Masala Jam

One of the good things that happened when we went to the village was that we picked up some masala (or green monkey fruit in English)!  This is a fruit that grows on a low tree. The shell is very hard and is used for making maracas. The fruit grows around many seeds and is quite sour so people don't think too highly of masala. But we have discovered how to make it into a jam and it is Steve's favorite.

Here he is opening the hard shells with a machete. Throwing them on a concrete floor will also do the trick!

 

Next I scooped the insides out, added a bit of water and heated it all.

 

After that, the arduous task begins of removing the fruit from the seeds. Fingers seems to work best, at least we haven't figured out another way.

Then boil for 20 min., add a bunch of sugar (1.5 cups per 2 cups fruit) and boil 20 min. more.

 

Finally, Ta-Dah! it is done and ready for pancakes or bread.