Alycha Jam: 4 Recipes for Making It

Alycha is a small berry that has gained enormous popularity around the world thanks to its amazing taste. This predecessor of the garden plum has several varieties, which differ from each other in color of fruits, taste and even their structure. Despite the significant differences, each of the varieties of alycha is used as a food and can be the basis for the preparation of homemade compotes, marshmallows, marmalade, wine, jam and many other dishes.

Today, you can meet a tree studded with berries of alycha, it is possible on every second dacha or homestead plot. It does not require special care and gives a good harvest. For example, if grown in a suitable climatic region, a mature alycha tree can yield up to 300 kilograms of fully ripened berries. One of the most popular ways to process them is to make jam or jam. In this case, the consumption of such a delicacy will not only help to diversify the daily diet of the household, but also saturate the body with the missing vitamins and other useful substances that are part of the alycha.

Composition and calories

The composition and nutritional value of any jam directly depends on what berries or fruits are in its basis. For example, alycha includes a large number of vitamins. 100 g of fresh berries contain in their composition:

• 0.5 mg of vitamin PP;
• 0.3 mg of vitamin E;
• 0.16 mg of beta-carotene;
• 13 mg of ascorbic acid;
• 27 mcg of vitamin A;
• 0.03 mg of riboflavin;
• 0.02 mg thiamine.

Minerals are also present in the composition of this small berry. In 100 g of the product contains:

• 27 mg calcium;
• 1.9 mg of iron;
• 21 mg of magnesium;
• 25 mg of phosphorus;
• 17 mg sodium;
• 188 mg potassium.

When consuming alycha and its derivatives, it is important to consider the nutritional value of the berry as well. Its 100 g includes:

• 0.2 g of plant proteins;
• 7.8 g of monosaccharides and disaccharides;
• 0.1 g of fat;
• 0.5 g of organic acids;
• 7.9 g carbohydrates;
• 0.5 g ash;
• 1.8 g dietary fiber;
• 0.1 g starch;
• 89 g water.

Each of these nutrients is also present in the composition of jam, the basis of which is alycha. However, when consuming it, you should take into account the fact that the amount of nutrients will be changed. In addition, there are some sugars in the composition of alycha jam, which is easily explained by the presence of granulated sugar in the recipe for the preparation of the delicacy.

An obvious plus of this delicacy can be called the complete absence of cholesterol in its composition. However, the same cannot be said about the sugar. Sugar contains in this delicacy in large quantities, which should be taken into account by patients suffering from diabetes, excessive weight and other diseases. Of course, this does not mean that you have to completely abandon the consumption of alycha jam. However, you will have to limit its quantity. In small doses, this delicacy can not only deliver gastronomic pleasure, but also have a beneficial effect on the human body, saturating it with vitamins, minerals and other useful substances.

If we talk about the caloric value of jam, then it can be attributed to the products, the consumption of which is allowed even in cases where it is necessary to reduce the daily norm of calorie consumption. One serving of this delicacy (100 g) contains only 288 calories, which indicates that the product is low in calories.

What is useful in a cherry plum jam

Thanks to its unique composition, alycha is considered one of the most useful berries. Vitamins, minerals and other useful substances it contains are able to have a beneficial effect on the human body. At the same time it is worth noting that the beneficial properties of the berry are preserved even after heat treatment.

Experts assert that regular consumption of alycha berry jam can improve the work of all internal organs, systems and the entire body as a whole:

1. Remove toxins, toxins and other substances that can have a negative impact on the work of internal organs.
2. Improve blood circulation.
3. Normalize the work of the central nervous system, helping to cope with the initial stages of depression, nervousness and sleep disorders.
4. Improve the metabolism.
5. Remove accumulations of bile from the body, which is possible thanks to a mild choleretic effect.
6. Completely relieve or reduce the acute pain that occurs during a migraine attack.
7. Improve the protective function of the body, which is especially important during the spread of colds.
8. Relieve acute respiratory diseases, getting rid of a scratchy throat and a slight cough.
9. Improve the appearance of the skin.
10. Stop the premature aging process.

Studies have shown that regular consumption of alycha and its derivatives helps improve the condition of the kidneys, liver and urinary tract, prevents the development of dangerous diseases and speeds up the recovery process in case of their presence.

According to many physicians, cherry plum jam should be included in the diet of patients who have suffered severe diseases. Due to the presence in its composition of a large number of vitamins, the delicacy will help to restore the exhausted body, which will not only improve the overall health of the patient, but also significantly reduce the rehabilitation period.

The vitamins that are present in the composition of cherry plum jam, will help to cope with seasonal avitaminosis. This allows you to maintain excellent health throughout the winter period and prevent the development of many disorders that arise from a lack of nutrients.

It is obvious that the introduction of jam from alycha in the daily diet will help everyone to maintain health for many years and forget about many diseases once and for all.

How to choose alycha for jam

Speaking about alycha jam, the first thing that comes to mind is the unique taste and aroma of the favorite delicacy. However, it is not always possible to achieve such a result. To ensure that the efforts were not in vain, and the taste of the finished jam pleased all members of the family, you need to choose the right berries for its preparation.

1. The first thing you should pay attention to is the degree of maturity of the alycha. Only fully ripe berries are suitable for making jam. Even slightly underripe alycha will spoil the taste and aroma of the finished product. It is also not recommended to use overripe berries for making jam. They are suitable only for making jam.

2. Do not forget that only fresh and quality berries can be used for making jam. Alycha with signs of rot, mold, or parasite infestation should be discarded. Once in the jam, such berries will spoil not only its taste, but will also be the reason for the uselessness of the delicacy.

Peculiarities of cooking jam

It would seem that what could be easier - to cook jam. That is what many young housewives think. However, ignorance of the peculiarities of cooking this delicacy will lead to the fact that the obtained result will not meet expectations.

In order for the jam to turn out delicious, fragrant and had an appetizing appearance, the following nuances should be taken into account during its preparation:

1. The ripeness of the berries. As already mentioned, alycha jam will have a great taste and flavor only if it was cooked from ripe berries.
2. The amount of sugar. In order for the treat to be delicious and have a long shelf life, it is not recommended to reduce the amount of sugar during its preparation. This ingredient should be at least 60%. Otherwise, the microorganisms that are contained in the alycha will continue to multiply, which will lead to souring of the jam.
3. Preserving the integrity of the fruit. Young housewives are often faced with the fact that during the preparation of jam the integrity of the alycha is violated. Soak the cherry plums in sugar syrup for at least 3 hours before cooking so that they have an attractive appearance and the fruit remains intact.
4. Cooking utensils. To reduce the risk of the jam sticking, cook it in a double-bottomed pot.

Taking into account each of these nuances, even an inexperienced hostess will be able to cook delicious and fragrant jam on their own.

How to make jam from alycha: recipes

Jam from alycha is liked by both children and adults. It can be used as an independent product or be used as a filling for sweet baked goods. In this case, the process of its preparation will not take too much time and effort, and the result will surpass all expectations.

To date, there are many recipes for cooking this treat. However, the most popular of them are considered to be the following:

• classic jam;
• seedless jam;
• jam;
• Alycha and orange jam.

Classic cherry plum jam

One of the most popular recipes for making alycha jam is the classic way of cooking the delicacy. This recipe involves the use of fruit with bones, which is important to consider when preparing berries.

To prepare a classic jam you will need:

• 500 g of fresh cherry plums;
• 600 grams of sugar;
• 150 ml of purified water.

Having prepared all the ingredients, you can proceed to the preparation of the delicacy, which consists of the following steps:

1. Take out all the alycha, removing the fruits that show signs of decay, mold or pest infestation. After that, remove the stalks and rinse the alycha thoroughly in clean, cool water.
2. The next step in making jam is to blanch the cherry plums. To do this, take a wide saucepan, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil. In the boiling water, put a colander filled with cherry plums, slightly reduce the heat and boil the cherry plums for 5-7 minutes.
3. After this time, cool the alycha by placing them in a bowl with cold water.
4. After cooling, prick each berry with a fork in several places.
5. Leave the berries in a container, which has been chosen for cooking, and proceed to prepare the sugar syrup.
6. To make the sugar syrup, pour the specified amount of water into a small saucepan, add the sugar and mix thoroughly. Bring the syrup to a boil and simmer for another 5-6 minutes. The main condition for successful cooking is constant stirring.
7. Pour the syrup into a container with alycha, cover and leave for 4 hours.
8. After this time pour the syrup into a container and bring it to boil again. When the syrup is boiling, simmer for another 15 minutes.
9. Pour the syrup into a pan with the alycha and leave for another 4 hours. After that, repeat the procedure one more time.
10. After keeping the alycha in the syrup for the third time, proceed to making the jam. Put a container with berries, poured syrup, on the stove, set the minimum heat and simmer for no more than 20 minutes.
11. Without waiting for it to cool, pour the jam into glass, presterilized jars and seal it.

Alycha jam, made according to this recipe, will delight you with its rich flavor and unique aroma. However, it is not recommended to introduce it to children's diet. Small children will be more suitable for that delicacy, during the preparation of which all the bones are removed from the alycha.

Pitted cherry plum jam

Pitted cherry plum jam is no less popular. However, the process of making it takes more time.

To cook jam according to this recipe, you will need:

• 1 kg of ripe alycha;
• 1.1 kg of granulated sugar.

The process of cooking the delicacy consists of the following steps:

1. Peel the alycha. Remove fruits that show signs of spoilage or parasite infestation. After that, pour the alycha into a basin, fill it with cold water and rinse the fruit thoroughly. Repeat the procedure 2-3 times.
2. Remove the stalks from the washed alycha and, dividing each berry in half, remove the pips.
3. Pour the halves of fruit into a container of suitable size, pour the specified amount of sugar, cover with lid, gauze or clean towel to prevent dusting, and leave in the refrigerator overnight.
4. In the morning, when the sugar has dissolved and the berries are juicing, you can proceed to the next stage of cooking. Take the billet out of the fridge, bring it to a boil over medium heat, and then simmer for another 5-7 minutes. During cooking, do not forget to remove the foam and from time to time stir the jam, so that it does not stick.
5. After the specified amount of time, remove the jam from the heat, cover the container with a lid and leave for 6-7 hours.
6. When the jam is infused, repeat the procedure 3 more times, following all the recommendations in the previous paragraph.
7. After the last brew, you don't need to infuse the mass. Pour it into jars while it is hot and seal it.

The jam prepared according to this recipe can be used as a filling for sweet baked goods, an addition to porridge or to make sweet toast. This delicacy will be able to transform the taste of familiar dishes and saturate the body with more nutrients.

Jam from alycha

Jam, prepared from the fruits of the cherry plum, can be found in the kitchen of every experienced hostess. And this is not surprising! Its taste and delicate texture make this delicacy a truly unique and very popular product.

To prepare a cherry plum jam, prepare:

• 500 g of cherry plums;
• 600 grams of sugar.

The preparation of this delicacy requires strict compliance with the technology:

1. Examine each fruit and remove those that show signs of mold, rot, and other signs of spoilage. When only good quality fruit remains in the basin, remove the stalks and rinse them under cold, running water.
2. Lay the clean alycha in a single layer on a waffle towel or a piece of thin natural cloth.
3. When the berries have dried a little, put them in a saucepan that is the right size. Pour so much water that its level is slightly above the alycha, and boil for no more than 10 minutes, pre-setting a low fire.
4. After cooking, grind the alycha with a fine sieve or colander, pour the resulting mass into a pot suitable for cooking, pour in sugar and mix thoroughly.
5. The mixture of sugar and mashed cherry plums bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for no more than 7-10 minutes, remembering to remove the foam and stir constantly.
6. After the specified period of time, remove the jam from the fire, cover with a lid and leave for 7-8 hours.
7. Repeat the cooking and steeping twice more.
8. When you are finished cooking, pour the goodies into prepared jars and seal them with sterile lids.

Jam from alycha ready. Enjoy its rich flavor and pleasant sweetness can be enjoyed after the complete cooling of the dainty.

Making jam from cherry plums and oranges

Not all hostesses know that cherry plums go well with citrus fruits, including oranges. This makes it possible to use them as one of the ingredients when making alycha jam. In this case, the taste of such a delicacy will surprise with its delicacy and unique aftertaste.

Prepare the following components:

• Fresh, fully ripe alycha - 500 g;
• granulated sugar - 600 gr;
• purified water - 100 ml;
• 1 large orange.

The stages of preparation should be followed in the same sequence as specified in the recipe:

1. Pour the alycha into a large basin or saucepan. Carefully inspect the berries and pick out the ones that have mold or signs of decay.
2. Afterwards, wash the alycha thoroughly, using only cold water.
3. Remove the pips from the cleaned alycha. After that, cut the fruit into medium-sized pieces and dump them into a saucepan designed for making jam.
4. While slicing the cherry plums, proceed to prepare the orange. Scald it with a small amount of steep boiling water and cut in any convenient way, without removing the skin.
5. Pour the sliced orange to the alycha and leave it for some time.
6. The next step in making jam is to cook the sugar syrup. Take a container of suitable size, and mix in it the specified amount of sugar and water. The resulting mixture put on a low heat and boil until the sugar is completely dissolved, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon.
7. When the syrup is ready, pour it to the mixture of cherry plums and oranges, put on medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil the jam for another 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the fire.
8. Cover the pot with a thick towel or a lid and leave the jam until it has cooled.
9. When the jam cools down, repeat the boiling process once more, and then let the jam cool down again.
10. The last stage of cooking also involves cooking for 5-7 minutes. But after that the mass should immediately pour into prepared jars and seal them.

The taste of such a delicacy will surprise every housewife and guest with its unique taste, appearance and aroma.

Rules for storing jam

In order for the delicacy to retain all its taste qualities, pleasant aroma, appetizing appearance and useful properties, it is important not only to cook jam properly, but also to store it in appropriate conditions. Remember - consuming expired product can cause serious food poisoning and provoke unpleasant symptoms. These may include:

• Severe bouts of nausea and vomiting;
• Intestinal disorders;
• pain syndrome localized in the abdomen;
• weakness;
• an increase in body temperature.

To prevent the appearance of such symptoms, store homemade alycha jam for no more than 24 months. It is important to take into account the fact that in order to preserve the freshness and useful properties of the delicacy, the temperature in the room should not exceed 20 degrees Celsius. If the recommended temperature regime is not observed the shelf life of the ready product significantly decreases.

Pay attention also to the fact that low temperatures can also negatively affect the quality of the delicacy. However, in this case, we are not talking about its complete unsuitability for use. When storing jam in a room with an air temperature below 5 degrees Celsius, the dessert may become sugary. If the color, flavor and aroma of the product has not changed, the jam is considered suitable for consumption. You can use it as a food product only after repeated boiling and dissolving the sugar. However, it should be noted that such a treat will contain significantly less vitamins and minerals in its composition, which reduces its positive impact on the human body.

The shelf life of alycha jam also depends on the method of cooking the delicacy. If the pips are not removed from the fruit, the shelf life decreases by more than half. Such a product is suitable for use for 7 months. This is because the harmful substances that are contained in the seeds, over time, penetrate into the pulp and poison it.

Is it possible to store alycha jam in the refrigerator

Store jam made on the basis of alycha fruit, you can also in the refrigerator. In this case, its shelf life does not differ from the usual (24 months). But in this case, make sure that the jar is closed tightly, excluding the possibility of penetration of foreign odors. Otherwise, its flavor will be spoiled.

Storing jam in the freezer

But it is better to refuse from storing jam in the freezer. Under the influence of low temperatures, not only its appearance and consistency, but also its taste properties will change. In addition, jam, which has been subjected to freezing, can be called "empty". After thawing, it will not contain the amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that would be sufficient to saturate the body.

Interesting facts about alycha

Despite its wide distribution, not as much is known about the alycha as about other representatives of the fruit crop. Only a few are aware of such facts:

1. All varieties of alycha, like plum, belong to the subfamily Plum, which indicates that they are directly related. And it is impossible to argue with this, because the appearance and taste of dark cherry plums resembles some varieties of plums.
2. The second name of the cherry plum sounds like "cherry-fruit plum".
3. The historical homeland of the cherry plum is considered to be the territory of modern Asia and Transcaucasia. Despite this, wild species of this plant can also be found in the Kuban, as well as in the mountains of Tajikistan.
4. Alycha is capable of giving not just a large, but a huge amount of harvest. Under the right conditions, one tree can yield up to 300 kg of ripe fruit.
5. Alycha contains a large number of useful substances, including pectin, ascorbic acid and carotene, which explains its beneficial effects on the human body.
6. Due to its sour-sweet taste, alycha is widely used not only for making jams and sweet drinks, but also for some first and second courses and even sauces. For example, alycha fruit is the main ingredient of tkemali sauce, which is served with meat and many other dishes.

Once you try cherry plum jam, it is simply impossible to refuse to eat it. Its taste and aroma will conquer even the most capricious gourmets, pleasing them with its sweetness and delicate aftertaste. That's why you should not waste time in thinking. Choose a suitable recipe, stock up on the right ingredients and proceed to the preparation of a homemade treat from a very useful berry - alycha.