Guava is a tropical and amazing fruit, having a distinct aroma and taste connected to that of a pear, strawberry or papaya. The guava fruit which have seeds in the central pulp, vary in number and hardness, depending on species.
Though guavas contain a notable number of seeds, the pink flesh is very sweet, that’s why people enjoy working out the collection of the fruit through the seeds for jam. Guava in many countries can be eaten raw or like an apple.
Guava fruit’s puree are what are been used in puddings, cakes, jam, sauces, ice creams and jelly. Guavas are extensively used to make preserves, candies because of its high level of pectin.
Guava Jam
Jam which is the main focus of this article is one of the processed products that are prepared using guava fruits. Other processed products include; jelly and nectar. Guava jam is sometimes called guava marmalade as skin is also used in the making. Guava jam with other processed products had become staple items in the pantries of many people and in many groceries stores across the world.
Due to its smooth buttery texture, it is also called guava butter. For guava jam, different types of guava can be used in preparing and making it, but the best to use is the pink guava because it’s sweet and most delicious.
The texture and the taste of guavas have great influence on the taste of jam. If the guava’s texture to be used in making guava jam is gritty, definitely the jam will be gritty.
What Differentiates Jam From Jelly?
In consideration as compared to guava jellies, jams are much easier to make because in their preparation, they utilize and make use of the majority of the fruit as opposed to jelly which only uses the juice.
So, what distinguishes the two, aside from cooking techniques is their texture; while the preparation of jelly was made from its juice, jam was made or prepared by using the fruit itself. As it’s somehow difficult to hit the consistency needed for its juice, jelly is lightly trickish in its preparation compared to jam.
What You Must Know Before Making Guava Jam
Firstly, you have to know that some people will use cans of guava shells to make guava jam where fresh fruit is unavailable, but making jams is better using fresh and ripe guavas.
More so, it’s an amazing thing to know that Guava jam can be made or prepared at your home especially without pectin, because guava produces much quantity of pectin naturally itself. You also have to make sure that you don’t overcook the jam as you prepare it.
Subsequently, you must know that it is unnecessary to peel guava for jam, because the peels are edible once the guavas are ripe, it is also soft and can be blended easily. To reduce cooking time, you must remember to add less water in the beginning.
Furthermore, you can add little pectin towards the end or cook for a longer time to thicken guava jam. Finally, guava jam can be grainy if the guava fruit you used also had grainy texture and could also be bitter if you use sugar burnt on high heat or fruit that taste bitter.
Materials and Ingredients
Materials and ingredients used are; guavas, water, knife, pressure cooker, potato masher, sieve/strainer, lemon juice, sugar, salt, sauce pot or pan, cup, sterilized bottles.
Procedure in Making Guava Jam
1. Wash and wipe guavas, then cut into small pieces.
2. Put the cut guavas into a pan and add four (4) cups of water and boil till the guava is fully soft and mushy.
3. Next is to mash the cooked guava and sieve to remove the seeds from it.
4. Add salt, lemon juice and sugar to the extracted pulp and stir it properly.
5. Using a medium flame, put mixture inside the pan to boil fully, and stirr it at interval.
6. Continually as the mixture thickens, stir and reduce the flame. Jam will thicken as it cools.
7. When jam has reached a thick sauce consistency, turn off the flame.
8. Furthermore, cool for a few minutes and pour the jam into a clean sterilized glass bottles.
9. Finally with this, the guava jam is ready and will thicken well with time. If not consume immediately, refrigerate or store in a cool dry place.
Now that you have known the recipe for Guava jam, making it at home gives you the opportunity to enjoy the luxuries of taking fresh and aromatic jam that can give you a more satisfying breakfast, support your afternoon tea, characterized by its thick and spreadable texture.
