A Romanian jam has been named the best jam in the world.
Taste Atlas, a website specializing in foods around the world, named magiun de prune Topoloveni, a concentrated spread with a shiny surface made in the town of Topoloveni and the surrounding villages, from local, ripe, top-quality dark plums which are boiled over for a long time during the concentration phase.
The recipe of magiun of Topoloveni dates back to 1914 and contains at least 4 varieties of plums.
The jam received a Protected Geographical Status from the European Union in 2011.
The plums contain high amounts of carbohydrates, natural sugar, and vitamin C because of their ripeness. The only ingredient in the product is the plum, and although it may seem that the plum skins are missing from the jam, they are incorporated into it in order not to lose precious nutrients, fibre and vitamins.
No sugar is added to the jam. The jam has a sweet and sour flavor and a strong smell. It is pasteurized and marketed in sealed glass jars. Magiun de prune Topoloveni can be eaten for breakfast, enjoyed as a dessert or used as a filling in various pastry products.
In 2003, NATO member Romania deployed troops in Afghanistan. In 2009, 100% natural magiun of Topoloveni replaced marmalade in all NATO bases. In 2010, the factory of Topoloveni was appointed official supplier to the Romanian Royal House.
The annual Taste Atlas ranking aims to put together the best cuisines, dishes, food cities, food products, and ingredients. Magiun scored 4.4 out of 5.
In second place was Lingonberry Jam from Sweden, a staple in every Swedish pantry. It’s made with bright-red, tangy lingonberries, which are abundant in Swedish forests and has been produced and consumed since ancient times.
Occasionally, apples or red currants are used to dilute the jam and make it slightly sweeter. Lingonberry jam is usually served as a sauce alongside different meat dishes like the famous Swedish meatballs, sausages, roast meat, or black pudding. It is commonly consumed with porridge and pancakes, but it can also be used as a sandwich spread and incorporated into a variety of dips and desserts.
The jam has also been popularized by the Swedish company IKEA, which sells the jam as an authentic Swedish product available in many locations around the world. It scored 4.2.
