Jackfruit-Grapes Jam | Chakkapazham Munthiri Jam

How do you generally preserve fruits that are seasonal, especially fruits like mango, jackfruit ? I usually make preserves like manga thera, chakka thera, mango jam, chakka varetti. All these process do require time and effort, but that fruit can be relished throughout the year eases the efforts. Chakka (Jackfruit) Jam is also one that I had been trying out frequently during jackfruit season, but jackfruit alone gives a dominant flavour of jackfruits, which kids were not liking. They say it tastes like eating chakka varetti instead of jam. Hence, the 'JAM' factor was missing. 

That is when I tried mixing a few fruits and making jackfruit jam.Jackfruit-Grapes Jam is a super combo, it really gives a distinct colour and tastes yum. When you have abundance of jackfruit in your backyard, then you must preserve them for a longer time after the season ends too. So do give it a try and enjoy with breads, parathas or any staples that you can spread it up.

Preparation time ~ 15 minutes

Cooking time ~ 25–30 mins

Serves ~ a bottle (approx. 300 gms)

Author ~ Julie

Ingredients 

ripe jackfruit bulbs, chopped 2.5 cups

black seedless grapes 1.5 cups

granulated sugar 3/4-1 cup

lemon juice 2 tbsps

Watch on YouTube-

Method 

• Remove the ripe jackfruit bulbs, discard seed, clean and then chop the bulbs. Add the chopped jackfruit in a pressure cooker. Add a cup of water and pressure-cook for 2 whistles. Switch off the flame and wait for the pressure to release.
• In the meantime, add the grapes, sugar to a blender jar. Blend the juice and then strain it into a pan. To the blender jar, add the cooked jackfruit and blend without adding any water. Purée it smooth and add to the grapes mixture. Mix well and bring to a boil.
• If there are lumps in the mix, don't worry. They will go smooth once cooked. Keep stirring to avoid burning at the bottom and continue to cook.
• When the mix turns thick, pour a little in a dry plate. Wait for 30 seconds and tilt the plate. If the mix starts moving or flowing down, then it is not ready. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes and then test again.
• When the mix no longer moves when tested, then switch off OR when you can see the bottom of the pan when stirring, and it takes only seconds to come back together. Then it's ready. Add the lemon juice and give a quick stir. Switch off the flame and leave to cool completely.
• Store in glass bottles and refrigerate, as there are no preservatives added other than lemon juice.

NOTES

* The amount of jackfruit is measured after cleaning and removing the seeds.(the chopped jackfruit is measured.

* Wash the grapes by soaking in vinegar and baking soda solution. Rinse thoroughly and then used to remove the excess pesticides.