January 9, 2023

Sintia's Pineapple Jam

January 9, 2023

With only four ingredients, you likely have everything you need for this easy pineapple jam recipe in your cupboard already (besides the pineapple, that is).

Sintia Mattu in her organic garden in Patchakan, Belize

Smiling from ear to ear, Montiel displays recently-harvested pineapples and plantains

An example of pineapple growing under the shade of plantains in the agroforestry system of Sintia and Montiel's neighbor, Jorge Yam.

This recipe comes from the kitchen of SHI partnering farmer Sintia Mattu of Patchakan, Belize. Sintia and her husband Montiel grow their own pineapples in a diverse and integrated agroforestry system, but you can surely find a ripe pineapple at any local supermarket!

What is Value-Added Agriculture? And what does it have to do with pineapple jam?

We’re so glad you asked! Value-added agriculture, “entails changing a raw agricultural product into something new through packaging, processing, cooling, drying, extracting, or any other type of process that differentiates the product from the original raw commodity.”

Field trainer demonstrates pineapple recipe on clean, energy-efficient cookstove — SHI-Belize field trainer Abel Osorio leads a cooking demonstration on an energy-efficient SHI cookstove.

Value-added products like Sintia’s pineapple jam fetch a higher price than the raw pineapple itself. That means this recipe is part of a strategy for increasing and diversifying their income year-round.

SHI field trainers work with smallholder farmers to identify ways they can add value to their crops. The possibilities are endless — tortillas, baked goods, canned fruits and vegetables, and even hats and baskets are made from plant and food products that SHI partnering farmers grow on their land.

SINTIA’s Easy Pineapple Jam Recipe

30-minute cook time | Makes one 16 oz jar

INGREDIENTS

1 ripe pineapple, crushed
1.5 cups sugar (granulated or brown)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
A dash of vanilla
Optional: Cloves + other spices for flavor, lemon juice to balance acidity and pectin.

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches desired consistency. Add water as needed.
Remove from heat and let cool. Jam will thicken as it cools.
Enjoy immediately or can for future delight!