Content of the article:
In conifers, not only needles and shoots are useful, but also cones. They make an original and tasty jam, which will help to quickly cure even a lingering cold.
It is worth noting that, unlike the dessert of pine needles, cones are better to collect and preserve in late spring. In May, young cones form on the pine tree, and they will be needed. Large ripe fruit for jam is not suitable. First of all, they will quickly melt away and lose their shape, and secondly, they will only spoil the overall taste and appearance of the delicacy.
How to make jam from the cones?
Wash the young cones thoroughly, cut off the remains of petioles with scissors and pour them into a stainless steel saucepan. For jam will need:
- kilogram of cones;
- 1.2 kg of sugar;
- 500 ml of water.
It is better not to use enamelware, since resin remains on its walls, released from the cones during the cooking process, which is quite difficult to clean.
Combine all ingredients and bring the cones to a boil. Boil for 5-10 minutes, turn off the heat and leave to infuse for at least 3 hours. Repeat the procedure up to 5 times. In the process of cooking the cones from green will turn brown, and the syrup will acquire a beautiful golden-amber shade. Ready to pour jam in sterilized jars and cork. From one kilogram of cones you get about 1.2 liters of jam.
When the dessert has cooled, it will become thicker.
How to choose the right cones?
For jam, you need to collect only young cones. The degree of maturity can be checked with the help of a needle: it goes well through a green lump. Fruits larger than 4 cm should not be used. Also, do not pluck the cones from the trees, which are many insect pests.
Useful properties of
jam A tasty delicacy has a wide range of therapeutic actions:
- is a preventive measure against colds;
- improves performance;
- quickly cures a cold;
- relieves general health during flu and lowers temperature;
- has an expectorant effect, is used to treat bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
- improves the functioning of the stomach and pancreas, used in the treatment of ulcers.
However, the use of jam from the cones must be given to those who are prone to allergies, as well as kidney problems and hepatitis in the acute stage. Children under 3 years old are not recommended to give a treat at all.
