Aspects to take into account in a good fruit jam

Professionals know that excellence lies in the details, and every ingredient they select for their creations has the power to elevate a dessert from simply good to sublime. And in this universe of flavors and textures, fruit jam is not a simple companion, but a protagonist that, when well chosen, can consolidate the success of a preparation.

Although it may seem otherwise, not all jams are the same and each type behaves differently depending on the application. Hence, fruit jam is a precision tool for pastry chefs, chefs, and bakers. In the following lines, we want to share with you the secrets to identifying professional-quality jam, so you can create products that stand out from the competition.

Best fruit jams features

A jam designed for the Horeca sector must meet superior quality standards to ensure optimal performance in the kitchen. Let’s look at these criteria:

The percentage and quality of the fruit

The first and most important indicator is the quantity of fruit. A high fruit content guarantees authentic flavor and natural color. Quality jams must contain a minimum of 35% fruit. Of course, the fruit must be of the highest quality, selected at its precise point of ripeness to capture all its aroma, sweetness, and natural acidity.

The texture

Consistency is essential in a jam. A professional-quality jam should have a stable and homogeneous texture, without syneresis (water loss) and with a structure that adapts to its intended use. Its texture should be clean, with visible fruit pieces, if the application requires it, or perfectly smooth for fillings, glazes, or direct applications.

Perfect balance between sweetness and acidity

Sugar not only sweetens the product but also acts as a preservative. However, in a professional jam, its function should never be to mask the flavor of the fruit. There must be an ideal balance between the original flavor of the fruit (respecting its natural acidity) and the complex flavor of the jam, which should linger on the palate.

Other important aspects of a good jam

• Good heat behavior: Baking jams must withstand high temperatures without losing flavor or releasing liquid.
• Versatility and professional formats: The supplier must have large, easy-to-measure containers with optimal preservation for the daily work of professionals.

Most common uses of fruit jam in Horeca establishments

It’s important to understand that not all jams are suitable for the same purpose. Professionals know this and choose the right jam to optimize their preparations. Below, we’ll look at the most common uses for fruit jam and which type to choose:

1. Fruit Jam for baking and fillings

   These jams are especially suited to withstand high temperatures without over-caramelizing or losing moisture. They have a high concentration of pectin and low water content. They must maintain their structure and not boil or spill over when heated, thus avoiding moistening the dough. They are ideal for filling pastries such as croissants and Neapolitan pastries, as well as for tarts (they are widely used for Linzer-type tart bases), baked fruit tarts, or sponge cakes before placing them in the oven.

2. Jams for decoration, finishing and fine pastries

   Presentation is very important in Horeca establishments, which is why the jams used for decoration have a fine, smooth, and shiny texture, yet are thick enough to adhere to the product without dripping. Professionals use them after baking to provide an intense natural shine, essential for achieving an impeccable finish.

   This jam is primarily used as a glaze or as an intermediate layer for fresh fruit tarts, to decorate cheesecakes, mousses, panna cotta, or individual pastries, and also as a sauce for dessert dishes or as a transparent coating to prolong the shelf life of decorative fruit. It can often be thinned slightly to achieve the perfect consistency.

3. Fruit Jams for direct application

   These jams are best enjoyed directly alongside other ingredients. Here, the flavor and texture of the fruit take center stage. Their main characteristics are a high fruit content, intense flavor, vibrant color, and a smooth, creamy, and pleasant texture, often with visible chunks.

   They’re perfect for filling chocolates, cold desserts, yogurts, crepes, waffles, or gourmet toast, among other products; they’re also perfect for accompanying cheese boards. They’re a star ingredient in hotel breakfast buffets, a yogurt filling, and a flavor enhancer in pastry creams, ice cream, and milkshakes.

How to choose the ideal fruit jam?

These are some important aspects that professionals consider when selecting the most suitable fruit jam for their needs:

• Formats adapted to the Horeca sector to optimize time and costs.
• Constant and certified quality for homogeneous results in all preparations.
• Variety of flavors (classic and gourmet) to differentiate the offer and surprise customers.

Lazaya Fruit Jam: A Smart Choice

Professionals know how important it is to choose a reliable supplier for any ingredient, and fruit jam is no exception. At Lazaya Preserved Fruits, we have selected a range of fruit jams designed exclusively for demanding professionals, always focused on meeting their needs.

Our catalogue includes jams for spreading, baking, or injecting, with different brix values, with or without sugar, sifted or blended. Our assortment of flavors includes strawberry, peach, apricot, apple, blackberry, raspberry, kiwi, and orange.

Each jam has been developed to offer maximum performance in different applications, ensuring stable textures, pure flavors, and consistent quality that allows professionals to standardize their recipes and surprise with new creations.

Are you ready to take your desserts to the next level? Explore our catalogue and discover the perfect jam for every creation. Your talent and our quality are the perfect match. Place your order in our online store and discover why top professionals trust our fruit jams. Contact us for any questions or queries.