Sweet & Tangy Ground Cherry Preserves
Delight your taste buds with this exquisite Sweet & Tangy Ground Cherry Preserves. Ground cherries, also known as husk tomatoes, boast a unique flavor profile that marries the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the tropical notes of pineapple. Hiding in their delicate papery husks, these vibrant, orange fruits are not only a visual treat but also a versatile ingredient in your culinary repertoire. Use this preserve to enhance your breakfast on toast, add a layer of flavor to desserts, or incorporate it into savory dishes for a delightful twist. Whether enjoyed straight from the jar or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, these preserves are sure to impress. Perfect for preserving the taste of summer year-round!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground cherries
3 pints (Remove husks and wash)
Water
3 cups (None)
Sugar
1.5 cups (None)
Lemon juice
1/3 cup (Fresh is best)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the husks from the ground cherries and rinsing them under cool water to remove any impurities.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil for about five minutes or until it becomes clear. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
3
Once the syrup is ready, gently add the prepared ground cherries to the pot. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the ground cherries become tender and clear, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
Prepare your canning jars by sterilizing them in a boiling water bath. Once the fruit mixture is ready, fill the sterilized jars to the brim, making sure to cover the ground cherries with the hot syrup.
5
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal, and then seal them tightly. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are fully sealed and safe for storage.
6
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack. Check the seals before storing in a cool, dark place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ground cherries?
Ground cherries, also known as husk tomatoes, are small orange fruits that grow inside papery husks and have a sweet, tropical flavor.
What do ground cherry preserves taste like?
These preserves offer a unique flavor profile that combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with tropical notes of pineapple.
How many ground cherries do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 pints of ground cherries.
How do I prepare the ground cherries?
Remove the papery husks and rinse the fruit under cool water to remove any impurities before cooking.
What ingredients are needed for the syrup?
The syrup is made using 3 cups of water, 1.5 cups of sugar, and 1/3 cup of lemon juice.
How long should I boil the syrup?
Boil the water, sugar, and lemon juice for about five minutes or until the mixture becomes clear.
Should I remove the foam while cooking?
Yes, you should skim off any foam that forms on the surface of the boiling syrup.
How long do the ground cherries simmer in the syrup?
The ground cherries should simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
How can I tell when the ground cherries are finished cooking?
They are ready when they become tender and clear in appearance.
Do I need to sterilize the canning jars?
Yes, jars should be sterilized in a boiling water bath before being filled with the fruit mixture.
How much should I fill the jars?
Fill the sterilized jars to the brim, ensuring the ground cherries are fully covered with the hot syrup.
Why is it important to wipe the jar rims?
Wiping the rims with a clean cloth ensures there is no residue that could prevent a proper airtight seal.
How long do I process the jars in a water bath?
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10-15 minutes to ensure they are safely sealed.
Where should the jars cool?
Allow the jars to cool completely on a clean kitchen towel or a cooling rack.
How do I store the preserves?
Once cooled and checked for a proper seal, store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While bottled works, the recipe notes that fresh lemon juice is best for flavor.
What can I serve these preserves with?
They are excellent on toast, as a dessert topping, or as a sweet-and-tangy addition to savory dishes.
Are ground cherries related to regular cherries?
No, they are actually more closely related to tomatoes and tomatillos, hence the name husk tomatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for preserving summer flavors?
Yes, this canning recipe is perfect for enjoying the taste of summer ground cherries year-round.
What is the texture of these preserves?
The preserves consist of tender, clear whole ground cherries suspended in a sweet and tangy syrup.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of sugar.
How much water is required?
You will need 3 cups of water for the syrup base.
Can I use this as a gift?
Yes, these homemade preserves make for an impressive and unique culinary gift.
Do I need any special equipment?
You will need a large saucepan for cooking and a boiling water bath setup for canning.
What happens if a jar doesn't seal?
If a jar fails to seal, it should be refrigerated and consumed promptly rather than stored in a cupboard.
Is the lemon juice necessary for safety?
Yes, in canning, lemon juice provides necessary acidity for safe preservation.
Can I skip rinsing the cherries?
It is recommended to rinse them to remove any garden debris or impurities after husking.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe yield depends on the jar size, but it uses 3 pints of fruit and 3 cups of water.
Can I use ground cherries for savory cooking?
Yes, these preserves can be incorporated into savory dishes for a delightful twist.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed (fruit, water, sugar, lemon juice) are naturally gluten-free.