Prickly pear jam is a unique and delicious treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. Made from the ripe fruit of the prickly pear cactus, this jam has a vibrant color and a sweet, tangy flavor that is perfect for spreading on toast, crackers, or even pancakes. Whether you're a seasoned jam maker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through the process of making your own prickly pear jam, step by step. With a little patience and a few simple ingredients, you'll be enjoying this delightful treat in no time!
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
PRICKLY PEAR JELLY
This recipe was given to me from Grandma. I made a many a time, but it never tasted like Grandma made.
Provided by Eddie Jordan
Categories Jams & Jellies
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- 1. Cut up singed, underipe fruit, cover cover with water and boil 15 to 20 minutes or until fruit is tender.
- 2. Press through a sieve then allow to drip from jelly bag to collect juice
- 3. Add pectin to prickly pear and lemon juice's and bring to hard, rough-and -tumble boil that cannot be stired down.
- 4. Add the seven cups of sugar and hard boil for 5 minutes. Skim, pour into sterilized jelly glasses and seal.
PRICKLY PEAR JAM
After reading that prickly pears are covered with barely visible spines I was a bit shaky. I put on a pair of work gloves and rubbed the spines from the fruit and then rinsed them under running water. The texture reminds me of a kiwi, and I added a bit of amaretto to kick it up a notch. This small batch yields 1 quart and 1 pint.
Provided by Sandra Garth
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Jams and Jellies Recipes
Time 12h45m
Yield 80
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Inspect 1 quart jar and 1 pint jar for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any that are defective. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.
- Wear protective gloves to rub and rinse the prickly pears under running water to make sure all spines are removed. Cut each pear in half and scoop pulp and seeds into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for 30 to 40 seconds. Transfer mixture to a strainer lined with cheesecloth set over a bowl. Gather cheesecloth into a pouch and squeeze out juice. Remove any remaining pulp from the seeds and add to the bowl with the juice.
- Combine prickly pear juice, pectin, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a rolling boil that can't be stirred down. Add sugar and amaretto and stir until completely dissolved. Return mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly. Cook until jam is reduced by half, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove jam from heat and skim off and discard any froth that may have formed. Dip a metal spoon into the jam to test for desired thickness. Add another 1/2 teaspoon of pectin and boil for 1 minute more if a thicker jam is desired.
- Pack jam into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any spills. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.
- Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 28.8 calories, Carbohydrate 7.3 g, Fat 0.1 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 0.1 g, Sodium 0.5 mg, Sugar 6.3 g
PRICKLY PEAR JELLY
Steps:
- Bring juice to a boil in a medium sized sauce pan over high heat.
- Once boiling, add pectin and stir quickly for 1 minute.
- Turn off heat and add lemon juice and sugar. Mix well.
- Return to a hard boil and stir for ~3 minutes or until the syrup becomes thick.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam that formed while boiling.
- Once done, carefully fill a mason jar (I used a wide mouth funnel) and allow to cool. I let my jelly set up overnight.
- Cover and refrigerate (lasts around 2 weeks).
- If keeping in pantry:
- Boil enough water to cover your mason jar and lid. This will sterilize it. When jam is ready to be removed from heat, carefully remove mason jar and lid.
- Carefully pour jam into the mason jar (I used a wide mouth funnel).
- Place lid on and turn over the jar. Leave upside down for 10 minutes.
- This will seal the jam and allow you to store it in the pantry/counter/etc. I let my jelly set up overnight.
- Refrigerate after opening. Enjoy!
TUNA ( PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS FRUIT ) JELLY
A gorgeously colored, flavorful jelly. This recipe does not double well. It also calls for liquid pectin, but powdered seems to jell a little better. While this recipe is written in a relatively old-fashioned way, it is perfectly safe if processed using modern methods. If you are unfamiliar with these techniques, please go to http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/can_home.html for the current information.
Provided by Molly53
Categories Fruit
Time 40m
Yield 12 half pints
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Pluck the fruit from the cactus with a long handled fork or tongs.
- Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands: wash fruit under running water, then use a brush to clean (spines left on the fruit will soften during the cooking process and should come off after the fruit is strained).
- Place in stockpot with about a cup of water.
- Stir until boiling, cover pan and simmer until tender and soft.
- Mash cooked fruit and strain using cheesecloth, a jelly bag or a fine sieve; set aside for juice to settle (for very clear jelly, do not use the portion containing sediment).
- Measure sugar into a separate pan.
- Bring juice and pectin just to boil, stirring constantly, and begin to add sugar slowly with constant stirring, taking about 5 minutes to add sugar, and keeping juice nearly at a boil.
- Then bring to a rolling boil and boil for three minutes longer.
- Remove from heat, let stand a few seconds, skim, pour quickly into jars and seal while hot.
- Process for ten minutes in a boiling water bath.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 565.1, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 7.1, Carbohydrate 144.9, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 133.3, Protein 0.9
PRICKLY PEAR JELLY
This is my grandmother's recipe. It is good on anything grape jelly is good on! Handle prickly pears carefully, wearing gloves. Store jelly in a cool, dark area.
Provided by Jennifer Simons
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Canning and Preserving Recipes Jams and Jellies Recipes
Time P1DT58m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Simmer 3 pint-size jars in a large pot of water until ready for use. Wash lids and rings in warm soapy water.
- Slice ends off each prickly pear. Make 1 long vertical slit down each one. Use the slit to hold the skin and peel off. Discard peel.
- Place peeled pears in a blender; puree in batches until liquefied. Press puree through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl. Discard pulp and seeds.
- Measure out 3 cups prickly pear juice, lemon juice, and pectin into a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Add sugar and return to a boil, stirring constantly. Let cook, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Pour prickly pear mixture into hot jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
- Place a rack in the bottom of a stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the stockpot, and process for 15 minutes.
- Remove the jars from the pot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, and let cool, at least 24 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 193.3 calories, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Fat 0.6 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 0.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 5.8 mg, Sugar 37.5 g
Tips:
- Choose ripe and plump prickly pears. Look for fruit that is deep purple or red in color.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the prickly pears. Be careful to avoid the thorns.
- Wear gloves when handling prickly pears. The thorns can be irritating to the skin.
- If you don't have a blender, you can mash the prickly pears by hand.
- Add lemon juice to taste. Lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the jam.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jam reaches the correct temperature.
- Process the jam in a hot water bath to seal the jars and prevent spoilage.
Conclusion:
Prickly pear jam is a delicious and unique way to enjoy this fruit. It can be enjoyed on toast, bagels, or waffles. It can also be used as a filling for pastries or pies. If you are looking for a new and exciting jam to try, prickly pear jam is a great option. With its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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