Therapeutic Carrot, Lemon and Ginger Jam – Recipe

This flavored and lively-colored jam truly functions as a natural tonic. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, calcium and iron. They are also rich in fiber, vitamin E, vitamin K, folic acid, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc and manganese.

Carrot Jam – Recipe

Ingredients

• 1,5 kg carrots
• 2 lemons
• 1 kg brown sugar
• ½ grated ginger
• Optional: 1 tiny orange, vanilla essence

Preparation

Rub the carrots thoroughly using a tiny brush, wash them and cut them into tiny cubes. If you wish to obtain a smoother consistency, consider grating the carrots.

Put the carrots in a heated pot filled with water, covering the vegetables entirely with two extra fingers. Let it boil for half an hour, or until the water reaches the level of the carrots, and they have begun soaking.

Drain the water in a different pot, using a gauze, but leave the carrots in the initial pot. Add the sugar, the citrus fruits finely chopped and the grated ginger into the water. Place the pot on the heated stove and let it boil until the ingredients are mixed and the content turns into syrup.

Add the obtained syrup to the carrots and place the pot on the heated stove. Let it boil for another 5 minutes. You can consider adding a few drops of vanilla essence. Pour the obtained jam in clean and dry glass jars.

If a smoother consistency appeals to you better, consider grating the carrots or chop them using a blender. Place them in the pot along with the sugar. Add water and let it boil for 10-15 minutes until the level of the water is reduced.

Add the chopped lemons, or the juice of the fruit, and the grated ginger. Let it boil for some more until the water is completely evaporated and you have obtained a thick paste. Now, you may add the vanilla essence.

You can consume this jam as such, or diluted in water or tea.

Beneficial Properties

Studies have indicated that a diet rich in fruit and vegetables containing natural antioxidants aims at significantly reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Besides that, carrots help prevent cancer thanks to their high content in carotenoids, especially beta-carotene. The natural antioxidants are powerful enough to reduce the negative effects of free radicals in your body.

Research has shown that smokers who consumed at least 2 portions of carrots a week present a lower risk of lung cancer occurrence.

Consuming aliments loaded with beta-carotene has also been associated with a smaller rate of colon cancer in the Japanese population.

Another recent study has demonstrated that carrot juice helps killing cancerous cells, and prevents them from further spreading.

Diets rich in beta-carotene embody effective properties against prostate cancer.

Carrot consumption is highly important in preventing or treating sight deficiencies in persons who lack vitamin A.

Antioxidants and other phytochemicals carrots incorporate can help regulate the level of blood sugar, while at the same time improving your immunity and hindering the premature appearance of aging symptoms.