Summer is a special time; nothing feels more satisfying than cruising along a beach road with the windows rolled down, the AC struggling against the relentless heat and the radio blaring. Summer brings out the magic in our jams – it can be easy to lose ourselves and fully “jam out” to a great selection. But it can sometimes be hard to find that perfect accompaniment to an afternoon summer drive.
You know you’ve made the right choice in jams when you find yourself pulling to the side of the road, ready to lose yourself in the heat of the moment. You fidget with your radio and close your eyes, but not before reaching for that jar of delicious, fruity goodness and scooping some into your mouth, taking in the burst of flavor while the salty sea breeze grazes your face.
With summer just around the corner, it’s time to put away the fruit spread we’ve been enjoying all season and say goodbye until we’re ready to enjoy them once again next spring. While it may be hard to part with everybody’s favorite spring spreads, it’s time for some more season-appropriate jellies to fill our cupboards. School is ending, the days are getting longer, the sun is coming out and it’s time for some delicious summer jams.
With a masters degree in seasonal fruit spreads, I decided it was fitting to share my expertise with the people and put an end to the marmalade monstrosities being committed by those who don’t know the difference between winter orange jelly and summer mango jelly. In this article, I will examine the top four jams to enjoy only on a hot summer’s day that will guarantee anybody the best summer vacation ever.
DISCLAIMER: For the purpose of this article, the difference between jelly, marmalade, and jam is non-existent.
Mango Jam
Mangos are in season only for a few months out of the year, beginning in June. This exclusive season makes mangos a summer-only fruit, and therefore a summer-only jam. With its refreshing and unique taste, mango jam is perfect for a relaxing day by the pool. Enjoy as a dip, a spread, or even with some vanilla ice cream on a hot day.
Strawberry Jam
Although strawberries are in season all of spring and only in the very beginning of summer, the jam should be eaten only in June. With the fruit nearing the end of its season, June is a perfect time to ingest the sweetest strawberry jam you can get your hands on. While you’re eating, remember that this is one of the last times you may get to enjoy strawberries at their best until April, so enjoy while you still can. Spread it on a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich and bring it to a picnic at the park!
Apricot Jam
Apricots are another early summer fruit with a short and sweet season that’s starting soon. While most common people gravitate towards peaches or plums, fruit enthusiasts know that apricots are the best choice. Although it can be hard to find apricot jam in your local Publix, the internet is filled with delicious recipes. Fill this jam with sugar for a sweet treat and put it in a mason jar for that desired summer aesthetic.
Blackberry Jam
Summer is a time to retire the blueberry jam from earlier in the year and break out the blackberry jam you’ve been craving. This one requires no recipe from the internet as it is available in a Smuckers container at your local grocery store. This rich jam is good on anything, from English muffins to pie, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Take these suggestions to heart this summer to have the best vacation possible. Remember to crank up your favorite summer jams on the radio while ingesting these top four summer jams.
This is a satirical article and should not be taken seriously. It was written with the intent of making people laugh. Any information here is most likely false and should not be quoted as fact. However, if this article is used for anything other than its recreational use, the writer and Cooper City High School claim no responsibility if anyone gets offended, injured or otherwise hurt in any way.
Featured image courtesy of Apple Music
