Pumpkin pie, pumpkin preserves, pumpkin spiced lattes! We are now well into pumpkin season and I'm loving it. Well now you have an easy recipe for pumpkin jam or mermelada de calabaza.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
This recipe is a great way to use the amazing varieties of pumpkin available at your local market or grocery store. You can spread this pumpkin jam on whatever you like. This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
A History
Pumpkin is native to North America. In fact, the oldest evidence of pumpkin seeds has been found in Mexico, pre-dating the Aztecs. The pumpkin was a staple of the diet of many of the indigenous people of Mexico. Nowadays in Mexico, pumpkin is used to make candy, candied pumpkin, mermelada de calabaza, and empanada fillings. The seeds are used to make oils, sauces, and eaten as a snack.
Step by Step Instructions
- Use fresh pumpkin for this recipe.
- Cut pumpkin in half, take out seeds, and place face down on sheet-tray.
- Bake. Let cool and remove the pulp.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients in a medium sauce-pot. Simmer.
- Mash with a potato masher to dissolve any large pieces of pumpkin or orange.
- Let cool and store in a glass airtight container.
- Enjoy your pumpkin jam on whatever you like.
Expert Tricks and Tips
What to do with all the pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds, or pepitas, can be roasted and enjoyed by themselves as a snack or in salads. Pepitas are a great source of magnesium and Omega 3. After roasting keep them in a glass jar and they will stay good for up to 2 weeks. Try this recipe for Pipian Rojo Over Rice to use up your pumpkin seeds.
Serving
Put this on whatever you like. Ice cream, pancakes, dairy-free yogurt, cocktails, or straight out of jar into your mouth.
Storing
If you have an airtight container you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Yes, pumpkin holds lots of pectin which are a type of polysaccharide. Pectin is a type of fiber that is in fruits and vegetables.
A combination of bad weather conditions, shipping issues and a type of fungus have disrupted the pumpkin supply this year.
High in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. Pumpkins low calorie content makes it weight-loss-friendly. It may boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health.
Several studies have shown that it may help lower blood sugar and might actually help slow the progression of the disease.
Pumpkin Orange Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cups Pumpkin, cooked (see note)
- 2 cups Sugar granulated
- 2 Valencia oranges zest removed, and cut into segments
Instructions
- Combine the pumpkin, orange zest, orange segments, and sugar in a medium sauce-pot.
- Bring to a boil and then turn heat down to low.
- Simmer for 35 min. or until the mixture has thickened.
- Mash with a potato masher to dissolve any large pieces of pumpkin or orange.
Great idea. I've made pumpkin apple butter, but I've never thought of using orange.