Kiwi jam: 3 Recipes

Medium in size (when compared to other citrus fruits), fragrant and sweet-tart kiwi fruits have a terrific flavor. They are also rich in many beneficial vitamins and minerals. Kiwis are an invaluable source of antioxidants and fiber.

For each person, the taste of the green sweet fruit is different, special. It may resemble the aroma of berries or the taste of other fruits, but it is loved by many people.

The fruit came to us from ancient China. It was once called the Chinese gooseberry, and the new name "kiwi" came into use thanks to a New Zealand breeder. It was he who found similarities in the kiwi bird and the wonderful fruit.

Plantations of kiwifruit can be seen today in many countries. That is why the fruit is present year-round on store shelves.

Composition and calories

The average kiwi, regardless of variety, weighs up to 150 grams. Of the entire composition 85% - water, 10% - carbohydrates, 1% fat and protein. Also the pulp contains nicotinic acid, disaccharide, dietary fiber, monosaccharide.

The fruit about 100 g has a caloric value of 48 kcal.

Since the fruit contains a lot of vitamins, it would seem to be no different from other fruits. But when canned, it retains almost all of its useful properties. This effect is due to the acidity in the pulp.

1. It is worth to talk separately about vitamin C, which is contained in kiwi. That fruit is the leader in its quantity (it is much more than in the usual citrus).
2. The content of vitamin E in kiwi is higher than in oil-containing products - nuts, etc. Accordingly, this fruit is very useful for diabetics and those who are on a diet. The fruit is recommended by the council of nutritionists. It is very useful to eat kiwi after a heavy dinner, as it helps to eliminate heaviness in the stomach, remove heartburn and belching.
3. Kiwi is a fruit that contains the rarest vitamin B9 - folic acid and B6 - pyridoxine. If you eat one serving of kiwi, you can provide 25 percent of your daily vitamin B9 intake. Also one kiwi can replace 4% of the daily norm of the very important vitamin B6, which is needed by women in pregnancy, the elderly and nursing.

Not only vitamins are rich in kiwi. His flesh is full of different trace elements and macronutrients, in particular, it is:

• iron;
• zinc;
• iodine;
• manganese;
• potassium
• calcium;
• phosphorus, etc.

Actidin, a unique enzyme contained in this small fruit, allows you to normalize blood clotting, break down protein, as well as stimulate the entire digestive system.

Each trace element contained in kiwi allows you to strengthen blood vessels and capillaries, reduce the risk of diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension.

What is useful kiwi jam

It is proved that the daily eating of the fruit will lower cholesterol levels, neutralize the effect of nitrates and absorb iron. Kiwi, in addition, neutralizes heavy salts that form kidney stones.

Also, kiwi is a godsend for people with heart disease, as it can reduce the risk of various heart diseases and cancer.

Kiwis contain C, B1, B2, PP, E, and other beneficial substances. Accordingly, the jam made from it will also be useful, especially for people who constantly have high blood pressure.

For your information. The homeland of the kiwi is China. Exactly there, people knew that this fruit can give eternal youth. Kiwifruit contains substances that allow you to make a strong health, and replaces a lot of vitamin preparations.

A few fruits will eliminate stress, depression, and restore the nervous system. It is a natural stimulant for athletes to recover faster after exertion.

If you eat at least 60 grams of kiwi jam daily, the human body will be provided with vitamin C for a day, which strengthens the immune system.

Also kiwi jam is a panacea for mental overload, stress and poor sleep. Researchers don't know what compounds give kiwifruit this protective effect, but some theorize that it is carotenoids and flavonoids found in the fruit's skin. The vitamin C in kiwi neutralizes free radicals, preventing inflammation and cell damage that can lead to cancer.

There are also some known health benefits of kiwi seeds. They contain alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart and joint health.

How to choose a kiwi for jam

The best way to identify and pick a fresh kiwi:

1. Hold it up and squeeze it. If the fruit has a medium consistency, slightly soft and slightly firm, it's fresh. A kiwi that is too soft is not a good choice.
2. Inspect the outer shell. Check the color and texture of the outer skin. The skin of a ripe kiwi is brown and fluffy.
3. Also check for bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. If the kiwi is bruised, wrinkled, or has mold, it is not suitable for eating because it is probably overripe.
4. Smell the fruit. If it emits a fragrant, citrusy smell, the fruit is perfectly ripe and ready to eat. However, if it gives off a sharp, sweet smell, it is probably overripe.
5. When selecting, avoid fruits that are damaged, as they may indicate that the fruit is infected. Always choose ones that have a clean exterior coating.
6. When buying green or golden kiwis, it is best to choose plump, flavorful fruit that lends itself to gentle pressure. Unripe fruit has a hard core and a tart, astringent taste. If only hard kiwis are available, they should be kept warm for several days before being eaten.
7. The skin of an immature kiwi has a greener hue and may not be as hairy as a ripe fruit.

For green and golden kiwis to reach maturity, you need to put them in a paper bag with an apple, banana or pear and let them sit for a day or two at room temperature.

How to make kiwi jam: recipes

Classic recipe

To cook jam, you need to prepare granulated sugar and kiwi in the proportion of 1 kg of fruit to 1.5 kg of sugar. Before pouring the fruit into a container with a thick bottom, you need to peel it from the skin, finely chop it and fill it with sugar. Leave the kiwi fruit with sugar to infuse for no more than 20 minutes, and then add 0.5 liters of water and put the container on the fire. Boil on low heat for no more than 3 minutes. Then remove the container from the fire, and leave the mixture for half an hour until it cools. Then once again return to the fire for three minutes and bring to a boil. So do it in three stages. Then spread the jam into previously sterilized jars.

With bilefix

The preparation of this composition requires peeled kiwi, cut into slices. The apricots must also be prepared. All put in a saucepan, then pour sugar and lemon juice and just bring to a boil. After boiling, stir the jam for about 10 minutes, then add the liquid to solidify (jelly fixes), stir and transfer to jars.

With butter

Another option using butter from whole milk:

• 3 kg of peeled kiwi pulp.
• 1.5 cups of lemon juice.
• 12 cups sugar.
• 2 cups water.
• 1 tablespoon of butter.

Preparation:

1. Place the kiwis in a large, heavy saucepan; pour in the water. Then add butter.
2. Bring everything to a boil, cook until the fruit is soft, this is about 10 minutes.
3. Then you can add sugar and lemon juice, then simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the jam hardens.
4. Ready jam pour into hot sterilized jars.

Rules for storing jam

Homemade jams, jellies and fruit preserves have a fairly long shelf life, provided they have been properly sealed when made. As for kiwi jam, it is worth adhering to some recommendations:

1. Home-made jam can be stored for up to three years, provided that the treat is in a tightly sealed jar or container that has been properly sterilized. Naturally, you must also follow the specific storage instructions described in the recipe used to make the jam.
2. It is best to store jams in sealed jars in a dry, cool place.
3. Once the jam has been opened, you should consume it as soon as possible to avoid spoilage. It is best to eat it within a month after opening.

Interesting facts about kiwi

1. The kiwi is a flowering plant that belongs to the Actinidia family. There are about 60 different species and hundreds of varieties that are commonly grown in temperate regions around the world.
2. Kiwis originate from China and have been used in the human diet for hundreds of years.
3. Warning. Kiwis, according to research by Taipei Medical University, can help with insomnia. It can cure sleep disorders due to the antioxidants and serotonin it contains. If you eat two fruits 60 minutes before bedtime, you are guaranteed to get a better night's sleep.
4. A kiwi grows like a grapevine. Domesticated varieties require seasonal pruning. It has dark green heart-shaped leaves that are arranged in spirals on the stem. Each kiwi plant develops either male or female reproductive organs (dioecious plants). The two types must grow close together to ensure successful pollination and fruit production. Bees are the primary pollinators of kiwifruit. Farmers sometimes pollinate them themselves, spreading large amounts of pollen to female plants.
5. Botanical kiwis belong to the berry group. The fruit has a brown fluffy skin, bright green flesh, and a circle of dark seeds in the middle.
6. The size, skin color, flesh hue, flavor, and texture of kiwifruit depend on the species. Hairless varieties are also available.
7. Over one million tons of kiwifruit are harvested each year. Most are produced in Italy, New Zealand and Chile.
8. Kiwis contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges. It is also a rich source of vitamins E and K.
9. Kiwis are usually consumed raw or as juices. It can also be used as part of cakes, ice cream and other desserts. High temperature (during cooking) changes the taste and color of the fruit.
10. Kiwis contain the protein actinidain, which softens meat.
11. The fruit is often consumed by animals such as monkeys and deer.
12. Kiwis facilitate digestion and increase immunity. High levels of vitamin C in the fruit can prevent the development of the flu.
13. Kiwis can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive people. Allergy symptoms can be serious enough to require medical intervention.
14. Kiwis are prone to bacterial disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae actinidiae.
15. The plant can produce fruit for up to 30 years and live more than 50 years.