1. Starfruit Jam – Uniquely Delicious Yet Familiar
Starfruit jam is a less common treat, but it will bring a unique twist to your Tet celebrations while offering that comforting, familiar flavor. With a creative twist in preparation, this starfruit jam will be a delightful addition to your Tet. Try making this jam today!
Ingredients:
- Starfruit: 1kg
- Sugar: 450g (adjust to taste)
- Ginger: 1 small root
- Lime water: 100ml
Instructions:
- Clean the starfruit, cut it into wedges, and remove the seeds. Soak the fruit in lime water for 7-8 hours.
- Afterward, rinse the starfruit to remove any odor.
- Use a heavy knife to press the starfruit to release excess water, then place it in a pot, add sugar, and let it sit for 2 hours.
- Once the sugar dissolves, place the pot on the stove and simmer until the starfruit turns a brownish color. Add the finely chopped ginger and stir until the ginger blends with the starfruit, then discard excess liquid.
- Stir for another 2 minutes, remove from heat, let it cool, and store in a jar for later use.


2. Sweet, Refreshing, and Vibrant Rose Jam
Rose Jam – have you ever heard of this? Surprisingly, rose jam is not made from rose petals but from the red artichoke flower. This jam is not only visually stunning, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Now, let’s dive into how to make this delightful jam!
Ingredients:
- Red artichoke: 1kg
- Sugar: 800g
- A jar for storage
Instructions:
- Rinse the artichoke flowers, then use a spoon or knife to separate the petals and seeds. Rinse again with clean water and let them drain.
- Layer the petals and sugar in alternating layers for 3-5 days to let the sugar dissolve completely.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, place the petals and the right amount of artichoke water into a pan. Stir and simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens, the petals curl, and you can taste a crisp texture. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool before storing in a jar.
- If there’s any leftover artichoke water, boil it, let it cool, and then store it in a bottle in the fridge.
Isn’t it wonderful to have this vibrant, refreshing rose jam and sweet, fragrant rose syrup to add a touch of luck to your Tet celebrations?


3. Potato Jam
Potatoes are usually used in soups, stir-fries, or fries, but this year, why not try making potato jam? You’ll be surprised by how delicious and unique it is!
Ingredients:
- Potatoes: 500g
- Sugar: 250g
- Slaked lime water: 150ml
Instructions:
- Peel and wash the potatoes, then slice them into rounds or sticks, depending on your preference. Soak them in slaked lime water for 1-2 hours.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the potatoes thoroughly to remove the lime smell. Blanch them in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes and let them drain.
- Mix the potatoes with sugar and let them sit for 1-2 hours to allow the sugar to dissolve completely.
- Once the sugar is dissolved, transfer the potatoes to a pan and cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally. When the syrup thickens, reduce the heat to low. When the sugar starts to crystallize on the potatoes, separate the pieces and let them dry out before turning off the heat. Let them cool down.
You can enjoy the jam right away or store it in a jar. Potato jam is soft, sweet, and irresistibly delicious. You can also try making it with sweet potatoes, whether yellow or purple, for a colorful variation that adds a unique touch to your Tet celebrations.


4. Green Papaya Jam
Have you ever wondered how green papaya jam would taste? This jam offers a refreshing and pleasantly light flavor that will surely surprise you.
Ingredients:
- Green papaya: 500g
- Sugar: 500g
- Slaked lime water: 150ml
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
Instructions:
- First, peel the papaya, remove the seeds, and wash it thoroughly. Then, use a knife to shred the papaya into thin, long strips, rinse off any sap, and drain well.
- Soak the shredded papaya in slaked lime water for 4 hours. Afterward, rinse the papaya several times and blanch it in hot water to remove the lime odor.
- To enhance the color, soak the papaya in pandan leaf water for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove and drain the papaya.
- Next, mix the papaya with sugar in a 1:1 ratio, i.e., 500g of papaya to 500g of sugar, and let it sit for 2 hours until the sugar dissolves completely.
- After soaking, place the papaya in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the syrup thickens, reduce the heat to low. When the sugar crystallizes and coats the papaya, sprinkle vanilla extract over it and stir until the papaya becomes dry. Turn off the heat and let it cool.
Note: If you want to add color to the jam, you can soak it in natural colorants like passion fruit for yellow, carrots or oranges for orange, or even coffee and purple leaves for dark colors before mixing with the sugar.


5. Tamarind Jam
Tamarind jam has long been a beloved treat for many. It's not just for special occasions like the Lunar New Year, but you can make this delicious tamarind jam anytime to share with family and friends. Tamarind is a versatile ingredient used in many tasty dishes, such as tamarind crab or stir-fried quail eggs with tamarind. With its light sourness and refreshing flavor, tamarind provides a unique taste compared to other ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Green tamarind: 1kg
- White sugar: 800g
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
Instructions:
- Prepare the tamarind: Soak the tamarind pods in hot water (about 80°C) for about 1 hour. Then, use a sharp knife to peel off the outer skin of the tamarind pods.
- Soak the tamarind in saltwater: After preparing the tamarind, soak it in a concentrated saltwater solution to reduce its sourness. Leave the tamarind in the saltwater for 3 days, then drain and set aside.
- Remove the tamarind seeds: Use a sharp knife to cut a straight slit along the length of the tamarind pod, then carefully remove the seeds. Soak the tamarind in cold water for about a day.
- Prepare the sugar syrup: Combine sugar and water in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Ensure the amount of water is enough to cover about 2/3 of the tamarind.
- Cook the tamarind with sugar: Once the sugar syrup is ready, add the tamarind and cook over medium heat, stirring gently to avoid breaking the tamarind. Cook for about 5-10 minutes.
- Dry the tamarind: After cooking, remove the tamarind from the syrup and spread it out on a tray to dry. You can dry the tamarind indoors if the weather doesn't allow you to sun-dry it.
- Store the tamarind: Once dried, wrap each tamarind in plastic wrap and store them in a sealed container. You can also place the tamarind in a jar and refrigerate it for later use.


6. Soft Banana Jam
In addition to popular jams like pumpkin, coconut, ginger, and carrot, this New Year's holiday, bring a unique treat to your family and guests with soft ripe banana jam. The sweet fragrance of banana oil and the mild sweetness will melt in your mouth, surely impressing even the most discerning guests.
Ingredients:
- Ripe bananas: 1kg
- White sugar: 500g
- Ginger: 1 small piece
Instructions:
- First, choose ripe bananas, then slice them lengthwise or keep them whole, depending on your preference.
- Next, sun-dry the bananas. To dry them quickly, place them in direct sunlight and let them dry for several days. Be sure to place them in a well-ventilated area to avoid attracting insects.
- Once the bananas have turned brown and firm, heat a pan on the stove, add some water, sugar, and mashed ginger (use more sugar than water, adjusting based on your desired sweetness). Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves. Keep the heat on medium and stir until the syrup starts to form threads. Then, add the dried bananas, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the syrup. When the bananas turn a beautiful golden color, remove the pan from the heat. Let the bananas cool before transferring them into jars for storage.


7. Grapefruit Jam
Grapefruit is a fruit available year-round. As the New Year approaches, it is often used for decorative fruit trays and enjoyed as a snack. However, recently, many people have started making grapefruit peel jam, a quick and easy treat you can prepare at home to celebrate the holiday.
Ingredients:
- Grapefruit peel: 1kg
- White sugar: 600g
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Lemon: 1
- Calamondin juice
Instructions:
- Cut the grapefruit peel into bite-sized pieces, about 0.5cm thick. Remove the excess white pith, as this can make the jam less crispy and take longer to dry. Soak the peel in diluted saltwater overnight until the peel turns translucent.
- Rinse the peel thoroughly to remove the oil. Boil it for 7 minutes with a lemon added (this helps keep the peel white and crispy). Drain and gently press the peel with your hands, avoiding squeezing to keep it intact. Taste to check for bitterness; if it’s still bitter, boil again for 7 minutes with some more salt. Rinse until the bitterness is gone and the flavor is just right.
- Dry the peel and marinate it with calamondin juice and sugar. Let it sit until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, cook the mixture on low heat, stirring regularly until the peel becomes dry and crispy. Be sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning.
- Once the jam is dry, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a tray. Store it in an airtight container for later use.


8. Kiwi Jam
If you're looking for a unique and simple-to-make jam for the New Year, Mytour introduces kiwi jam. This delightful jam is a popular specialty loved by many tourists and is also packed with essential nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1kg fresh kiwi
- 500g sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup of concentrated pandan leaf juice
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon alum powder
- Fresh lemon
Instructions:
- Step 1: First, mix lime water with 2 liters of water, let it settle, then strain to collect the clear liquid. Peel and slice the kiwis into 0.7 cm thick rounds. Soak the kiwi slices in the lime water for 6-8 hours, or overnight.
- Step 2: After soaking, rinse the kiwi slices under running water. Boil alum powder in 1 liter of water, then blanch the kiwi slices for about 10 minutes. Drain the kiwi slices in a colander.
- Step 3: Extract the green pandan juice and soak the kiwi slices in it until they absorb the color. Also add sugar to the pandan juice and kiwi slices, and let it sit for 8 hours. (Making kiwi jam requires patience, but it will reward you with juicy, vibrant green pieces of jam.)
- Step 4: Heat the sugar with ½ teaspoon of salt and 50ml of cold water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the lemon juice and kiwi slices, stirring gently.
- Step 5: Let the kiwi simmer in the syrup for about 20 minutes until it absorbs the sweetness. Then, remove the kiwi slices and cook the remaining syrup until it thickens. Add the kiwi slices back into the syrup, cooking until the syrup reduces and coats the fruit, turning it into a shiny green color. Once the syrup has thickened, remove the kiwi slices, allow them to dry for 5 hours, then store them in jars for later use. Alternatively, you can place the kiwi slices on a tray and dry them in the microwave.


9. Apple Jam
If you're looking for a simple yet delicious jam to make for the traditional New Year's celebration, apple jam is a great choice. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it's also an easy-to-make treat that adds a sweet and tangy touch to your holiday. So why not get started and prepare this tasty jam for your family this season?
Ingredients:
- 700 grams of apples
- 250 grams of sugar
- 15 ml lemon juice
- A little rice flour
Instructions:
- Step 1: Peel the apples and cut them into 4-5 slices.
- Step 2: Mix the apples with sugar and lemon juice, and let the mixture sit for about 8-10 hours to allow the apples to absorb the sugar.
- Step 3: Transfer the apples to a pan and cook until they turn a caramel-like brown color, then either let them dry in the sun or use a dehydrator for 6-8 hours before storing them in a bag or jar.
- Step 4: Lightly roast the rice flour, allow it to cool, and then toss the apples in the flour to coat them, shaking off any excess flour until the apples no longer stick together.


10. Tomato Jam
Tomato Jam comes in a beautiful red color, which is a favorite for many, as it symbolizes good luck, wealth, and prosperity for the New Year. Not only does its vibrant red hue enhance the appearance of your Tết candy platter, but its delicious and unique taste makes it a favorite among all who try it.
Ingredients:
- Ripe cherry tomatoes
- Sugar
- Lime water
Instructions:
- Step 1: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and peel off the skin.
- Step 2: Use a knife to score the tomatoes into two halves without cutting all the way through, then soak them in lime water overnight.
- Step 3: After soaking, drain the tomatoes and gently press them to remove the seeds. Then, soak the tomatoes in lime water once more.
- Step 4: Once the tomatoes are firmer, rinse them clean and mix them with sugar in a 1:1 ratio.
- Step 5: Transfer the sugared tomatoes to a hot pan over medium heat.
- Step 6: Stir gently until the sugar crystallizes on the tomatoes, then turn off the heat and let it cool.


11. Betel Nut Jam
Betel Nut Jam is a traditional delicacy from the Mekong Delta that is enjoyed during the Tết holidays. This bright red jam is soft, chewy, and has a sweet and tangy flavor that is easy to enjoy. Not only is it delicious, but it's also beneficial for health. If you're looking for a unique jam to serve your family this Tết, why not try making this one with Mytour?
Ingredients:
- Young betel nuts, 1 kg (with skin)
- Alum, 5 grams
- 50 ml Red Sting soft drink
- Sugar, 250 grams
Instructions:
- Step 1: Extract the betel nut flesh: Use a pestle or hammer to gently crush the green outer shell and remove the inner flesh.
- Step 2: Soak the betel nut flesh: Mix 5 grams of alum with a little water and soak the betel nut flesh for 4 hours to release the sap. After 4 hours, discard the alum water and rinse the betel nut flesh under clean water 2-3 times. Then, soak the betel nut flesh in diluted lime juice overnight. The next day, squeeze the betel nut flesh again with clean water until the bitterness is gone. Finally, drain the betel nuts well.
- Step 3: Mix with sugar: Combine the betel nut flesh with 250 grams of sugar and 50 ml of Red Sting drink.
- Step 4: Dry the jam: Lay the betel nut jam out in the sun for 4-5 days until it is dry and the sugar has crystallized on the jam.


12. Chrysanthemum-Shaped Coconut Jam
Chrysanthemum-Shaped Coconut Jam is a perfect treat for Tết. This traditional coconut jam has been creatively shaped into beautiful chrysanthemum flowers, symbolizing prosperity for the New Year. Let's get started and make this unique and delightful jam.
Ingredients:
- Young coconut: 2 (around 1kg)
- Sugar: 700g
- Ripe gac fruit: 1/4 fruit
- Rice wine: 1 small cup
- Fresh milk: 180ml
Instructions:
- Step 1: Remove the water from the coconuts, peel off the brown skin, and cut the coconut into large rectangular pieces.
- Step 2: Slice the coconut into thin, flower-petal-like strips, ensuring they are evenly cut.
- Step 3: Wash the coconut pieces with warm water 2-3 times, then soak them for 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to remove excess coconut oil.
- Step 4: After draining the coconut, place it in a large bowl and add half of the sugar. Mix well and let it sit for 2-3 hours until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 5: To color the jam, prepare pandan juice and mix it with the remaining sugar and fresh milk. Let the coconut soak in this mixture for 1-2 hours.
- Step 6: After soaking, heat a pan on medium heat and add the coconut mixture. Stir until it thickens, then reduce the heat and cook until the coconut is dry and the sugar crystallizes on the surface. Turn off the heat.
- Step 7: Spread the jam onto a plate and shape the coconut strips into flower petals. Attach them together to form a chrysanthemum shape.
Your chrysanthemum-shaped coconut jam is now ready! You can also experiment with other natural colors like gac for red, passion fruit for yellow, carrot for orange, or even purple from butterfly pea flowers.


13. Sour and Spicy Starfruit Jam
Have you ever tried sour and spicy starfruit jam? In the cool weather, the tartness of the starfruit combined with the spiciness of chili creates a unique flavor perfect for Tết. Give this starfruit jam recipe a try!
Ingredients:
- Starfruit (or young starfruit): 1kg
- White sugar: 400g
- Lime water: 100ml
- Ginger: 1 small piece
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon
Instructions:
- Step 1: Clean and peel the starfruit, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Soak the pieces in lime water for 5-6 hours to keep them crisp and prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Step 2: After soaking, rinse the starfruit 2-3 times with clean water and drain well.
- Step 3: Place the starfruit in a pot and mix with sugar. Let it sit for 5-6 hours to ensure the starfruit absorbs the sugar evenly. You can adjust the sugar to your taste.
- Step 4: Put the pot on the stove over low heat. Stir until the mixture thickens, then add ginger for fragrance, followed by chili powder. Add more chili powder if you prefer a spicier jam.
- Step 5: Stir until the starfruit turns a caramelized brown color, and the jam is ready.
Your sour and spicy starfruit jam is now complete. Enjoy it with your family and friends!


14. Unique and Delicious Pineapple Jam
Have you ever tasted pineapple jam with its irresistible sweet and tangy flavor? If not, it’s time to try this refreshing treat! Here’s how you can make it yourself.
Ingredients:
- 2 pineapples
- 4 tablespoons of honey
- 5 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 400g of sugar
Instructions:
- First, peel and remove the eyes from the pineapples, then chop them into small pieces and drain any excess juice.
- Next, mix the chopped pineapple, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a non-stick pot. Let it sit for about an hour to marinate.
- After the pineapple has absorbed the sugar, place the pot on the stove and cook for about 10 minutes. Once it starts to thicken, add the lemon juice and honey, stirring continuously for another 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Let the jam cool slightly, then roll into small balls and coat with sugar. Store in an airtight glass jar for later use.


