Sunday, July 5, 2009

Rhubarb Conserves... A Work in Progress

Last October while we were in France, I spotted Bonne Maman's Confiture de Rhubarbe in a supermarket. Not being a huge fan of all things sweet first thing in the morning, this was perfect for my taste buds. It had a lovely balance of sweet and tart. We devoured the jar in the two weeks we were there. After making Rhubarb Ice Cream a few weeks back, I've been eager to recreate this French treat. Luckily I spotted some rhubarb yesterday, so bought a pound to try my luck.
I first started by slicing 1 pound of rhubarb, covering with 3/4 cups of sugar and cooked over low heat, covered, for 5 minutes, until the water began to release from the rhubarb.

Next, cook for 20 minutes over medium heat, uncovered, stirring frequently.
As I hadn't really planned on making this, I didn't have jars on hand. Instead, once the mixture cooled, I stored in an enamel covered tin in the refrigerator over night.
As this was my first attempt, it didn't come out 100% right. While I was very pleased with the flavor, it was a little more watery than I had imagined. The consistency was perfect, so I wouldn't recommend cooking longer. As in the Bonne Maman version, I think I will use a little pectin next time to thicken. Do you have any advice or experience on using pectin? I'd love to hear your suggestions before trying!

4 comments:

Michelle said...

Well despite your comments it looks great!! I'm sure it tastes great too! Hope you had a wonderful weekend, Amy. :)

Amy J said...

Thanks Michelle! :-) Overall, I was very happy with it. The taste was right, but it was a little too watery. Good excuse to make it again! x

Jane King said...

Hello! You could try using Jam sugar that has added pectin in. Rhubarb is low in pectin so it will need help to achieve a set. Also you need to bring it to a rolling boil stirring all the time. Boil for 5 mins and start testing for a set. To test put a saucer in the freezer and after the 5 mins blob a teaspoon of your jam on the saucer if you can then push it with your finger and it wrinkles and the two halves remain separate you have a set. If not return to heat and boil again test every 5 mins. Thats how you make jam and i am not sure if thats what you want? But you could try it at different intervals to see what texture you get and what you want? xxxxx

Amy J said...

Thanks for the good advice Jane! I don't want it completely jam like, just a little less watery. Bonne Maman use pectin in theirs, so I really should have. Have never heard of jam sugar. Do you get that in the super market? Will have to look for that. You are the master of jams! x