This delightful clementine jam draws from traditional Polish preserve-making techniques, offering a bright, citrusy spread perfect for holiday gifting and winter breakfasts. The unique three-stage cooking method ensures a perfect set without long cooking times, preserving the fresh flavor of seasonal clementines.
Ingredients
For the Jam
- 300g (about 6-7) clementines, peeled and segmented
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- ½ lemon, sliced
- 1 teaspoon mixed Christmas spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice)
Optional Equipment
- Small muslin bag or tea infuser for lemon slices
- 1 sterilized jam jar (approximately 250ml capacity)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit
- Peel clementines carefully
- Remove all white pith and membranes
- Separate into segments
- Save peels for optional clementine sugar
- First Cooking Stage
- Place clementine segments in a saucepan
- Add sugar
- Place lemon slices in a muslin bag
- Add the bag to the pan
- Add Christmas spices
- Gently crush fruit to release juices
- Bring to a boil
- Cook for 5 minutes
- Remove from heat
- Let cool completely
- Second Cooking Stage
- Return cooled mixture to a boil
- Cook for another 5 minutes
- Remove from heat
- Cool completely again
- Final Cooking Stage
- Bring to a final boil
- Cook for 5 minutes
- Remove lemon bag
- Transfer hot jam to sterilized jar
Pro Tips
- For faster cooling:
- Place pan near an open window in winter
- Or set in an ice bath
- Never refrigerate hot jam
- Testing for set:
- Place a small plate in the freezer
- Drop a small amount of jam on the cold plate
- If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready
- For best results:
- Use fresh, ripe clementines
- Don’t skip the cooling stages
- Ensure all white pith is removed to prevent bitterness
Storage & Uses
- Storage:
- Keeps for 3 months in sterilized jars
- Store in a cool, dark place
- Refrigerate after opening
- Perfect for:
- Holiday gift giving
- Christmas morning breakfast
- Spreading on brioche or croissants
- Filling for pastries
- Glazing cakes
Nutritional Information
(Per tablespoon)
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 10g
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (3 x 5 minutes)
Cooling Time: Variable
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Yield: 1 jar (approximately 250ml)
This quick-method jam captures the bright, sunny flavor of winter clementines while the addition of Christmas spices makes it especially suitable for holiday celebrations. The three-stage cooking process, passed down through Polish tradition, ensures a perfect set without compromising the fresh fruit flavor. Whether gifted to neighbors or served at your own breakfast table, this jam brings a touch of homemade warmth to the winter season.
