Jams from Around the World

Jams are popular around the world in various countries. Jams and jellies as well as other preserves a part of international cuisines. Every nation and country has their own jam recipes and local ingredients used for centuries. In this article we want to show you jams from around the world and what jams and jam making traditions different countries in the world have.

Lingonberry jam from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe

Lingonberry jam is very popular in northern countries in Europe, especially in countries like Russia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Sweden and Finland. Such popularity of lingonberry jam recipe is due to the fact that it grows in the vast forests of these northern countries. Picking forest berries has been extremely popular in the countries of this northern region for centuries.

Lingonberries have some similarities with cranberries. The taste of the lingonberries is a combination of tastes of cranberry and raspberry. Lingonberries are small, red and tart. The lingonberry jam is most often consumed with meat and potatoes, like grilled pork, potato pancakes. Lingonberry jam with meatballs is a very popular dish in Sweden.

Quince jam from Spain

Quince jam recipe is quite popular in Spain, that is why they use it for jam that looks like paste with a dense and gelatinous or gummy consistency. The sour, tart and aromatic taste of quince goes best with Spanish cheeses or with cheeses like Mozzarella, Asiago, Parmesan, Muenster or Pecorino Romano. The quince jam (paste) is a reflection of Spanish culture, its traditions and cuisine.

Guava jam from Brazil

Truly Brazilian guava jam is made from ripe guavas. Guava jam ingredients are fresh guavas with water, citric acid or lemon juice and cane sugar. Lemon juice helps to enhance the flavor and cane sugar adds some sweetness. This type of Brazilian jam can be eaten with toasts, cakes, pies or even ice cream. Guava represents Brazilian cuisine and the Brazilian people's love of fruity tastes.

Rose petal jam from the Middle East

Rose petal jam is very popular in the Middle East region. It is made from rose petals, sugar and citric acid or lemon juice that adds some sourness. Simmer the rose petals, some water, lemon juice and sugar stirring to prevent the rose petal jam from burning. This type of aromatic jam is most often served with coffee, tea, figs, baklava, or other Middle Eastern sweets and represents the cuisine of the region.

Plum jam from Eastern and Central Europe

Plum jam recipe is popular in Eastern and Central Europe countries such as Poland or Lithuania and as the name suggests is made of plums with added sugar. The plum jam has a thick consistency, dark color and a sweet-sour taste. Best suited for cakes or pastries as a filling. 

Jams often are not only the sweet and flavorous preserves but also a reflection of the local cuisine, culture and traditions of the region. Each jam tells us about the history and culture of the nation it comes from, but also a lot about the local nature, plants and fruits that have been growing there for centuries.