from any contamination. Store the jar in the refrigerator for later use.

How to Serve Guava Jam

Guava jam is perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits for breakfast or as a snack. You can also use it as a topping on ice cream or waffles. It is also a great accompaniment for cheese and crackers.

Variations

You can experiment with different spices like star anise, ground ginger or even add some chopped fruits like pineapple, strawberry, or raspberry for an extra flavourful twist.

Tips for Making Perfect Guava Jam

– Choose ripe and sweet guavas as they will give a better taste to the jam.
– Keep stirring the mixture constantly so that it doesn’t stick to the pot.
– Do not over-boil the mixture, as it can make the jam too thick and sticky.
– Use a clean and sterile jar for storing the jam.
– Once the jar is opened, refrigerate it.
– Test the texture of the jam before storing it.
– Ensure that the jam isn’t too runny, or it may spoil quickly.

In conclusion, guava jam is a delicious treat that is easy to prepare at home. Follow these steps to make a perfect jar of guava jam that you can enjoy with toast, ice cream, biscuits, or cheese!

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Guava Jam

1. Preparing the Guava

To make guava jam, you first need to select ripe and firm guavas. Start by washing the guavas in cold water and remove the stem end. Cut the guavas into small pieces and remove the seeds. You can use a spoon to scoop the seeds out of the fruit or use a strainer to separate the seeds from the fruit puree.

2. Cooking the Guava

In a large cooking pot, add the guava fruit puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix the ingredients well and then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until it thickens. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking or burning of the mixture.

3. Testing the Jam

After 30 minutes of cooking, test the jam by dropping a spoonful of it onto a frozen plate. If it sets quickly, then the jam is done. If it’s still runny, continue cooking and repeating the test after every 5-10 minutes until you achieve the desired consistency.

4. Sterilizing the Jam Jars

While the jam is cooking, prepare the jam jars by washing them thoroughly in hot soapy water, rinsing them well and then placing them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes to sterilize them. Dry them with a clean towel or leave them to air dry.

5. Filling and Storing the Jam

Once the jam is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, using a ladle, fill the jars with the jam, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top of the jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean towel to remove any spilled jam and then seal the jars tightly with the sterilized lids. You can store the jam in a cool and dry place for up to a year if unopened. Once opened, it should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within one to two months.

Making guava jam may take some time, but the result is worth it. It is delicious, healthy, and can be a great addition to your breakfast toast or sandwich. With this simple step-by-step guide, you can make a flavorful and satisfying guava jam that you can enjoy anytime. Experiment with adding different flavors like ginger or vanilla to the recipe to create a unique taste that suits you. Happy jam-making!

Happy Jamming!

Now that you know how to make jam with guava, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start creating! Remember, the key to success is to taste as you go and adjust as needed. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your flavor combinations and try new things. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you again soon for more delicious recipes and kitchen tips. Happy jamming!