Jam Recipes

Why Fruit Jams?

Fruit is the most delicious of fresh foods and its variety is extraordinary. We would all be much healthier if we ate more of it. Not only is fruit high in energy - it also contains important essential nutrients. Fruits are generally high in potassium and low in sodium. They also supply fibre which is necessary for good digestion.

APPLES and PEARS are good sources of minerals and vitamin C (however cooking and long storage time will destroy this vitamiri).

Members of the PLUM family include CHERRIES, PEACHES, NECTARINES and APRICOTS. The yellow fleshed fruits are richer in carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A). They all contain small amounts of Vitamin C and nectarines are an excellent source of thiamine, while apricots contain riboflavin.

CITRUS fruits – ORANGES, MANDARINS, GRAPEFRUIT, LEMONS and LIMES – are renowned for their high Vitamin C content.

VINE fruits include MELONS and GRAPES. Melons are 90% water which is great for those watching their weight. They contain Vitamin C and the yellow varieties provide carotene. Grapes are also high in water content and contain Vitamin C.

THE BERRIES include RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, GOOSEBERRIES and RED and BLACK CURRANTS. Although about 90% water, berries are a good source of minerals such as calcium, and vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, carotene and Vitamin C. Black currants are a particularly good source of the latter.

Amongst the so-called EXOTICS are many with excellent nutritional content. GUAVAS are extremely rich in Vitamin C; other good sources are PINEAPPLES and CHINESE GOOSEBERRIES (KIWI FRUIT). MANGOES AND PERSIMMONS have a high carotene content.