3 fruit based spreads to try in your home today

Jelly, jam, preserves, and marmalade are all fruit-based spreads that can be used on toast, in sandwiches, or as toppings for other desserts. Each has a unique flavor and texture, so it’s essential to know the difference when cooking or baking.

There is a major difference between all of these fruit spreads.

The most common flavors of jelly are strawberry, grape, and raspberry.

Jam is made from crushed fruit, so it has a thick, chunky texture. Preserves are similar to jam, but they usually contain whole pieces of fruit. Marmalade is made from citrus fruits like oranges or lemons.

So, where can we use Jelly, Jam, and Preserves?

Jelly is the most versatile of these spreads since it can be used in sweet and savory dishes. Jam is best for baked goods or topping for ice cream or pancakes. Preserves are perfect for adding sweetness and flavor to yogurt or oatmeal. Marmalade is lovely on toast or cocktails.

Here are some recipes you could try to experiment with at your home:

1. Strawberry jelly recipe

Look no further! This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to make delicious strawberry jelly at home using just a few simple ingredients.

To start, you’ll need:

1 pound of fresh strawberries

1 cup of sugar

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

1 package of gelatin

Here’s how you can do it at home

First, wash your strawberries and remove the stems. Cut the strawberries into small pieces and place them in a large pot. Add the sugar and lemon juice, and stir to combine.

Next, heat the strawberry mixture over medium heat, frequently stirring, until it comes to a boil. Once it reaches a boiling point, add the gelatin and continue stirring until it is completely dissolved.

Once the gelatin has dissolved, remove the strawberry mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a jelly mold or individual jars, and place in the fridge to set for at least four hours.

Your strawberry jelly is now ready to enjoy!

2. Blackberry jam:

This blackberry jam recipe is easy to follow and produces delicious, sweet-tart jam perfect for spreading everything from toast to biscuits.

To make the best blackberry jam, start by selecting ripe berries. Look for deep blackberries with a soft, velvety texture. Avoid bruised or shriveled berries, as these will result in a jam that is less flavorful and less enjoyable to eat.

Once you’ve gathered your berries, wash them gently in cool water. Then, remove the stems and any leaves that may be attached.

Next, it’s time to start cooking the jam. Place the berries in a large pot or jamming pan and add sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir everything together until the sugar has dissolved, then turn up the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.

Allow the jam to boil for several minutes, occasionally stirring, until it thickens and becomes jam-like in consistency. Then, remove the pan from the heat and spoon the jam into clean jars. Be sure to leave some headspace at the top of each jar, so the jam has room to expand as it cools.

Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool completely before storing them in the fridge. Your blackberry jam will keep for several weeks when stored properly. Enjoy!

3. Orange Marmalade:

Orange marmalade is a sweet spread made from the peel and juice of oranges. The peel is cooked with sugar and water to create a thick, sticky jam full of flavor. Marmalade can be enjoyed on toast and muffins or as a filling for cakes and cookies. It is also a popular ingredient in mixed drinks and cocktails.

Here are some easy steps you could follow to make orange marmalade at home

1. Wash the oranges and lemon well. Peel the orange rinds using a vegetable peeler, being careful not to remove too much of the orange flesh. Chop the peeled orange rinds into small pieces.

2. Place the chopped orange rinds, lemon, sugar, and water into a large saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved.

3. Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil—Cook for about an hour, or until the marmalade is thick and syrupy.

4. Spoon the hot orange marmalade into jars or containers and seal with lids. Store in a cool, dark place.

Enjoy your delicious homemade orange marmalade!

Author Bio:

Hi, I’m Rana and I blog at ranasrecipe.com. My passion for food began very early in my life. And after managing a cafe, a granola business, and helping other food businesses scale up, I found my true calling in creating wonderful recipes so that everyone can enjoy cooking as much as I do! Don’t forget to follow me on my social channels- instagram and pinterest.