Description
Homemade pineapple jalapeño preserves combine sweet tropical fruit with spicy pepper heat for a complex condiment. Rich Mexican-inspired flavors deliver delightful balance between sugary pineapple and zesty jalapeño that elevate sandwiches, cheese plates, and grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (720 ml/24 fl oz) fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (400 g/14 oz) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsps (30 ml/1 fl oz) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp (5 ml/0.17 fl oz) mustard seeds
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml/0.08 fl oz) turmeric powder
Instructions
- Flavor Base Creation: In a large saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, mustard seeds, turmeric powder, grated ginger, and chopped garlic, whisking to create a dynamic and aromatic foundation.
- Boiling and Simmering: Ignite the heat to high, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely and ingredients harmonize.
- Fruit and Spice Integration: Introduce diced pineapple and thinly sliced jalapeño peppers, allowing them to meld and infuse the liquid with their vibrant, zesty character.
- Consistency Development: Maintain medium heat, stirring intermittently as the pineapple softens and the mixture transforms into a glossy, syrup-like texture (approximately 18-22 minutes).
- Jar Sterilization and Preservation: Simultaneously sterilize glass jars and lids by submerging them in rapidly boiling water for 5-6 minutes, ensuring complete sanitization.
- Filling and Sealing: Meticulously ladle the hot preserve into sterilized jars, leaving 0.25 inches of headspace. Cleanse jar rims with a pristine cloth, then secure lids and bands with uniform pressure.
- Water Bath Processing: Submerge filled jars in boiling water for 10-12 minutes, establishing a hermetic seal that locks in the preserves’ vibrant flavors.
- Cooling and Storage: Remove jars from the water bath and position on a heat-resistant surface. Allow to cool naturally at room temperature, then verify the seal by pressing the lid center – it should remain immovable.
- Long-Term Preservation: Store sealed preserves in a cool, dark pantry, where they will maintain their robust flavor profile for several months, ready to enhance future culinary creations.
Notes
- Precision Matters: Measure ingredients exactly to maintain the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Heat Control: Monitor simmering temperature carefully to prevent burning and ensure a glossy, syrup-like consistency.
- Sterilization is Crucial: Thoroughly clean and sterilize jars to prevent bacterial growth and extend preserve shelf life.
- Safe Sealing Technique: Check jar seals meticulously to guarantee food safety and preserve quality during storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 7 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg