Carissa jam or jelly
Carissa jam or jelly is a sweet, fruit-based preserve made from the berries of the Carissa carandas plant, commonly known as the Karanda or Bengal currant. The tart, cranberry-like berries are cooked down with sugar to create a spreadable condiment. This preserve is popular in South Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly in India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
As a fruit preserve, it is primarily a source of carbohydrates from natural fruit sugars and added sweeteners, with minimal fat or protein. A typical serving provides quick energy and small amounts of antioxidants and minerals like potassium.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Protein | 0.1 g |
| Carbs | 13 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 25 mg |
| Iron | 0.2 mg |
| Calcium | 3 mg |
Per 1 tablespoon (20 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The Carissa berry is notably rich in Vitamin C and iron, making the jam a more nutrient-dense option than many common fruit spreads. It is often used not just as a toast spread, but as a condiment to accompany savory dishes, cheeses, or meats in its native regions.
