Ginger-Turmeric Jam — A New Preserve From the Farm
Written by the family at 'Tween Towns Farm · Oxford, NC · Granville County
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We have been making award-winning jams and preserves here at 'Tween Towns Farm in Oxford, North Carolina for decades. Every year we look for new combinations that make sense with what we grow, and this ginger-turmeric jam is one of the most exciting things to come out of our kitchen in recent years.
It is not a fruit jam in the traditional sense. It is more of a spiced preserve — warming, golden, and complex. It works as a spread, a glaze, a condiment alongside cheese, and stirred into sauces. Once you have a jar of it, you will find uses for it everywhere.
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What You Will Need (makes about 3 half-pint jars)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh ginger root | 1 cup, finely grated | About 6 oz |
| Fresh turmeric root | ½ cup, finely grated | About 3 oz |
| Sugar | 2 cups | |
| Water | 1 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 3 tablespoons | Fresh squeezed |
| Lemon zest | 1 tablespoon | |
| Pectin | 1 packet (1.75 oz) | Regular powdered pectin |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | Enhances turmeric |
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Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the rhizomes. Scrub and finely grate both ginger and turmeric. You can use a microplane or food processor. Note: turmeric stains — use gloves.
Step 2 — Cook the base. Combine grated ginger, turmeric, water, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Step 3 — Add pectin. Stir in the pectin and bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
Step 4 — Add sugar. Add all the sugar at once and return to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add black pepper. Remove from heat and skim any foam.
Step 5 — Jar and process. Pour into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for shelf stability, or refrigerate immediately for up to 3 weeks without processing.
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How to Use Ginger-Turmeric Jam
Spread on toast with butter or cream cheese. Serve alongside aged cheddar, gouda, or brie on a cheese board. Use as a glaze for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or salmon. Stir into vinaigrette with apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal. Stir a spoonful into hot tea.
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A Note on Our Preserves
We have been making jams and preserves from our Oxford, North Carolina harvest since the early days of the farm. Our award-winning preserves are available at our table at the Carrboro Farmers' Market every Saturday from 7 AM to 12 PM. Fresh ginger and turmeric are available seasonally.
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Find Us
'Tween Towns Farm · Oxford, NC · Granville County
Carrboro Farmers' Market · Saturdays 7 AM – 12 PM
Growing the right way since 1987.