14.06.2024

This is how I make “my” fennel jam, without a gram of sugar. Delicious that drives everyone crazy, plus it’s light and diet friendly

By Lesia

Sugar-free fennel jam is versatile and can accommodate different dietary preferences and food restrictions. It can be enjoyed by people with diabetes, those following a low- carbohydrate diet , or those who simply want to avoid added sugar in their diet.

Removing sugar from jam makes it healthier, especially for people who follow low-sugar diets or who need to control their carbohydrate intake. Unsweetened fennel jam may be a healthier option for those looking to reduce their refined sugar intake.

When making sugar-free jam, you have complete control over the ingredients you use. You can avoid the preservatives and additives typically found in commercial versions of jam, resulting in a more natural and fresh product.

Ingredients to prepare sugar-free fennel jam

  • 500g fresh fennel, cleaned and cut into pieces
  • Juice and zest of an organic lemon
  • 1 green apple, peeled and cut into pieces (the apple acts as a natural thickener and adds sweetness to the jam)
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional, but adds depth to flavor)
  • Water, as needed (to lightly cover the fennel during cooking)

Procedure

  1. We add the chopped fennel to a large saucepan, the green apple, the lemon juice and the zest and the cinnamon (optional)
  2. Then we add water to lightly cover the fennel and bring it to a boil.
  3. Then we reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the fennel is soft and the fruit has reduced to a jam-like consistency.
  4. We remove the cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until we obtain a smooth and homogeneous consistency.
  5. We test the flavor of the jam and if we see it necessary we add more lemon juice to balance the flavors.
  6. We transfer the jam to sterilized jars and seal well.
  7. We keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume it within 1-2 weeks.

Additional Tips

  • Use fresh, high-quality fennel to get the best flavor in your jam. Look for fennel that has a vibrant color and a fresh, anise aroma.
  • Experiment with natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, honey, or maple syrup to add sweetness to your sugar-free jam. Adjust the amount based on your personal preference and desired level of sweetness.
  • To add sweetness and natural flavor to your sugar-free jam, you can incorporate additional fruits such as apples, pears or berries. These fruits will add sweetness and help thicken the jam without adding sugar.