hongzhi fruit jam

hongzhi fruit jam

　　  The hongzhi fruit belongs to the Rosaceae family and its scientific name is Padus brachypoda. In Yunnan, it is also known by other names such as “ghost eye fruit” and “mountain plum.” The hongzhi fruit in Lianghe is mainly produced in various villages of Pingshan Township. The fruit trees are generally around 20–30 meters tall, usually bear fruit after 10–15 years, and yield between 300–600 kilograms per tree. Trees of particularly high quality typically bear fruit once every two years. The flesh is rich in anthocyanins and offers health benefits. Due to its bright red juice, unique flavor, delicious taste, and low-calorie nature, the hongzhi fruit has become increasingly popular among friends both within and beyond Dehong Prefecture, as well as those from other provinces. The scale of hongzhi powder (silk) production is growing larger. However, because the fruit is juicy, tender, and has delicate skin, it is not easy to ship. Even with full cold-chain transportation, about 40% of the fruits arrive damaged—quite a pity. As a result, the hardworking and ingenious people of Lianghe turned fresh hongzhi fruit into a jam by cooking it with sugar. High-concentration hongzhi fruit jam can be sealed and stored at room temperature for up to 15 days without spoiling. Once received, the jam can be kept in the fridge for a long time. The jam can be used to spread on bread, make mousse, mix with yogurt, or diluted to make popsicles—all of which have won widespread praise from fans. In hongzhi fruit and many other fruits, there naturally exists an acidic polysaccharide substance called “pectin.” When pectin is cooked and heated together with sugar, and the moisture evaporates, it forms a thick, gel-like texture—that’s the familiar consistency of jam. Commercial jams, due to cost considerations, often don’t use large amounts of real fruit but instead “bulk up” the product with gelatin, thickeners, and flavorings. This makes the jam appear thick and appealing even though it contains very little actual fruit. But our homemade hongzhi fruit jam from Lianghe is not only 100% natural but also has a long shelf life. Once you try it, you’ll find that the flavor of homemade hongzhi fruit jam is much richer and tastier than ordinary store-bought jams.