Agricultural Term: Crowberry Jam

Definition: Crowberry jam is a delicious preserve made from the berries of the crowberry plant (Empetrum nigrum). Crowberries are small, dark purple to black berries that grow in cold, northern regions, particularly in Arctic and subarctic areas. The jam is prepared by cooking the berries with sugar and sometimes adding other ingredients for flavor enhancement.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of fresh crowberries
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon of lemon zest (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)

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Instructions:

Wash the crowberries thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves.

In a large saucepan, combine the crowberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using).

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the jam for about 30-40 minutes, or until the berries have softened and the mixture has thickened.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes.

If desired, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

Transfer the jam to sterilized jars, leaving a small headspace at the top.

Seal the jars tightly and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.

Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

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This homemade crowberry jam can be enjoyed on toast, scones, pancakes, or used as a filling for pastries and desserts. Its rich, slightly tart flavor makes it a delightful addition to any breakfast or snack. The jam can be stored for several months, but once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.

Keywords: crowberry, berries, crowberries, flavor, remove, saucepan, minutes, ingredients, teaspoon