Hemp Pumpkin Preserve (2 Cups)
Prep Time: 20 mins (+ 24 hrs macerating)
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 24 hrs 40 mins
Shelf Life: 1+ year (unopened) / 3 months (opened)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✅ Uses whole pumpkin (no waste!)
✅ Crunchy hemp seeds add protein & texture
✅ Naturally preserved with sugar & lemon
✅ Versatile for sweet or savory pairings
Ingredients:
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1 small pumpkin (peeled, seeded, chopped to yield 1 cup cooked flesh)
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1 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for unrefined option)
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2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)
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⅛ cup (2 tbsp) hemp hearts (or chopped hempnuts for crunch)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Pumpkin
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Steam pumpkin chunks for 15-20 mins until fork-tender. Drain well.
2. Macerate (Draw Out Juices)
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In a large bowl, mix warm pumpkin + sugar + ginger + lemon juice + hemp seeds.
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Cover and let sit in a cool place for 24 hours (draws out syrup).
3. Cook & Preserve
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Transfer mixture to a heavy pot. Simmer on low heat until sugar dissolves (~5 mins).
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Increase heat to medium-high, boil vigorously for 15 mins until:
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Thickened (coats spoon)
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Translucent (pumpkin softens further)
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Optional: Blend briefly for smoother texture (or leave chunky).
4. Jar & Store
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Sterilize jars in boiling water.
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Ladle hot preserve into jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
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Seal with wax disk + airtight lid. Process in a water bath for 10 mins (for long-term storage).
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Store unopened for 1 month to develop flavor. Refrigerate after opening.
Serving Ideas:
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Spread on sourdough toast with ricotta
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Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
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Pair with aged cheeses on a charcuterie board
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Glaze roasted meats (like ham or chicken)
Pro Tips:
🔹 For more ginger kick, add 1 tsp ground ginger.
🔹 Low-sugar option: Reduce sugar to ¾ cup + add 1 tbsp pectin.
🔹 Texture tweak: Toast hemp seeds before adding for nuttier flavor.
Health Benefits:
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Hemp seeds provide omega-3s + plant protein
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Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A + fiber
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Ginger + lemon aid digestion + immunity
This hemp pumpkin preserve is a grown-up twist on classic jam—less sweet, more complex, and loaded with texture. Makes a thoughtful homemade gift too!
Preserve the season’s flavors! 🎃✨
