Aronia and Apple Jam

Aronia berries are tart, but you can make excellent jams and preserves from them. They’re especially delicious when combined with apples. And since apples contain a lot of natural pectin, the jam thickens faster. Aronia and apple jam is an excellent sweet and tart combination that many people enjoy.

Ingredients for Aronia and Apple Jam

• 1 kg aronia berries
• 400 g apples
• 600 ml water
• 1 kg sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

1Remove stems from the aronia berries, wash them under running water and drain well. Boil a large amount of water in a pot, remove from heat and dip the berries in for a few minutes to soften their skin.

2Strain the berries and pour them into the pot where you’ll cook the jam. Sprinkle with 2/3 of the sugar, mix well, cover and let sit for a few hours, preferably overnight.

3Wash the apples, cut them and remove the cores. Grate the apples, sprinkle with the remaining sugar and also let sit overnight.

4The next day, add the apple mixture to the aronia berries, stir and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

5Bring the cooled mixture to a boil again, this time let it boil for five minutes, remove from heat and let cool.

6Prepare jars and lids, wash them well and sterilize. Bring the fruit mixture to a boil again, add cinnamon, boil for five minutes and pour hot into prepared jars. Seal them well and leave covered to cool slowly.

7The prepared jam can also be served with various game, poultry and meat dishes, such as cutlets, roasts and similar.

Aronia and apple jam is an excellent way to take advantage of aronia’s benefits and enjoy a delicious and healthy spread. You can adapt it to your taste and enjoy it in various culinary combinations.

Aronia, also known as chokeberry, originates from North America. More specifically, wild aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) is a native plant of North America, where it grows wild in various parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Aronia was originally used and cultivated in the United States primarily within natural habitats. Its berries were long known as food for wild birds and animals before people began cultivating and using them more intensively.

In recent decades, aronia has become popular in other parts of the world due to its medicinal properties and high antioxidant content. It’s grown in various countries, including North America, Europe and Asia. There are two main types of aronia: wild aronia (Aronia melanocarpa) and cultivated aronia (Aronia arbutifolia), which differ in botanical characteristics, nutrient content and berry appearance.

Today, aronia is used in numerous culinary preparations, including jams, juices, teas and dietary supplements, and is valued for its health benefits and high antioxidant content.

Here are some interesting facts and tips about this delicious jam:

1. Aronia, a superfood: Aronia, also known as chokeberry, is a small, dark blue or black berry. It’s considered a superfood because it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber and other beneficial nutrients.
2. Apples for sweetness: Adding apples to the jam helps balance the tartness of aronia and adds natural sweetness. They also help thicken the jam.
3. Sweeteners: Depending on personal preferences, you can also add sweeteners like sugar, honey or agave syrup to achieve the desired sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sweetener according to taste.
4. Aronia wine: You can also ferment aronia and use it to make aronia wine or liqueur. This is an excellent way to utilize this healthy berry.
5. Aronia color: Aronia gives the jam an intense dark color that’s attractive and aesthetically pleasing. This can be an excellent addition to your breakfasts or a gift.
6. Health benefits: Aronia and apple jam is a healthy breakfast choice, as it’s full of antioxidants that can help improve the immune system and overall health.
7. Culinary uses: You can use aronia and apple jam in various ways. Besides the classic spread on bread, it’s also excellent as a filling for pancakes, an addition to cheese or a marinade for meat.
8. Preserving: You can prepare the jam in larger quantities and store it in glass jars for later use. Properly prepared jam can be preserved for a long time.
9. Experimenting with spices: Adding spices like cinnamon, ginger or vanilla can enrich the jam’s flavor and add a unique note.
10. Local ingredients: Using locally grown aronia and apples can contribute to an environmentally friendly and sustainable diet.