From the early morning hour when you can barely open your eyes, but you have to make a quick breakfast to reach work on time, to being a savoury filling for some of the best desserts, jam is an integral part of your days and meals. But did you know the many types of jam apart from the regular strawberry jam?
Apart from fruits, edible flowers can also be used to make jams. If you love to spread a layer of jam on your toast or add a spoonful to your desserts, you must try your hand at floral jams as well. Read on to explore the popular types of floral jams and a few handy tips while trying to make them at home.
Rose Petal Jam
Rose petal jam is one of the most popular types of floral jam. The floral jam has a light aroma and a hint of natural sweetness. It can be made by rinsing rose petals and simmering them in boiled water. Once the water is infused with the floral essence, you can discard the petals and add some sugar and lemon juice to the pan. Once you get the desired consistency, turn off the heat, let it cool, and store it in an air-tight container.
Hibiscus Jam
If you think hibiscus flowers are just used to make herbal teas, you have to try the jam. Featuring a bright red colour and a cranberry-like flavour, hibiscus jam is a must-try. It can simply be made by simmering dried flowers with sugar in water till thick. It can perfectly be paired with ice cream or an addition to cocktails.
Lavender Jam
Lavender is known for its calming and aromatic properties. To add those to your jam, you can make a batch of lavender jam. With dried lavender petals, honey, lemon juice, a little sugar, and water, you can make a new flavour of jam. It can be perfectly paired with a toast or as a topping to iced pastries.
Tips For Making Floral Jams
- Ensure that you only use organic and edible flowers that are completely safe for consumption before making the jam.
- Once you have arranged the edible flowers, remove any stems or leaves from the complete flower.
- If you want your jam to have a naturally sweet taste, you can add fruits like berries or oranges.
- For people who like a thicker consistency of jam, thickening agents like pectin can also be added.
- After the jam is made, ensure that you store it in a sterilised air-tight container.