Recipes for making cucumber jam for the winter

In ancient Rus', jam was made not only from fruits but also from vegetables. This was the name for a delicious delicacy cooked in molasses or honey. Tomatoes, radishes, roses, and dandelions were used as ingredients. There was also a jam made from fresh cucumbers, the recipe for which has survived to this day with numerous modifications and improvements.

Peculiarities of making cucumber jam

Over the course of cucumber cultivation, numerous jam recipes have been developed. Even in tsarist times, cucumbers in honey were a favorite delicacy of the sovereign. This dish can easily add variety to the daily diet. After all, pickles are getting boring, and people crave new delicacies. For the winter, people make not only classic preserves but also exotic ones, perfect for surprising guests.

To ensure the final product has a soft and fresh flavor, select only young, small cucumbers. The fruits are washed thoroughly, removing any soil stains. Otherwise, there's a risk of introducing botulism bacteria into the jam. A piquant flavor can be achieved by adding cinnamon or citrus, as well as mixing them with berries and fruits (such as currants).

Preparing the ingredients

The cucumbers are washed, seeded (if overripe), and cut into small cubes. The citrus fruits are cut into wedges and added to the cucumbers. The spices and sugar are also added here.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and let sit for an hour. This time is necessary for the cucumbers and fruits to release juice, which, when mixed with sugar, forms a thick syrup.

Cooking methods

There are many ways to make cucumber jam. Housewives choose based on the availability of ingredients and their taste preferences.

Cucumber jam with mint and lemon

The pleasant taste and subtle aroma of this dish will be a perfect addition to a winter evening. Ingredients:

• fresh cucumbers - 0.5 kg;
• peppermint - 1 large bunch;
• granulated sugar - 400 g;
• thickener (for example, gelatin) - 1 tsp;
• freshly squeezed lemon juice - 2 tsp;
• water - 100 ml.

Cooking technology:

Making this cucumber treat is simple. Wash the cucumbers and cut them into pieces, then sprinkle with sugar and let sit for 4 hours. Rinse the mint and blend until smooth. Then, add boiling water and let steep for half an hour. Afterward, strain the mint through cheesecloth or use the grounds.

After the cucumbers release their juice, place them on the stove and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, watching the vegetables change color. Then add the mint and lemon juice, simmer for another 10 minutes, and then pour in the thickening solution. Your delicious treat is ready.

Cucumber jam with lemon and orange

A favorite recipe among gourmets and lovers of exotic dishes, this dish not only inspires but also serves as a preventative measure against viral illnesses in winter. Ingredients:

• fresh cucumbers (overripe ones are ok) - 1 kg;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• orange - 1 pc.;
• sugar - 0.5 kg;
• dried cloves - 4 pcs.;
• citric acid - ¼ tsp;
• spices - to taste.

Cooking technology:

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly, peel them, and chop them finely (using a grater or a meat grinder). Zest the lemon, remove the seeds, and chop them finely. Do the same with the oranges. Mix the citrus fruits, add sugar, put on the fire and cook for 20 minutes. Then add the cucumbers and seasonings, mix thoroughly, and simmer for another 10 minutes. Ladle the resulting treat into jars, seal, and let cool.

Cucumber jam with honey

Ingredients:

• fresh cucumbers of any size and variety - 1 kg;
• honey (candied honey will do) - 0.5 liters.

Cooking technology:

Wash and slice the cucumbers, removing the cores if necessary, and peel them. Dice the flesh and place in a saucepan. Add honey and mix thoroughly, letting it sit for 3 hours. Then, bring to a boil and simmer for 2 hours at low heat. The cucumbers should become translucent. Place the finished product in jars and seal.

Cucumber jam with gooseberries

Ingredients required:

• fresh cucumbers - 700 g;
• gooseberries - 300 g;
• sugar - 550 g;
• water - 100 ml;
• citric acid - on the tip of a knife.

Cooking technology:

Wash, peel, and dice the cucumbers. It's best to remove the skin to ensure a more tender cucumber. Mix the gooseberries with the cucumbers, add sugar, and let it sit for a couple of hours. Then add water and let it sit for another hour. Then place the pan on the stove, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for half an hour. Add citric acid and simmer for another 10 minutes.

The resulting cucumbers are very soft, which is how the jam is determined to be ready. The delicacy is poured into jars and sealed.

Cucumber and redcurrant jam

Ingredients:

• fresh cucumbers - 2 kg;
• sugar - 1.5 kg;
• red currant - 1 glass;
• peppermint - a few leaves;
• spices to taste.

Cooking technology:

Wash, peel, and finely dice the cucumbers, place them in a deep bowl, and sprinkle with 1 kg of sugar. Let them simmer for 6 hours, then add another 0.5 kg of sugar and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Cool, add the red currants, throw in a few mint leaves, and return to the heat. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat, pour into jars, and seal.

How and with what to serve?

Cucumber jam makes a wonderful addition to pancakes, cheeses, and baked goods. It can be enjoyed with tea at home or used in baked goods. This dish is also served as a dessert.