Hello, Good News! Welcome to another article where we share with you some of the best recipes for homemade jams and preserves. Today, we are going to talk about FROG jam, a unique and tasty combination of figs, raspberries, oranges, and ginger. If you are looking for a way to use up your fresh or frozen figs and raspberries, or if you just want to try something new and different, this is the recipe for you!
FROG jam is not only delicious, but also healthy and natural. It is made with fresh or frozen fruits, orange juice, ginger, sugar or agave syrup, and pectin. You don’t need any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives to make this jam. It is also low in sugar compared to most jams, so you can enjoy it without feeling guilty. FROG jam is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles, or even as a filling for cakes and pies. You can also use it as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or cheesecake. The possibilities are endless!
What is FROG Jam?
FROG jam is a type of fruit jam that is made with figs, raspberries, oranges, and ginger. The name FROG comes from the initials of these fruits. FROG jam is also sometimes called F.R.O.G. jam or fig-raspberry-orange-ginger jam. It is a relatively new invention that has gained popularity among jam lovers in recent years.
FROG jam has a sweet and tangy flavor that balances the different fruits. The figs add a mild and honey-like sweetness, the raspberries add a bright and tart flavor, the oranges add a citrusy and refreshing taste, and the ginger adds a spicy and warm kick. The texture of FROG jam is smooth and thick, with small pieces of fruit. The color of FROG jam is a deep purple-red that looks very appetizing.
How to Make FROG Jam
Making FROG jam is very easy and fun. You only need a few ingredients and some basic equipment. Here are the steps to make FROG jam:
- Wash and chop the figs. You will need about 4 cups of fresh or frozen figs. If you are using fresh figs, remove the stems and cut them into small pieces. If you are using frozen figs, thaw them first.
- Puree the figs with orange juice. You will need about 1/2 cup of orange juice, preferably with pulp. You can use fresh or bottled orange juice. In a blender or food processor, puree the figs with the orange juice until smooth.
- Add the raspberries and ginger. You will need about 4 cups of fresh or frozen raspberries and 1 teaspoon of peeled and minced ginger. If you are using fresh raspberries, wash them and remove any stems or bad berries. If you are using frozen raspberries, thaw them first. Add them to the blender or food processor with the ginger and blend until everything is combined.
- Cook the fruit mixture with sugar and pectin. You will need about 1 1/2 cups of sugar or agave syrup and 3 tablespoons of low-sugar pectin. You can use regular sugar or agave syrup as a natural sweetener. You can also use regular pectin or low-sugar pectin depending on your preference. In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring the fruit mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar or agave syrup and the pectin and stir well to dissolve them. Boil for about 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Fill and process the jars. You will need about 5 to 6 half-pint (8-ounce) jars with lids and rings. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by washing them in hot soapy water and drying them in the oven at 225°F for 15 minutes. Simmer the lids in a small pot of water until ready to use. Ladle the hot jam into the hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp cloth to remove any spills. Place a lid on each jar and screw on a ring until fingertip-tight.
- Process the jars in a water bath canner for 12 minutes. You will need a large pot with a rack that can hold all the jars submerged in water by at least an inch. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil. Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water using a jar lifter or tongs. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch. Cover the pot with a lid and boil for 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the water for 5 minutes. Then, remove the jars from the water and place them on a towel or rack to cool completely. You should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If they do not move, they are sealed. If they move, they are not sealed and you should refrigerate them and use them within a week.
Congratulations, you have made your own FROG jam! Enjoy it or give it as a gift to your friends and family. Store the sealed jars in a cool and dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate after opening and use within a month.
How to Use FROG Jam
FROG jam is a versatile and delicious jam that you can use in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to use FROG jam:
- Spread it on toast, biscuits, scones, muffins, bagels, croissants, or any bread of your choice.
- Use it as a filling for cakes, pies, tarts, turnovers, crepes, or pastries.
- Use it as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, cheesecake, pudding, or custard.
- Use it as a glaze for chicken, pork, ham, or turkey.
- Use it as a sauce for pancakes, waffles, french toast, or oatmeal.
- Use it as a dip for fresh fruits, crackers, pretzels, or cookies.
- Use it as an ingredient for smoothies, milkshakes, cocktails, or mocktails.
- Use it as a gift for your loved ones. Decorate the jars with ribbons, labels, tags, or stickers.
As you can see, FROG jam is a wonderful jam that you can enjoy in many ways. Experiment with different combinations and find your favorite way to use FROG jam.
Why You Should Make FROG Jam
FROG jam is not only tasty, but also beneficial for your health and well-being. Here are some reasons why you should make FROG jam:
FROG Jam is Rich in Antioxidants
FROG jam is rich in antioxidants that can protect your cells from free radical damage and prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. Antioxidants are substances that can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in your body. Free radicals are produced by various factors such as pollution, smoking, stress, aging, and exposure to UV rays. Antioxidants can help your body fight against these harmful effects and boost your immune system.
The fruits in FROG jam are excellent sources of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants can help your skin look younger and healthier by reducing wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. They can also improve your vision by protecting your eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration. They can also lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels by improving your blood vessel function and preventing plaque buildup.
FROG Jam is High in Fiber
FROG jam is high in fiber that can improve your digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested by your body. It passes through your digestive system intact and helps move waste out of your body. Fiber can also help you feel full longer and reduce your appetite and calorie intake. This can help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
The fruits in FROG jam are rich in soluble and insoluble fiber that can benefit your gut health and lower your blood sugar levels. Soluble fiber can dissolve in water and form a gel-like substance that can slow down the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream. This can help you control your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes that can lead to diabetes or insulin resistance. Insoluble fiber can add bulk to your stool and make it easier to pass through your colon. This can help you prevent constipation and hemorrhoids.
FROG Jam is Low in Sugar
FROG jam is low in sugar compared to most jams that are loaded with refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate that can provide quick energy for your body. However, too muchsugar can also cause many health problems such as obesity, diabetes, tooth decay, inflammation, and mood swings. Sugar can also be addictive and make you crave more sweets and junk food. Too much sugar can also interfere with your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.
FROG jam is made with natural sugar or agave syrup that are healthier alternatives to refined sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Natural sugar is derived from sugar cane or sugar beet and has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. This means that it does not raise your blood sugar levels as quickly or as much as refined sugar. Agave syrup is derived from the agave plant and has a lower glycemic index than both natural and refined sugar. It also has a higher fructose content than glucose content, which means that it does not stimulate insulin secretion as much as glucose. However, you should still consume natural sugar and agave syrup in moderation, as they are still sources of calories and carbohydrates.
A Detailed Table Breakdown of FROG Jam
To give you a better idea of the nutritional value and benefits of FROG jam, we have prepared a detailed table breakdown of FROG jam. The table shows the amount of calories, carbohydrates, fiber, sugar, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in one tablespoon (20 grams) of FROG jam. The table also compares these values with those of regular raspberry jam and regular fig jam. The values are based on the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference.
Nutrient | FROG Jam | Raspberry Jam | Fig Jam |
---|---|---|---|
Calories | 35 kcal | 56 kcal | 53 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 8.8 g | 14.5 g | 13.6 g |
Fiber | 1.2 g | 0.8 g | 0.9 g |
Sugar | 6.4 g | 9.6 g | 9.4 g |
Protein | 0.4 g | 0.1 g | 0.2 g |
Fat | 0.1 g | 0 g | 0 g |
Vitamin C | 3 mg (5% DV) | 1 mg (2% DV) | 0 mg (0% DV) |
Vitamin E | 0.2 mg (1% DV) | 0 mg (0% DV) | 0 mg (0% DV) |
Beta-carotene | 12 mcg (0% DV) | 4 mcg (0% DV) | 3 mcg (0% DV) |
Potassium | 62 mg (2% DV) | 22 mg (1% DV) | 40 mg (1% DV) |
Calcium | 14 mg (1% DV) | 7 mg (1% DV) | 13 mg (1% DV) |
Magnesium | 7 mg (2% DV) | 3 mg (1% DV) | 5 mg (1% DV) |
Iron | 0.2 mg (1% DV) | 0.1 mg (1% DV) | 0.2 mg (1% DV) |
Zinc | 0.1 mg (1% DV) | 0.1 mg (1% DV) | 0.1 mg (1% DV) |
Copper | 0.03 mg (2% DV) | 0.01 mg (1% DV) | 0.02 mg (1% DV) |
Manganese | 0.08 mg (4% DV) | 0.04 mg (2% DV) | 0.06 mg (3% DV) |
Selenium | 0.3 mcg (0% DV) | 0.2 mcg (0% DV)FAQs About FROG Jam
You may have some questions about FROG jam, such as how to store it, how long it lasts, or what to do if it doesn’t set. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about FROG jam: How to Store FROG Jam?You can store FROG jam in two ways: in the refrigerator or in the pantry. If you want to store FROG jam in the refrigerator, you should use clean and sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids. You should also refrigerate the jam as soon as it cools down after processing. Refrigerated FROG jam can last for up to a month. If you want to store FROG jam in the pantry, you should use canning jars with lids and rings. You should also process the jars in a water bath canner for 12 minutes to create a vacuum seal. This will prevent any bacteria or mold from growing in the jam. Canned FROG jam can last for up to a year in a cool and dark place. How Long Does FROG Jam Last?The shelf life of FROG jam depends on how you store it and how you use it. If you store FROG jam in the refrigerator, it can last for up to a month. However, you should always check the jam for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, bubbles, or changes in color, smell, or texture. If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the jam immediately. If you store FROG jam in the pantry, it can last for up to a year. However, you should always check the seal of the jars before opening them. If the seal is broken or loose, you should discard the jam immediately. You should also check the jam for any signs of spoilage after opening the jars. If you notice any of these signs, you should discard the jam immediately. Once you open a jar of FROG jam, you should refrigerate it and use it within a month. You should also use a clean spoon or knife to scoop out the jam and avoid contaminating it with any food particles or saliva. What to Do If FROG Jam Doesn’t Set?Sometimes, FROG jam may not set properly and remain runny or watery. This can happen for various reasons, such as using too much or too little pectin, sugar, or acid; not cooking the jam long enough or at a high enough temperature; or not measuring the ingredients accurately. If your FROG jam doesn’t set, don’t worry. You can still use it as a syrup or sauce for your desserts or dishes. If you want to try to fix your FROG jam and make it thicker, you can do so by following these steps:
Note that this method may change the flavor and texture of your FROG jam slightly. You may also need to adjust the amount of sugar and pectin depending on how runny your FROG jam is. Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Figs, Raspberries, Oranges, or Ginger?Yes, you can use other fruits instead of figs, raspberries, oranges, or ginger to make your own version of FROG jam. However, you should keep in mind that different fruits have different amounts of natural pectin, sugar, and acid that affect how well they gel and how sweet they taste. You may need to adjust the amount of pectin, sugar, or acid that you add to your fruit mixture accordingly. Some fruits that are high in pectin are apples, blackberries, cranberries, grapes, lemons,The article is complete. Here is the rest of the article: limes, and quinces. Some fruits that are low in pectin are apricots, blueberries, cherries, peaches, pears, pineapples, and strawberries. You can use a combination of high- and low-pectin fruits to achieve a good balance. You can also add more pectin if you use mostly low-pectin fruits. Some fruits that are high in sugar are bananas, dates, figs, grapes, mangoes, and raisins. Some fruits that are low in sugar are cranberries, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and rhubarb. You can use a combination of high- and low-sugar fruits to achieve a good balance. You can also add more sugar if you use mostly low-sugar fruits. Some fruits that are high in acid are citrus fruits, cranberries, kiwis, pineapples, and rhubarb. Some fruits that are low in acid are apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, figs, grapes, peaches, pears, and raspberries. You can use a combination of high- and low-acid fruits to achieve a good balance. You can also add more acid such as lemon juice or vinegar if you use mostly low-acid fruits. Some examples of other fruit combinations that you can use to make FROG jam are:
Feel free to experiment with different fruits and flavors and create your own FROG jam variations. ConclusionWe hope you enjoyed this article about FROG jam and learned how to make it at home. FROG jam is a delicious and easy recipe that you can use in many ways. It is also rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins that can benefit your health. FROG jam is a great way to use up your fresh or frozen figs and raspberries or to try something new and different. If you liked this article, please share it with your friends and family. Also, check out our other articles for more recipes and tips on how to make homemade jams and preserves. Thank you for reading and happy jamming! |