Melon and ginger jam is a South African favourite. This tasty condiment has been enjoyed for generations. This treat combines the sweetness of ripe melons with the pungent flavour of fresh ginger, creating an irresistible combination that’s sure to please everyone at your table.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create this classic jam in no time! Enjoy it as part of a breakfast or brunch spread, as a topping on ice cream or cake. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this unique jam may well become one of your all-time favourite treats!
Reasons to try this melon jam
Melon and ginger jam is a beloved South African jam with a rich history. The recipe is said to have originated in response to the abundance of melons grown in a local region.
Over time, the addition of ginger added a spicy kick to the jam, making it a national favourite. Today, melon and ginger jam remain a popular choice for breakfast spreads and snack-time treats across South Africa.
Making a melon and ginger jam
Making melon and ginger jam is a fun and rewarding kitchen activity that can be enjoyed by the whole family. This sweet-tart spread can be made with just a few ingredients, including fresh melons, sugar, lemon juice, and freshly grated ginger root with the option of additional crystallised ginger pieces for even more pizzaz!
You start by slicing and dicing the melon into cubes or thin strips.
Heat it in a saucepan with the sugar, lemon juice, and ginger; simmering until thickened; ladling it into jars for storage; then boiling the filled jars to seal them for long-term preservation.
With just a bit of effort, you’ll have an amazing homemade treat that’s sure to delight everyone!
TIPS for this zingy jam
1. Select ripe, sweet melons for the best flavour.
You can use various varieties of melon, be it cantaloupe, honeydew, charentais, or Galia melon. While there might be some variation in flavour, the biggest difference between different types is the final colour of the jam. It will still taste good!
2. Use fresh ginger root to add a spicy kick to the jam.
Fresh ginger adds a much smoother complementary taste note to the melon. I have found that dried, ground ginger powder struggles to deliver a fresh ginger flavour and that you have to use a lot more power to achieve the ginger taste. Also, the powder can add a murky brown colour to the final result ( depending on how much powder you used of course).
If you do not want any of the ginger pieces in your final jam, then you can chops up the ginger and place it in a muslin bag. You can then let the ginger flavour infuse and cook into the jam. Then you can remove the bag and the ginger ahead of potting up.
You can decide how mc or how little ginger you prefer and adjust accordingly. Try to make sure that you don’t use so much that this turns into a ginger jam with a hint of melon. The unique melon flavour is rather special and should just be enhanced to be truly enjoyed.
You could also consider adding some chopped crystallised ginger to the jam for flavour and texture.
3. Use half white sugar and half brown sugar to add a subtle caramel note to the jam
4. Decide about your preferred texture of this jam.
If you would like it smooth, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down any pieces that do not cook down in the pan.
Overall, there tend to be some pieces that remain even when you don’t try to create a textured jam. To create a highly textured melon jam, you need to slow down the processing steps a bit.
Put the chopped melon with the sugar, lemon juice and lemon rind, and ginger in a glass bowl to macerate. Leave in a cool kitchen or the fridge overnight. Then strain the mixture and add the liquid to your pan and process with starting to create the jam. Once the liquid starts to thicken add the now firmer melon pieces and continue to make the jam as per the recipe.
Of course, you may choose to hold back a few pieces of melon to add later in the cooking process for just a hint of texture too.
So get on with making this delicious jam
Make this melon jam your own
The delicate flavour of melon lends itself to being enhanced by other select ingredients. You may want to consider some of the following or variations thereof:
Add orange peel and rosemary to create a citrusy flavour
Start by cutting one or two oranges into thin strips, then add to the ingredients, along with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.
Add jalapeno and mint for an added kick
Dice one or two jalapeños into very small pieces and add to the jam along with a handful of fresh mint leaves. Allow this mixture to simmer until it reaches your desired level of heat and flavour intensity.
Add a gentle hint of spice
A small pinch of either clove, nutmeg or cinnamon suddenly creates a new flavour profile with this jam. Just make sure that you only use a small amount so as not to challenge or compete with the melon flavour.
Sweeten up the mix with honey
After simmering, stir in one tablespoon of honey for each cup of jam you’re making that will give it some additional sweetness as well as balance out any spicy notes you may have added.
Ways to enjoy this jam
1. Spread melon and ginger jam on toast for a sweet, fruity breakfast treat.
2. Create an easy summer salad by combining mixed greens with chunks of cantaloupe, feta cheese, and a drizzle of jam as dressing.
3. Use it to top grilled chicken or salmon for an intriguing flavour combination.
4. Add it to sparkling water for a delicious, homemade drinks alternative that’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering!
5. Warm some of the jam with a small amount of water in the microwave. Then drizzle over ice cream or yoghurt for an unexpected twist on dessert dishes that everyone will love!
6. Add to a board with pâtés and fine cheeses and crackers. It pairs well with soft cheeses. But does equally well as part of a cheese and ham sandwich!
A melon and ginger jam is a South African favourite that’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes. It has the perfect, soft balance of sweetness, tartness and spice, making it an ideal accompaniment for many dishes.
The combination of melon and ginger creates a unique flavour profile that will have everyone asking for more! Not only does this jam taste amazing but it also looks great in presentation jars or on display at parties. Try out this delicious recipe today – you won’t be disappointed!
Melon and Ginger Jam Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- Glass bowl
- Lemon zester
- Lemon juicer
- Preserving pan or large saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ladle
- Jam Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 1 kg melon
- 1-2 tsp ginger
- 1 medium lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 450 g sugar
- 40 ml liquid pectin
Instructions
- Peel and deseed the melon and chop it into small cubes. Put this in the glass bowl.
- Wash and zest the lemon. Prepare the juice from half of the lemon.
- Add the lemon zest and juice to the melon in the bowl.
- Peel and grate the ginger. Add the teaspoon of grated ginger to the fruit in the bowl.
- Add the sugar to the bowl and stir well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it stand for 2 hours.
- Empty the mixture from the bowl into the preserving pan.
- Add the vanilla extract. Stir.
- Turn up the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, making sure to keep stirring.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove some or all of the melon pieces back into the bowl.
- Cook the remaining mixture at a simmer until it has reduced by half, and started to thicken.
- Add the melon pieces back into the pan. Turn up the heat and use the jam thermometer to bring the jam up to a temperature of 105°C / 221°F.
- Stir in the liquid pectin ( make sure that you read the instructions for the brand or formula you choose to use and follow these accordingly).
- Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Perform the wrinkle test to confirm when the set point is reached.
- If it has not reached the set point yet, boil for a further 5 min and test again.
- Once the jam has reached the setting point ladle it into warm sterilized jars.
Notes
TIPS for this melon jam
1. Select ripe, sweet melons for the best flavour.
You can use various varieties of melon, be it cantaloupe, honeydew, charentais, or Galia melon. While there might be some variation in flavour, the biggest difference between different types is the final colour of the jam. It will still taste good!2. Use fresh ginger root to add a spicy kick to the jam.
Fresh ginger adds a much smoother complementary taste note to the melon. I have found that dried, ground ginger powder struggles to deliver a fresh ginger flavour and that you have to use a lot more power to achieve the ginger taste. Also, the powder can add a murky brown colour to the final result ( depending on how much powder you used of course). If you do not want any of the ginger pieces in your final jam, then you can chops up the ginger and place it in a muslin bag. You can then let the ginger flavour infuse and cook into the jam. Then you can remove the bag and the ginger ahead of potting up. You can decide how mc or how little ginger you prefer and adjust accordingly. Try to make sure that you don’t use so much that this turns into a ginger jam with a hint of melon. The unique melon flavour is rather special and should just be enhanced to be truly enjoyed. You could also consider adding some chopped crystallised ginger to the jam for flavour and texture.3. Use half white sugar and half brown sugar to add a subtle caramel note to the jam
4. Decide about your preferred texture of this jam.
If you would like it smooth, you can use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down any pieces that do not cook down in the pan. Overall, there tend to be some pieces that remain even when you don’t try to create a textured jam. To create a highly textured melon jam, you need to slow down the processing steps a bit. Put the chopped melon with the sugar, lemon juice and lemon rind, and ginger in a glass bowl to macerate. Leave in a cool kitchen or the fridge overnight. Then strain the mixture and add the liquid to your pan and process with starting to create the jam. Once the liquid starts to thicken add the now firmer melon pieces and continue to make the jam as per the recipe. Of course, you may choose to hold back a few pieces of melon to add later in the cooking process for just a hint of texture too. So get on with making this delicious jamMaking this melon jam your own
The delicate flavour of melon lends itself to being enhanced by other select ingredients. You may want to consider some of the following or variations thereof:Add orange peel and rosemary to create a citrusy flavour
Start by cutting one or two oranges into thin strips, then add to the ingredients, along with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.Add jalapeno and mint for an added kick
Dice one or two jalapeños into very small pieces and add to the jam along with a handful of fresh mint leaves. Allow this mixture to simmer until it reaches your desired level of heat and flavour intensity.Add a gentle hint of spice
A small pinch of either clove, nutmeg or cinnamon suddenly creates a new flavour profile with this jam. Just make sure that you only use a small amount so as not to challenge or compete with the melon flavour.Sweeten up the mix with honey
After simmering, stir in one tablespoon of honey for each cup of jam you’re making that will give it some additional sweetness as well as balance out any spicy notes you may have added.Way to enjoy melon and ginger jam
1. Spread melon and ginger jam on toast for a sweet, fruity breakfast treat. 2. Create an easy summer salad by combining mixed greens with chunks of cantaloupe, feta cheese, and a drizzle of jam as dressing. 3. Use it to top grilled chicken or salmon for an intriguing flavour combination. 4. Add it to sparkling water for a delicious, homemade drinks alternative that’s sure to impress guests at your next gathering! 5. Warm some of the jam with a small amount of water in the microwave. Then drizzle over ice cream or yoghurt for an unexpected twist on dessert dishes that everyone will love! 6. Add to a board with pâtés and fine cheeses and crackers. It pairs well with soft cheeses. But does equally well as part of a cheese and ham sandwich!Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.