No breakfast, whether it is a Continental spread at a buffet, or a rushed one at your dining table is ever complete without a jam. Some call them preserves, others marmalades and the French fancy it up by calling them ‘Confitures’. Truth be told, everyone, bar none, loves the fruity, sticky and oh so lovely concoction. Today then we decided to dive in, toast deep into the sweet, lip smacking history of jams. So buckle up as we’re about to begin.
Jamming it up in the BCe!
Jams have their origins in ancient times, with the Greeks and Romans using honey and fruit to make sweet spreads. They also used a method of preserving fruit by drying it in the sun or in ovens. In medieval Europe, monks made preserves and jams with honey or sugar to preserve fruits and berries for winter use.
The Great British Marmalade-Off!
Jam-making became popular in Britain, especially with citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. Marmalade is a type of jam that is made with citrus fruit, sugar, and water. It is often spread on toast for breakfast or used as an ingredient in cakes and desserts.
Let’s Jam Up the Industry!
In the 19th century, the invention of canning changed the way people preserved food. Canning allows fruits and vegetables to be preserved without the need for sugar or honey. This led to the creation of fruit preserves, which are made by cooking fruit with sugar and pectin until it thickens and sets. The addition of pectin, a natural thickening agent found in fruit, helped to create a firmer and more spreadable jam.
Jams: Yesterday, Today, Forever
Jams are just as popular today as they were in the past. Chenab Gourmet brings you two of the most sought-after brands of jams: Tiptree from the UK and Les Confitures de l’Ancienne from France.
Tiptree: The Best of British Jams
Tiptree is a well-known brand of jams and marmalades based in the UK. The company was founded in 1885 by the Wilkin family, who still owns and operates it to this day. The brand is named after the small village of Tiptree in Essex, where the Wilkin family began growing fruit for their homemade jams and marmalades. Tiptree prides itself on using only the finest ingredients in their products. They source their fruit from their own farms as well as other trusted suppliers. They use only the freshest fruits in their products, including strawberry, sweet tip raspberry, medium cut orange marmalade, and apricot.
Les Confitures de l’Ancienne
The French Art of Jam-Making Les Confitures de l’Ancienne is a French brand of jams, preserves, confitures, and marmalades known for its use of traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. The company was founded by Christine Ferber, who learned the art of confiture-making from her grandmother. Les Confitures de l’Ancienne is based in the small village of Niedermorschwihr in the Alsace region of France. The company uses only the freshest and most flavorful fruits, which are carefully selected and cooked in small batches to preserve their natural flavors and aromas. Some of the most popular flavors include apricot, apricot and sliced almonds, citrus fruit, fig, melon and orange, four red fruit, and wild strawberry.
Conclusion: The sweet and fruity history of jams spans centuries and continents. So the next time you spread some jam on your toast, take a moment to appreciate the long and delicious history that has brought it to your plate. Begin your journey of jam tasting excellence with Chenab Gourmet. Until next time, may your plate always be full of delicious surprises.