Preserves that are a delight on the dining table are Easily Available Online!

Fruit preserves have a permanent place on our breakfast table. Preserved fruits and vegetables – be it in the form of jams, jellies or the odd chutneys (that we Indians have a very fond memory of) – are cleaned, processed before being mixed with sugar/jaggery and few other ingredients to ensure their longevity. They are canned or sealed to maintain and extend their shelf life.

Preserves are not restricted to only jams, as it’s been stated earlier. Jelly, marmalade and chutney are some typical forms of preserves. The ingredients used and preparation ascertain the type of preserves.

Jams are a popular food spread – consumed globally - not only because of their low cost and availability but also for the health benefits that they carry.

And yes, they are substances that tickle our senses of touch, sight, smell and taste.

Buy Jam and jellies online: Explore the options

The preserves are relished by both young and old. They are consumed as spreads in sandwiches and Indian roti, cake dressings or tart fillings. These preserves are available across the counter at all retail and wholesale outlets. You can shop for the jams and spreads online too.

It is more convenient and easier to compare the various brands and varieties that come under the list of options one can take aid of in terms of food spreads. You can find them all –in both vegetarian and non vegetarian forms (free from fat, gluten, dairy, low fat and other natural flavours). They are not only nutritious but also make you less hungry by keeping your stomach full for a longer time.

Honey is a good alternate to sugar. You can find a good amount of honey use in place of sugar in many of the jellies and jams available today. Honey being a good source of carbohydrates help in restoring and maintaining your energy levels.

Types of preserves:

Following gives a brief around the options that one can expect in the form of fruit preserves

1. Jams: It is a thick mixture of fruits and vegetables with sugar. They can be made with and without pectin. Fruits are cut and cooked till they turn soft and formless. The finish takes the shape of a thick puree. They can be made at home too with your favourite fruit.

2. Jelly: It is a mixture of fruit juice, sugar and pectin or acid.

3. Marmalade: It is made from the peel of citrus fruits, sugar and water. Fruits here include lemons, lime, grapefruits, oranges or a combination thereof.

4. Fruit spreads: These are other than what come under jam and jelly. Here fruit juice concentrate or low calorie sweeteners are used instead of sugar.

5. Chutney: Different types of flavours can be made based on vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices.

Nutritional health benefits:

Fruits are low in fat, sodium and calories. Having zero cholesterol, they are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium and folate. The advantages with gourmet jams and spreads include their effectiveness in:

• Controlling weight

• Replenishing energy after exercise and workouts

• Lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and help in forming red blood cells.

• Controlling hair fall, damage to skin and nails and keep teeth and gums healthy

• Keeping a check on risk of developing certain types of cancer (mouth, stomach, colon)

• Reducing chances of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases

• Slowing aging, healing cuts & wounds.

• Reducing risk of kidney stones and

• Reducing events of constipation and diverticulosis.

These preserves are normally packed in glass or plastic bottles and in some cases in plastic packets and cans. Being low in water, they can be stored in room temperature even after opening.