Lingonberry Jam: 3 Recipes

When the weather is cold, we want to treat ourselves with something tasty. Especially at this time of year, in addition to taste, you need the useful qualities of the product. It strengthens the immune system and helps in resisting viruses and bacteria. Preserves for the winter come to the rescue, among which a jar of lingonberry jam is a must.

Composition and calories

The composition of lingonberry jam is very simple - these are berries of the lingonberries themselves and sugar. Water is rarely added to such jam, as the berry itself is able to release enough liquid during cooking. If desired, many people add various spices to the dessert - orange or lemon zest, cinnamon or cloves. Very tasty, with a refreshing taste obtained jam from cranberries with the addition of mint.

The caloric value of jam depends not only on the main component, but also on the amount of added sugar. Taking into account the added sugar, the energy value of the dessert will be 230 kcal per 100 grams. The less sugar will be added to the lingonberry jam, the less will be its caloric value, because lingonberries themselves are low-calorie berries, they have only 27 kcal per 100 grams. In order to avoid ending up with a high-calorie treat, replace the sugar with honey or any sweet fruit, such as dates or cherries. The taste will be very interesting, and the health benefits are greater than with the addition of regular sugar.

The therapeutic effect of lingonberry jam is due to its rich chemical composition. First of all, it has valuable organic acids, a complex of vitamins and pectin substances. The berry refers to hypoallergenic products, so you can use it almost everyone, the only exception being cases of individual intolerance.

The main interest, of course, are vitamins - a lot of vitamin C, group B, K and E. In lingonberry jam there is a considerable amount of vitamin K, which is considered unique and particularly valuable. Also, acids - citric acid (it is the most abundant in lingonberry jam), apple acid, oleanolic acid, benzoic acid and others - have a health-promoting effect. Pectin substances are physiologically active substances that help the body to remove excess toxins.

Lingonberry contains a large number of macro- and micronutrients. First of all, this is potassium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, contained in lingonberry jam in large quantities. There is a small amount of iodine, magnesium, zinc and other minerals.

What is useful for lingonberry jam

It is worth considering the benefits of lingonberry jam in more detail.

1. Strengthening the immune system. Lingonberry jam can and should be included in the diet during colds. It has an anti-inflammatory effect due to the presence of antioxidants. The best compound to improve immunity is vitamin C. Along with it, a large amount of B vitamins and phenolic compounds - tannins - helps to support the immune system and resist infectious diseases. All the same tannins will strengthen the effect of medicines during a course of treatment for colds. Pectins will prevent the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms, which also reduces the possibility of disease.
2. Strengthening of the cardiovascular system. Useful components in lingonberry jam can help prevent many heart problems. For example, they help to strengthen the blood vessels. Enzymes prevent blockage of the arteries (obstruction of blood vessels), stimulating the normal functioning of the heart and ensuring blood flow throughout the body.
3. Elimination of cholesterol from the body. High cholesterol has a direct effect on the deterioration of the general condition of the body, but unfortunately, many people ignore this problem. The antioxidants in lingonberry jam effectively lower blood cholesterol levels, especially if you add honey to it. Pectins also have the ability to remove from the human body not only excess cholesterol, but also heavy metal salts.
4. It improves the efficiency of the brain. Brain malfunction manifests itself in fatigue, sleepiness, absent-mindedness and rapid fatigue. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to nourish the main organ from the outside. Vitamins K and group B improve memory, give the body vigor and better concentration. All this is achieved by rapid delivery of oxygen to the brain (remember the fact that it is in the lack of oxygen a person is drowsy or even unconscious) and the stimulation of blood flow to it. A depressive state is also a wake-up call, indicating a disorder of the brain. Vitamins A and C help to improve mood and general well-being.
5. Treatment of infections of the urinary system. Lingonberry jam is one of the best natural remedies for urinary tract problems. The antibacterial properties of the dessert antioxidants prevent the spread of infection and contribute to the normal functioning of the system. In addition to eliminating kidney and excretory tract infections, lingonberry antioxidants and organic acids are involved in eliminating blockages, thereby minimizing the risk of stones. Citric and malic acids help the most in this process.
6. Reducing the risk of cancer. Cancer is one of the most common diseases both in Russia and around the world. Most cancers are caused by an excessive amount of free radicals in the body which increase the growth of cancerous tissues. To fight the problem of cancer, it is necessary to reduce the amount of free radicals.
   Antioxidants reduce the effects of radicals on the human body, thus controlling the spread of pathological cells and minimizing the risk of cancer.
7. A sweet product for the diet. Lingonberry jam, like the berry itself, is high in fiber, which promotes normal digestive function, helping the body get rid of unwanted pounds. Antioxidants also participate in the weight loss process by removing toxins from the body, thus facilitating the metabolism.
8. Minimize stomach problems. The fiber in lingonberry jam improves digestion and peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, and is a good nutrient for beneficial intestinal microflora. At the same time, the risk of ulcerous bacteria attaching to the inner wall of the digestive organs is minimal, and antioxidants will help eliminate those that do manage to take root and spread infection throughout the body.
9. Medicine for expectant mothers. Pregnant women with colds should not be treated with medications, because it can harm the mother and the baby. Therefore, at such times, we have to remember the folk remedies. Flavonoids and vitamins contained in lingonberry jam increase the immunity, contributing to the rapid destruction of the virus. Lingonberries have bactericidal properties, their consumption reduces inflammation. It is proven that lingonberries and products from them are an excellent folk remedy for colds during pregnancy.
10. Strengthening of bone tissue. Calcium and phosphorus in jam are contained in sufficient quantities, so they can become assistants in the proper formation of the bone skeleton in children and its support in adults. Thanks to the minerals, lingonberry jam, unlike other sweets, does not ruin tooth enamel. On the contrary, it forms a protective layer against tooth decay. One folk recipe is to use baking soda with lingonberry jam as toothpaste. Such a remedy will not only prevent plaque, but also provide a bactericidal effect and protect your gums and mouth from disease.
11. Delicious dessert for diabetics. The main ingredient in the jam - cranberries - helps to reduce blood glucose levels and can be consumed by people with diabetes, as well as for prevention. But the jam in this case should be prepared without adding sugar. As a sweetener, you should use, for example, high-fructose honey.
12. Hangover remedy. Thanks to the amino acids, lingonberry products can be considered anti-hangoing. If in the morning there are no pills for a headache and other signs of a hangover, it is enough to eat a couple of spoonfuls of jam.

Contraindications to consumption

Despite the impressive list of benefits for the body, we must remember that an overabundance of vitamins and macro-and micronutrients can also cause harm. Therefore, it is necessary to remember about adequate consumption.

Lingonberry is an acidic berry itself, so jam from it is not recommended for people with gastritis or ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract, because it can worsen the symptoms of the disease.

How to collect cranberries for jam

The first berry picking is at the end of summer. Gather it until mid-autumn - this is the period when you can go to the woods and collect a large number of lingonberries for jam or other products.

Berries should be ripe - bright red or burgundy in color, with no traces of spoilage and rottenness. Green berries should not be collected - they will not ripen at home and can be harmful to health due to the harmful, sometimes even poisonous substances it contains. On the other hand, berries with white spots on the surface are as good for picking as burgundy berries.

With the onset of frosts, lingonberries on the bush soften and their shell becomes tender. Such berries are quite suitable for making jams and marmalades, but they must be prepared immediately after picking - they cannot be stored for long.

At home they can be stored as usual or frozen (preferably in a plastic container), if the preparation of jam will be at a later date. In their natural form, lingonberries, due to the organic acids they contain, can be stored for 2 months in a dark, cool room. Before they are sent to storage, they are washed with running water and dried at normal room temperature.

How to choose cranberries for jam

The best, of course, will be the option of using lingonberries, handpicked from the bush. But not everyone has the opportunity to go out to the woods "hunting" for berries. So we have to take advantage of the opportunities of the modern world - to go to the store and buy what we need.

It is possible to buy berries in the markets. It is necessary only to remember that fresh cranberries can be bought only from August to October - the season of gathering it falls on these months, but it may also vary depending on the region of our country. In any case there may be a difference of 1 month, so in any other period you can safely say that there are defrosted lingonberries on the counter.

When buying at the market, it is necessary to consider the area of collection, because berries, along with mushrooms, have a negative ability to absorb radiation. Current legislation requires the seller to have a certificate of conformity for the products he sells. But if you are confident in the well-being of your area, you can safely buy lingonberries from any good-natured granny.

In stores, lingonberries are mostly sold in frozen form. Try to buy berries from trusted producers - to them it comes already with all the documents confirming their safety and quality.

How to cook jam from cowberries: Recipes

Simple jam

The recipe for cooking is very simple, not much time is spent on it. And the most interesting thing - for this recipe, there is no need to add water, because in the slow simmering lingonberries release enough liquid for the right consistency.

To make it, you will need the following ingredients:

• Cranberries (fresh or frozen) - 1 kg.
• granulated sugar - 600 g (800 g if the berries are very sour).

Cooking steps:

1. To make jam, you will need a heat-resistant container with a thick bottom. In it, place the picked and well-washed cranberries and put on the stove (the fire level should be at maximum). With this heat treatment, the berry begins to release juice.
2. After the juice boils, reduce the heat to minimum, close the pan with the lid and leave the cranberries to simmer in the juice for 10 minutes. After this time, stir the resulting cranberry mass and leave for another 10 minutes.
3. After this period of time, remove the pan from the heat and add sugar (gradually, not all at once, slowly stirring). Stir the sugar until it is completely dissolved, taking care not to damage the integrity of the berries.
4. Pour the resulting jam in sterilized jars and seal. For cooling, leave the jars at room temperature in a place protected from sunlight. If you do not plan a long storage, the jam can be cooled in a pot and pour into jars after it. Corked jars will not be required.

The technology of cooking jam with the addition of sugar at the end allows you to save a natural berry flavor, as well as help save the nutritional value of more.

Jam with lingonberries and oranges

Such jam is a real vitamin bomb for the body. The amount of vitamin C in such a dessert will be many times greater.

For such a dessert you need to procure the following products:

• Lingonberries (fresh or frozen) - 500 gr.
• Orange (large) - 2 pcs.
• granulated sugar - 300 g.

Stages of preparation:

1. Lingonberries before cooking rinse well and remove any green or rotten berries. It is better to fill a container with lingonberries with water - all impurities will rise to the surface, they will be easier to remove.
2. Pour the cranberries into a saucepan with a thick bottom, put it on the gas and keep on the stove for 10 minutes, until the juice boils out.
3. During this time, peel the oranges and cut them into small pieces (you can leave a couple of whole slices - they will look interesting in a jar with the finished jam).
4. Mix the cranberries and orange in a saucepan and simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. When the time is up, turn off the gas and start gradually adding the sugar, while constantly stirring the jam. This should be done carefully so as not to damage the integrity of the berries. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved.
6. After distributing the hot jam into sterilized jars and closing them with a lid. Cool at room temperature.

Orange peel can not be removed from the orange - it will not spoil the taste, and the content of useful substances will increase.

Lingonberry jam without cooking

The lack of heat treatment allows you to preserve many useful components in the jam, as some of them tend to break down at high temperatures.

Only two ingredients are needed for the jam:

• Cranberries (fresh or frozen) - 1 kg.
• granulated sugar - 0.5 kg.

Cooking steps:

1. Rinse the berries thoroughly under warm running water to remove impurities and transfer to a deep container.
2. Gradually add the sugar to the berries and mix thoroughly with each addition. You should try to mix it so that the integrity of berries has not been violated.
3. Leave the berry-sugar mixture at room temperature for several hours, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the berries release the syrup.

Jam without boiling does not roll up in jars, you can just cover it with cotton paper and store in the refrigerator. If desired, citrus zest or spices can be added to it, but their use may reduce the shelf life of the jam.

Rules for storing jam

To keep jam for a long time, it is necessary to follow important rules both during the preparation and during the storage of the dessert already closed in jars.

1. Thoroughly sort through the cranberries before cooking. Rotten berries will spoil the taste and shorten the shelf life because the putrefactive bacteria have already started their activity in them. Especially favorable environment for them will be jam without heat treatment. Green berries can, among other things, emit toxic substances that have a negative effect on the body.
2. Stainless steel cookware should be used for jamming, since due to the acids contained in the berries, aluminum container will reduce the shelf life of jam due to the occurrence of oxidative reactions.
3. Sterilization of the glass container, in which the dessert will be stored, is mandatory. Otherwise, harmful bacteria will remain in the jars during filling.
4. Sterilized jars must be well dried, otherwise there is a risk of mold during storage.
5. Hot product must be corked with lids - this ensures that there are no holes for oxygen intake.
6. The storage location should be cool (about 15°C) and out of possible sunlight. It should also be away from heating systems, stoves, and other equipment that can generate heat. The room should have low humidity.
7. Check the condition of jars from time to time - improper storage conditions may cause the jar to swell or rust on the lid.
8. Label your jam jars with the date and year of production or a comment about overcooking. This way you can keep track of which jar to open first.

Properly cooked jam can be stored for many years - under optimal storage conditions, it will last up to 3 years. If stored for longer, the taste may not change, but the jam will no longer have any nutritional value.

Jam without cooking do not roll (it is enough to close the usual leaky lid or tie cotton paper) and store up to six months in the refrigerator.

Ways to use spoiled jam

The spoilage of jam can manifest itself in different ways. The causes can also vary from the usual failure to cook the dessert to ignoring the rules of storage.

Signs of spoilage:

• Bloating of the jar (fermentation of jam);
• The appearance of mold on the surface;
• appearance of bubbles;
• candied jam, etc.

Despite this, lingonberry jam can still be saved by overcooking it or making it into other, no less tasty and useful products.

Sugaring occurs because of the excess sugar added during the cooking process. Such jam can be recooked with the addition of a small amount of water (boil it for 10 minutes) and rolled up again in jars. The overcooked product is stored in the refrigerator on the bottom shelf, otherwise it will go bad again. Also candied treat is great for making homemade wine or as a pie filling.

If mold appears on the product, you can tell that not enough sugar was added during cooking. Such a dish is boiled already with the addition of sugar - for 1 liter of jam goes 100-200 grams. It boiled for 10 minutes, rolled in a jar and stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to remove the top of the jam with mold - it overcook with the rest of the do not need, as during further storage can form hazardous substances.

Bubbles inside the jar and bloating of the lid indicate the fermentation of jam - it will have a sour wine smell. You can overcook it, but such jam will make a perfect homemade wine. For this purpose, 1 kg of jam is added to 1 liter of water and mixed in a 5-liter container. A rubber glove is put on the neck of the bottle as a kind of control over the processes in the bottle, because if enough gas is released during the wine fermentation process, it will inflate. After that, the bottle is placed in a dark place at room temperature for 4-5 days. On each 5 day poured 50 ml of liquid in another container, add 25 grams of sugar, and the poured wine back (in this way is a kind of stirring the sugar).

The wine must stand for 1.5 months - by this time the wine stops fermenting (a blown rubber glove will tell you about it), then it is filtered and bottled.

Interesting facts about lingonberries

1. Cranberry products, like the berry itself, can be a kind of antidote when poisoned by poisonous mushrooms and plants.
2. The healing properties of lingonberries are so strong that with the systematic use of the berry, many diseases recede.
3. Lingonberries can be used as an alternative to coffee - if dried and crushed, they are as good as chicory.
4. Not only berries, but also lingonberry leaves have medicinal properties. They are also gathered for preparing medicinal products as well as just for cooking.
5. In Switzerland, lingonberry jam has become a national dessert.
6. Back in the 14th century lingonberries were considered harmful to young men, but why is still unclear.
7. Lingonberry masks have a rejuvenating effect on the skin due to the antioxidants. The skin becomes firm and fresh in appearance.
8. Lingonberry juice is mentioned in many works, including "Eugene Onegin" by Alexander Pushkin.
9. Lingonberry tincture can be given to children with digestive problems.
10. Decoction of lingonberry leaves can raise hemoglobin levels, so it is highly recommended for pregnant women.
11. There is a lingonberry-kefir diet, which allows you to lose weight up to 4 kg per week.