Tropical Banana Lime Preserve
This Tropical Banana Lime Preserve is a deliciously sweet and tangy treat that perfectly balances the rich flavor of ripe bananas with the zesty brightness of fresh lime juice. Ideal for spreading on morning toast, dolloping on pancakes, or enjoying in a peanut butter sandwich, this preserve is a versatile addition to your kitchen. Easy to make and delightful to taste, it makes a charming gift or a special homemade treat. Enjoy the taste of the tropics with each spoonful, just as experienced by Elizabeth Barcelo!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh lime juice
1/4 cup (Juice from about one medium lime.)
Ripe bananas
3 1/2 cups (Peeled and diced.)
Granulated sugar
2 1/4 cups (Measured directly into the saucepan.)
Water
1/2 cup (Measured directly into the saucepan.)
Instructions
1
Begin by measuring the fresh lime juice into a one-quart measuring cup and set aside.
2
Peel the bananas and dice them directly into the lime juice, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent browning.
3
In a wide 2.5-quart saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir gently as you heat the mixture over medium-high heat to dissolve the sugar.
4
Once boiling, cover the saucepan tightly for the first 2 minutes. This traps steam, helping to wash any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan.
5
After 2 minutes, uncover the pan and carefully add the diced bananas along with the lime juice.
6
Reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to boil for approximately 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, especially during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
7
To check for doneness, scrape a spoon across the bottom of the pan; it should leave a track that closes slowly, or the jam should mound on the spoon.
8
Once done, quickly fill hot, sterilized jars with the hot banana lime mixture, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
9
Using a clean, damp paper towel, wipe the sealing surface of each jar to remove any residue.
10
Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until finger-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
11
Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool upright for 12 to 24 hours, allowing the vacuum seal to form and the preserve to set firmly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Banana Lime Preserve?
Tropical Banana Lime Preserve is a sweet and tangy spread that balances the rich flavor of ripe bananas with zesty fresh lime juice.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The primary ingredients are fresh lime juice, ripe bananas, granulated sugar, and water.
How much lime juice is required for the preserve?
You will need 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice, which is typically the amount from one medium-sized lime.
How many bananas do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of peeled and diced ripe bananas.
Why should bananas be diced directly into the lime juice?
Dicing them directly into the juice and stirring prevents the bananas from browning due to oxidation.
What size saucepan is recommended for cooking?
A wide 2.5-quart saucepan is recommended for this recipe.
How much sugar and water are used?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of water.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat them over medium-high heat to dissolve the sugar.
Why should the saucepan be covered for the first 2 minutes of boiling?
Covering the pan traps steam, which helps wash sugar crystals off the sides of the pan.
At what point are the bananas added?
Add the diced bananas and lime juice once the sugar and water mixture has boiled for 2 minutes.
How long does the banana mixture need to boil?
The mixture should boil on low heat for approximately 30 minutes.
How often should I stir the mixture?
You should stir often to prevent sticking, especially during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
How can I tell if the preserve is finished?
The preserve is done when a spoon scraped across the bottom of the pan leaves a track that closes slowly.
What is another sign of doneness for the jam?
Another indicator is if the jam mounds up on the spoon rather than running off.
What type of jars should be used for storage?
Use hot, sterilized jars to package the hot preserve mixture.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Why must the jar rims be wiped clean?
Wiping the rims removes residue to ensure a proper and hygienic vacuum seal.
How should the lids be tightened?
Screw on the bands until they are finger-tight.
What is the water bath processing time?
Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
How long should the jars cool after processing?
The jars should cool upright for 12 to 24 hours to allow the vacuum seal to form.
What are common serving suggestions for this preserve?
It is delicious on morning toast, dolloped on pancakes, or used in peanut butter sandwiches.
What is the flavor profile of this preserve?
It is sweet and rich from the bananas with a bright, zesty, and tangy finish from the lime.
Is this preserve suitable for gifting?
Yes, its unique tropical flavor makes it a charming and special homemade gift.
What kind of bananas should I use?
Ripe bananas are best as they provide the richest flavor and desired sweetness.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are only 4 ingredients: lime juice, bananas, sugar, and water.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided recipe data does not include specific calorie or nutrient counts.
What tool is recommended for stirring?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the bananas and the cooking mixture.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
While fresh is recommended for the best flavor, bottled juice can be used if fresh is unavailable.
What category of food does this fall into?
This recipe falls under sweet spreads, jams, and preserves.
What does 'finger-tight' mean for jar lids?
It means tightening the band until you feel resistance using just your fingers, not your whole hand, to allow air to escape during processing.