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Peonies have long become not only ornamental plants. Peony petal jam is very popular in the modern market. Many experts in the field of proper nutrition advise introducing this type of jam into your diet. But are peonies really useful, are there any side effects? This is discussed in the article.
The benefits and harms of peony petal jam
In the era of healthy eating ideas, issues of introducing foods of natural origin into food are often discussed. And this applies not only to the usual vegetables.
Even your favorite peonies from the garden beds can be used as a jam filler
Everyone’s usual jams with strawberries or raspberries fade into the background. Peony petals contain much more useful substances. Like anything unusual, peony jam must be made correctly so that the body does not suffer from such a dish.
Pros:
- The main benefit lies in the mineral composition of the petals. It is recommended to use jam for coughs. The treat increases the expectorant effect;
- Petal jam lowers body temperature.Flowers are rich in vitamin C, therefore, in the autumn or winter, it is recommended to use peony tinctures as a preventive measure and to improve immunity. You can use jam with tea, so the warming process will be faster and more efficient;
- peony jam is a source of joy. In case of depression, it ensures the production of happiness hormones. Has a positive effect on the nervous system;
Minuses:
The main problem with peony petals is the large amount of sugar. In addition, the plant is a strong allergen that causes suffocation, redness and coughing in some categories of people. You should dose out portions of jam or completely discard:
- people with diabetes and obesity;
- children under 3 years old;
- pregnant and lactating women;
- old people with chronic vascular diseases of the heart.
Cooking secrets
Even a child can make jam from peony petals. The procedure is not complicated, and the process is quite fast. Like everything new in the culinary world, it requires a lot of attention at the initial stages of assembly and preparation. There are several secrets that will help cooks achieve maximum results:
- Use only untreated flowers. It is best if these are plants from your personal garden, but you can also buy from trusted sellers. It is better to avoid unknown peonies. They can be treated with chemicals against diseases and insects. The drugs cause severe human poisoning.
- Not the entire flower can be used as a filler. During preparation, it is recommended to remove the white lower part under the flower. If this is not done, the jam will turn out bitter, and the petals that come across may be hard.
- Natural jam does not have beautiful colors.Bright color is achieved by adding dye to the mass. You can also work with additional ingredients. Citrus fruits are great as a supplement.
- Peony petal jam itself is liquid. Density is achieved by adding pectin. It will give the desired consistency to the jam much faster than long cooking with a lot of sugar.
- Jam jars need to be prepared. They should be washed with soda and then sterilized. The lid is made of metal. It is also pre-treated with boiling water.
- To preserve the beneficial properties in the petals, it is recommended to keep the boiling time to a minimum.
- The brew can be stored for a year. The most acceptable conditions are a cool room, a basement.
Peony jam recipes
The flower delicacy can be prepared in several ways. It all depends on the skill of the housewife, equipment and additional ingredients. Below you will find the most popular recipes for making jam from peony petals.
Classic recipe with lemon juice
With this set of ingredients, 0.5 liters of product is obtained. You need to take:
- peony petals – 300 g;
- water – 300 g;
- lemon juice – 60 ml;
- sugar – 0.5 kg.
Peony petals should be separated and washed under running water. Place in the pan in which they will be cooked. Pour in sugar and add water. Keep on the stove for at least 30 minutes.
You can check the readiness of the jam with a spoon.
If the mass does not spread, then you can turn off the heat. Pour lemon juice into the pan and stir thoroughly. Place the finished jam into jars.
In this form, the dessert can be stored for a long time.
Five-minute jam with citric acid
The recipe is similar to the previous version, but differs in the sequence of steps and cooking time.
Required ingredients:
- peony petals – 200 g;
- water -200 g;
- citric acid – 2 g;
- sugar – 400 g.
Work algorithm:
- Mix sugar and water in one container and put on fire. This is how sugar syrup is formed. Cook the mixture until thickened, you can check with a spoon.
- Pour in citric acid, stir and wait for it to boil.
- Pour peeled peony petals into syrup. Cook for no more than 5 minutes. After this, remove the pan from the stove, leaving the petals to soak for a day.
- After the jam has settled, put it on the stove again, bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Place the resulting jam into prepared jars. It is recommended to store in a cool place, for example, in a refrigerator or cellar.
Peony jam with hibiscus tea
Adding hibiscus tea creates a unique color to the jam. In addition, there is a pleasant aroma.
Required ingredients:
- hibiscus tea – 1 tbsp. spoon;
- sugar – 0.5 kg;
- lemon – 1/2 pcs.;
- cinnamon – 1 stick;
- water – 300 g;
- aromatic spices - to taste;
- peonies – 5 buds.
Cooking technology:
- Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Pour in tea and leave for 30 minutes. If necessary, pass the drink through a sieve.
- Add sugar to the liquid and cook over low heat until thickened. Pour the prepared peony petals into the syrup. Cook in this form for 5 minutes. It is important not to overexpose peony petals so as not to lose their beneficial properties.
- Remove the mixture from the stove. Peony jam needs to be soaked for 24 hours with the aroma of petals and cinnamon.If necessary, you can add pectin. It will reduce the thickening time and the jam will be more viscous.
- After this, add lemon juice, spices to taste and put on fire for another 5 minutes.
Screw the resulting jam into prepared sterilized jars.
Jam with hibiscus tea has a rich ruby color
Thick jam with orange
Citrus fruits go well with peony petals in jam, resulting in a unique taste and aroma of the zest
Required ingredients:
- peony petals – 1 cup;
- brewed hibiscus tea – 250 ml;
- sugar – 400 g;
- orange – 1 pc.;
- pectin - optional.
Work algorithm:
- Collect peony petals in advance, rinse, and remove ends. Mix with sugar and place in a blender.
- Remove the peel and seeds from the orange. Add the chopped slices to the mixture. Mix everything in a blender until smooth.
- Brew tea and pass through a sieve. Add sugar. Place the liquid on the fire and cook until thickened.
- Mix all ingredients and keep on low heat for 5 minutes. During this time, peony petals will not lose their beneficial properties. As soon as foam begins to appear, remove from the stove.
The resulting jam should be placed in jars and placed in a cool place.
Peony jam with grapefruit
Grapefruit will add a recognizable bitterness to the product, making it unique.
Ingredients:
- water – 500 g;
- sugar – 1.2 kg;
- peony flowers – 10 pcs.;
- grapefruit – 1 pc.;
- citric acid – 6 g;
- pectin - 1 sachet.
Cooking technology:
- Clean the peony petals from the ends and rinse under water. Add sugar and crush the petals. Pour in 0.5 cups of water and cook for 5 minutes. Drain off the excess liquid and place the mixture in a blender.
- Add seeded and peeled grapefruit to the petals. Bring to a homogeneous mass.
- Make syrup from water and sugar. Pour in citric acid and petal puree. Cook for no more than 5 minutes.
Add pre-prepared pectin and sugar. Leave in this composition on the stove for another couple of minutes.
Place the jam in jars and seal.
It is recommended to store jam with citrus fruits in a cool place.
Conclusion
Peony petal jam has a natural composition. There are many recipes for every taste. The main secret of the dish is the minimum cooking time. This way the jam will retain more of its beneficial properties.
