Strawberry and Banana Jam Recipe

This delightful homemade jam combines the sweet flavors of strawberries and bananas with a hint of ginger for a unique and refreshing taste. This recipe is perfect for those who love experimenting with fruit preserves, offering a wonderful opportunity to create a flavorful spread for your morning toast or a tasty topping for desserts. The process is straightforward and quick, allowing you to enjoy fresh jam in no time. You'll be amazed at how the simple combination of common ingredients can produce such a delicious result. The addition of ginger adds a subtle spiciness that enhances the sweetness of the fruits. This jam also makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, packaged in a beautiful jar. Whether you're a seasoned jam maker or a beginner, this recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to try something new. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own homemade jam that adds a personal touch to your culinary creations.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

500 g strawberries
4 bananas
1 small piece of ginger root
400 g sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: 40 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries and Bananas: Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly. Remove the stems and, if they're large, cut them into smaller pieces. Also, peel the bananas and slice them into chunks.
Grate the Ginger: Peel the ginger root and grate it finely. This will allow the ginger flavor to infuse evenly throughout the jam.
Begin Cooking the Fruits: In a large pot, combine the strawberry pieces and banana chunks. Add a couple of tablespoons of water to prevent sticking.
Simmer the Fruits: Turn on the heat to medium and allow the fruits to cook. As they heat up, they will begin to break down and release their natural juices.
Stir Occasionally: Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking and avoid sticking at the bottom of the pot.
Add Sugar and Ginger: Once the fruits have softened and partially broken down, add the 400 g of sugar and grated ginger to the pot.
Continue Cooking: Stir the mixture well and allow it to cook further. The sugar will dissolve and combine with the fruit juices, forming a thick syrup.
Monitor the Consistency: Keep an eye on the consistency of the jam. As it cooks, it will start to thicken. This process usually takes around 15-20 minutes.
Remove Foam: As the jam boils, foam may form on the surface. Skim off this foam with a spoon to keep the jam clear and smooth.
Test the Jam: To check if the jam is ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate. If it sets and wrinkles when pushed, it's done.
Prepare the Jars: While the jam is cooking, sterilize your jars by washing them thoroughly and heating them in an oven at 100°C (212°F) for about 10 minutes.
Fill the Jars: Once the jam is ready, carefully ladle it into the sterilized jars, leaving a small space at the top.
Seal the Jars: Tighten the lids immediately to create a vacuum seal. This helps preserve the jam.
Cool Down: Allow the jars to cool at room temperature. You'll hear a popping sound as the lids seal properly.
Store the Jam: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Once opened, the jam should be refrigerated.
Enjoy: Enjoy your homemade strawberry and banana jam on toast, pancakes, or as a filling for pastries.
Share with Friends: This jam makes a perfect gift to share with loved ones, adding a homemade touch to your presents.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the amount of ginger to suit your taste preferences.
Additional Ingredients: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon for extra depth of flavor.
Creative Uses: Experiment by using the jam in baking recipes, such as jam-filled cookies or sandwiching it between cake layers for a fruity surprise.

Tips

Substitutions: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetener option.
Consistency: If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to blend the fruit to your desired texture before adding sugar.
Spice Variation: Add a small cinnamon stick while cooking for a warm, spicy undertone.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 56
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Protein: 0.3 g
Fats: 0 g

Variations

Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blueberries for a berry mix jam.
Tropical Twist: Incorporate mango or pineapple for an exotic flair.
Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the sugar content for a less sweet version.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Delight: Spread on your morning toast or swirl into yogurt.
Dessert Topping: Drizzle over ice cream or cheesecake for a fruity topping.
Gift Idea: Package in decorative jars and give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Best Places for Strawberry-Banana Jam

Gourmet Café - Known for its exquisite homemade jams and stunning garden scenery.
Location: 123 Main Street, Paris, France.
The Fruit Haven - Specialty store offering a range of unique, house-made fruit preserves.
Location: 456 Fruit Lane, Florence, Italy.
Sweet Spreadery - Famous for artisanal jams with vibrant flavors.
Location: 789 Jam Boulevard, Berlin, Germany.
Breakfast Bliss - Breakfast hot spot popular for its range of fresh fruit-based toppings.
Location: 321 Morning Drive, Sydney, Australia.
The Artisan Kitchen - Boutique food shop with a premium selection of crafted jams.
Location: 654 Culinary Road, London, England.
Jam & Co. - Offering a selection of traditional and modern jam flavors.
Location: 987 Preserve Avenue, New York, USA.
Berry Delight - A small café with an emphasis on homemade preserves.
Location: 234 Sweet Street, Kyoto, Japan.
The Preserve House - Upscale establishment renowned for its artisanal preserves.
Location: 432 Flavor Path, Cape Town, South Africa.
Fruit Fusion Café - Known for its innovative blending of fruit flavors.
Location: 765 Blend Street, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Nature's Nectar - Offers a variety of organic, locally sourced jam options.
Location: 876 Local Lane, Auckland, New Zealand.