Banana jam

Brazilian Banana Jam Recipe

Region / culture: Brazil | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Banana jam is a delightful and unique spread that brings the tropical flavor of bananas into your kitchen. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy zest of lime juice, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for breakfast spreads, desserts, or even as a sweet addition to savory dishes, banana jam is versatile and easy to make. This guide will walk you through the history of the recipe, provide cooking tips and tricks, and delve into the nutritional information, ensuring you have all you need to create this delicious jam at home.

History

The concept of fruit preserves, including jams, dates back to ancient times, with the first recorded recipes appearing in Roman cookbooks. Banana jam, however, is a relatively modern invention, likely originating in tropical regions where bananas are abundant. It became popular as a way to preserve the fruit and enjoy its flavor year-round. Over time, the recipe has been adapted and refined, incorporating various ingredients to enhance its taste and texture.

Ingredients

0.25 cup fresh lime juice
3.5 cups bananas, diced
2.25 cups sugar
0.5 cup water

How to prepare

Place lime juice in a one quart measuring cup.
Peel bananas and dice them directly into the lime juice.
Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon.
Continue stirring while dicing each banana into the lime juice to prevent darkening.
Measure sugar and water into a wide 2.5 qt (2.36 liter) saucepan, and stir to dissolve the sugar as you bring the syrup to a boil.
Cover the saucepan tightly for the first 2 minutes to allow the steam to wash away any sugar crystals from the sides.
Uncover the saucepan, add the bananas (with lime), and boil over low heat for about 30 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
Stir the mixture often to prevent sticking, especially during the last 10 minutes.
The jam is done when a spoon scraped across the bottom of the pan leaves a track that closes slowly, or when the jam mounds while stirring.
Quickly fill hot, sterilized jars with the hot jelly or jam mixture, leaving 0.25 inch of headspace.
Wipe the sealing surface of the jars with a clean paper towel dampened with hot water to remove any jam or sugar crystals.
Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands finger-tight.
Process the jars for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.
Allow the jars to cool upright for 12-24 hours to draw a vacuum seal and let the jam or jelly set up. Do not disturb the jars while they cool.

Variations

1. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
2. Incorporate a splash of rum or vanilla extract for added depth.
3. Mix in chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

2. Stirring the bananas into lime juice immediately after dicing prevents them from browning.

3. Keep the heat low during the cooking process to avoid burning the jam.

4. Stir frequently, especially towards the end, to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

5. Testing the jam's readiness can be done with the spoon track method or by observing how it mounds on a spoon.

6. Sterilize jars properly to ensure the jam's longevity.

Serving Suggestions

Banana jam can be served on toast, mixed into yogurt, used as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or even incorporated into desserts like cakes and pastries. Its sweet and tangy flavor also makes it an excellent accompaniment to cheese platters.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in making banana jam is the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken to the right consistency. Proper sterilization of jars is also crucial for preserving the jam.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Honey or maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener alternative to sugar.

2. Lemon juice can replace lime juice for a different citrus note.

Make Ahead Tips

Banana jam can be made in advance and stored in sterilized jars, following proper canning procedures. This allows you to enjoy the jam for several months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve banana jam in a beautiful glass jar with a ribbon tied around it for a simple yet elegant presentation. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Pairing Recommendations

Banana jam pairs wonderfully with creamy cheeses, such as Brie or cream cheese, on a cheese board. It also complements peanut butter in sandwiches for a twist on the classic PB&J.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store banana jam in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month. There is no need to reheat banana jam, as it is best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single tablespoon serving of banana jam contains approximately 50-60 calories. The majority of these calories come from sugars, making it a high-energy food best enjoyed in moderation.

Carbohydrates

Banana jam is primarily a source of carbohydrates, with the majority coming from the natural sugars in bananas and the added sugar. A single serving (1 tablespoon) typically contains about 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. The exact amount can vary based on the ripeness of the bananas and the amount of sugar added during the cooking process.

Fats

This banana jam recipe contains negligible amounts of fats, making it a low-fat option for those monitoring their fat intake. The natural ingredients used in the recipe do not contribute significant amounts of fats.

Proteins

Banana jam provides minimal protein content, as it is primarily made from fruits and sugar. The protein levels in a serving are typically less than 1 gram.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. While the cooking process may reduce some of the vitamin content, banana jam still retains a portion of these nutrients, contributing to its nutritional value.

Alergens

This banana jam recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, gluten, and eggs, making it suitable for individuals with these allergies. However, always check the ingredients used to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.

Summary

Banana jam is a sweet, flavorful spread that is low in fats and proteins but high in carbohydrates and calories. It contains beneficial vitamins and minerals from the bananas, making it a nutritious addition to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Summary

Banana jam is a delightful spread that captures the essence of bananas in a jar. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and versatile uses, it's a recipe worth exploring. Whether you're a seasoned jam maker or a beginner, this banana jam recipe offers a simple yet satisfying way to preserve the tropical flavor of bananas all year round.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for banana jam. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had received the recipe from a dear friend who had traveled to a faraway land.

I watched with fascination as my grandmother carefully peeled and chopped the ripe bananas, adding sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon to create a fragrant and delicious jam. The kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of bubbling fruit, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As I savored the first spoonful of the warm banana jam on a slice of freshly baked bread, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in our household. Over the years, I have made this jam countless times, always with fond memories of that day in my grandmother's kitchen.

As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to make the banana jam for my children and grandchildren. It became a beloved tradition, a reminder of my grandmother's love and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.

I often think back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen and marvel at how a simple recipe can hold so much meaning and nostalgia. The banana jam has become a symbol of family, tradition, and the enduring bond between generations.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of making this delicious jam to others who appreciate the beauty of homemade food. Each time I make a batch of banana jam, I feel connected to my past and grateful for the memories that food can evoke.

As I sit here now, with a jar of freshly made banana jam on the kitchen counter, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful moments and people that have shaped my love of cooking. I am grateful for my grandmother, who taught me the joys of creating something delicious from simple ingredients, and for the friends and family who have shared in the delight of this special recipe.

In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, the simple pleasure of making banana jam reminds me of the importance of traditions and the power of food to bring people together. It is a reminder of the love and care that go into every dish we create, and the joy that comes from sharing that love with others.

So as I take a spoonful of the fragrant banana jam and spread it on a slice of warm bread, I say a silent thank you to all those who have taught me the beauty of cooking and the joy of creating something delicious. And I hope that this recipe will continue to bring happiness and connection to all who make it, just as it has for me.