Sintia preparing her famous pineapple jam.
With only four ingredients, you will have everything you need for this easy pineapple jam recipe.
This recipe comes from the kitchen of Sintia Mattu, an organic farmer from Patchakan, Belize. Sintia and her husband Montiel learned how to grow pineapples in a sustainable way by joining our regenerative agricultural program. If you don’t grow your own fruit, look for fresh pineapples at your local farmer’s market.
Why pineapple jam?
SHI-Belize field trainer Abel Osorio leads a cooking demonstration on an energy-efficient SHI cookstove.
For low-income farmers such as Sintia, making pineapple jam instead of selling raw pineapples can significantly increase income. This strategy not only enhances her livelihood but also improves her family's well-being.
Our field trainers work with farmers like Sintia to identify ways they can add value to their crops. This is called value-added agriculture. The possibilities are endless — from producing tortillas and baked goods to canning fruits and vegetables, and even crafting hats and baskets using plants grown by SHI partnering farmers.
When smallholder, organic farmers can sustain themselves and still generate surplus harvest for sale, they contribute to environmental restoration while bolstering the local economy.
SINTIA’s Easy Pineapple Jam Recipe
30-minute cook time | Makes one 16 oz jar
INGREDIENTS
Sintia Mattu harvesting radishes from her organic garden.
1 ripe pineapple, crushed
1.5 cups sugar (granulated or brown)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
A dash of vanilla
Optional: Cloves + other spices for flavor, lemon juice to balance acidity and pectin.
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches desired consistency. Add water as needed.
Remove from heat and let cool. Jam will thicken as it cools.
Enjoy immediately or can it for future delight!
Click image to download recipe card and follow along with Mira, our Communications Manager, as she makes the recipe.
Want to try more delicious recipes from family farmers in Central America?
If you loved this recipe and our work with low-income family farmers like Sintia, consider making a donation today.
