Top 20 Delicious and Healthful Tet Jam Varieties for Your Family

People often think that Tet jams are very sweet, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. However, this isn't always true—if you choose reputable sources or make it yourself, Tet jam can actually offer great health benefits. Persimmon jam is made from persimmons, a fruit that’s perfect for anyone on a diet.

Its flavor is sweet yet low in calories, making it a great snack to curb hunger cravings. Moreover, persimmon jam makes a wonderful Tet gift. This jam is prepared using a natural drying method, giving it a chewy texture and a more intense sweetness, which captivates anyone who tries it.

Benefits:

• The whole persimmon is used, either dried or candied with sugar.
• Persimmon jam is known to help with coughs, boost the immune system, combat malnutrition, and relieve nighttime urination. When enjoying persimmon jam, don't forget to eat the skin!

Sweet potatoes are a familiar and beloved food in Vietnamese cuisine. Rich in starch, fiber, and various essential vitamins, sweet potatoes are perfect for a healthy snack. They are often used to make Tet jam, which pairs beautifully with tea, offering a light and delicate flavor. The golden-brown sweet potato jam, with its sweet aroma, makes for a comforting treat when enjoyed with a hot cup of tea, bringing warmth and sweetness to your family gatherings.

Therefore, don’t forget to add this delicious dish to your New Year’s menu. Sweet potato jam has a mild sweetness, with a chewy, nutty texture that is both tasty and unique. Not only is it flavorful, but its health benefits remain intact when transformed into this delightful jam.

Benefits:

• Sweet potato jam helps with digestion, promotes bowel regularity, alleviates inflammation, improves skin tone, and may help in the fight against cancer. It’s also beneficial for women with irregular menstruation.
• However, it’s best to avoid pairing sweet potato jam with other sugary jams, as this could irritate the stomach lining.

A popular jam variety that always appears in the Tet trays of Vietnamese families is coconut jam. This jam is made from the white flesh of coconut, which is sliced into thin strands and sweetened with granulated sugar. For decorative purposes, food coloring may be added to enhance its appearance. Coconut jam is considered a coconut-based product.

However, due to its sweetness, many people, especially women, may hesitate to indulge in it. Despite this, coconut jam offers numerous health benefits that not everyone is aware of. It doesn’t have a long shelf life, so it’s best to buy from reputable sources to avoid excessive preservatives. Alternatively, you can easily make your own coconut jam, ensuring both safety and the perfect level of sweetness to your liking.

Benefits:

• Coconut jam helps with digestion, relieves bloating, and is particularly helpful for combating constipation—especially important during the Tet holiday when high-protein foods are consumed in abundance.
• It also helps detoxify the body, cools the system, treats skin eruptions, and may prevent arteriosclerosis.

Winter melon jam is a traditional Tet jam of Vietnam, loved for its sweet, nutty flavor and crisp, translucent texture. It has remained a beloved treat that never goes out of style. Winter melon is well-known for its many health benefits, making it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Making winter melon jam can be a bit labor-intensive, requiring time and effort—it's not as quick and easy as coconut jam.

Despite this, many families still prepare it in the days leading up to Tet, often starting the process 1-2 months in advance. Winter melon is a very nutritious food that provides many health benefits. Notably, winter melon jam is an essential part of Tet celebrations for every household.

Benefits:

• Winter melon jam has a sweet, refreshing taste and is known for its diuretic properties, making it great for cooling the body and quenching thirst.
• It also detoxifies the body, helping to cleanse the system.

Tamarind is a fruit packed with vitamins, fiber, and organic acids, providing essential nutrients for the body. Its tart yet refreshing taste contains very few calories, making tamarind jam a favorite among many. Most tamarind jams are low in sugar, which is why this variety is becoming increasingly popular during Tet.

Once prepared, tamarind jam is aromatic and chewy, with a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and sweet flavors. It makes an excellent snack for the whole family! The golden-brown, glossy appearance of tamarind jam is especially attractive to both children and adults. With just a few simple steps, you can make a batch of tamarind jam to enjoy throughout the Tet celebrations.

Benefits:

• Helps quench thirst, stimulates digestion, and has a mild laxative effect.
• Relieves nausea, fatigue, and constipation. For this reason, tamarind jam is a popular choice during Tet.

Gac is a fruit that turns bright red when ripe and contains segmented seeds. The flesh, also known as the gac membrane, is used in cooking to prepare dishes like gac sticky rice and gac oil. When turned into jam, the nutritional value of gac remains intact.

Gac jam, with its vibrant red color and chewy texture, has gained popularity in recent years for its numerous health benefits. It is easy and affordable to make at home, making it a favorite treat during Tet.

Benefits:

• Gac is known for its health benefits. It is not by chance that Westerners refer to gac as the fruit from heaven, as it contains twice as much beta-carotene as carrots.
• Gac jam helps prevent vitamin deficiencies, improves eyesight, promotes healthy skin, boosts immunity, and has antioxidant properties.

Bananas are a common fruit in Vietnam, often eaten ripe, used in soups, or made into jams. Popular varieties include the banana of the 'Tien', 'Su', and 'West' types. In addition to consuming ripe bananas, today you can also find banana jam in many homes, especially during Tet. This jam is loved for its chewy texture, pleasant aroma, and moderate sweetness.

While traditional jams like pumpkin, coconut, ginger, and carrot are common, this Tet, surprise your family and guests with some chewy, aromatic banana jam. The mild sweetness and the fragrance of banana oil will certainly impress even the most discerning visitors to your home.

Benefits:

• Ripe bananas offer high nutritional value.
• They help stimulate digestion and are effective in combating constipation.

Orange peel jam has many health benefits such as boosting immunity, preventing and treating respiratory and digestive issues, relieving stress, and improving skin tone. However, ready-made versions often contain preservatives, which prolong shelf life. Additionally, low-quality orange peels or damaged ones may not be safe for consumption.

By making orange peel jam at home, you can avoid these concerns. There’s nothing better than gathering around with family to enjoy some sweet, flavorful orange peel jam. The process is simple, and since the jam keeps well, you can make plenty and enjoy it over time!

Benefits:

• Oranges are rich in fiber, which aids digestion. Even after indulging in heavy holiday meals, the fiber in orange peel jam will help lower cholesterol, alleviate constipation, and regulate blood sugar levels.
• Additionally, the pleasant fragrance of orange peel jam will have your family snacking on it all day. The preparation is quick and easy, so you can enjoy it in no time.

Cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These qualities help slow aging and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and obesity. During the Lunar New Year, cherry jam is a popular treat as well.

Cherry jam has a chewy, sweet coating while preserving the tartness of the fruit. The bright red jam is perfect for spreading on bread, adding to salad dressings, mixing into drinks, or using as a filling for desserts. Since cherries are naturally sweet, the jam requires little sugar, making it easy to store in the fridge. If you add more sugar, it will last longer but be sweeter.

Benefits:

• Cherries contain 20 times more vitamin A than blueberries and strawberries, which helps improve vision, boost immunity, and promote smooth, glowing skin.
• The high vitamin C and antioxidants in cherries have anti-inflammatory effects, help prevent cancer, protect heart health, and support diabetes management.
• The abundant fiber in cherries is beneficial for digestive health.

In addition to classic jams like coconut, lotus seed, or pumpkin, grape tomato can also be transformed into a delicious jam with a vibrant red color that brings good luck to your family for the whole year. Making jam from grape tomatoes is not only tasty and nutritious but also adds a beautiful color to the table.

Grape tomato jam is not overly sweet and has a chewy, slightly tangy taste that is very easy to eat. The jam may remain a bit moist, but if you prefer a drier texture, you can place the prepared jam in the oven and bake it at 100°C for 5-10 minutes until the sugar coating on the tomatoes hardens. Alternatively, you can air-dry the jam outside or refrigerate it for a firmer texture.

Benefits:

• Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be made into an irresistible jam for the Lunar New Year.
• Thanks to its sweet, fragrant flavor, grape tomato jam is highly popular during the festive season.

Starfruit can be found in both green and yellow varieties, with two types: sweet and sour. The sweet variety typically has light green leaves and smaller fruits, while the sour variety has darker leaves and larger, bright yellow fruits when ripe. Starfruit is rich in nutrients, especially fiber and vitamin C. A medium-sized starfruit (about 91g) contains 3g of fiber, 1g of protein, and many vitamins and minerals.

Despite its nutritional value, starfruit is low in carbs, with only 6g and 28 calories per fruit. While starfruit is often eaten fresh, it can also be made into a delicious jam. Starfruit jam is a popular treat during Lunar New Year, often made by squeezing out the juice, leaving behind a balanced tangy flavor with a delightful ginger aroma and a sweet taste that's simply irresistible.

Benefits:

• Starfruit is not only low in calories but also an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin B.
• It also contains essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and zinc.
• Even the skin provides 3g of fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing the absorption of harmful cholesterol in your intestines.

Papaya is a common fruit in rural Vietnam, known for its rich nutritional value. It provides essential vitamins like vitamin A and C, with 74-80mg of vitamin C per 100g. Papaya also contains B vitamins, enzymes, and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Regular consumption of papaya is beneficial for blood health and can aid in the recovery of the liver in people suffering from malaria.

Nowadays, papaya is not only used in pickled dishes but also as an ingredient for making delicious Tet jams. Have you included this treat in your Tet spread yet? With fresh green papayas from the garden, plus pineapple and sugar, you can make a delightful batch of papaya jam for this year’s celebration. Papaya jam is soft, mildly sweet, and incredibly easy to enjoy.

Benefits:

• Papaya is rich in vitamin A, which offers powerful antioxidant properties.
• It helps prevent dry eyes and skin and promotes smooth digestion.

Pineapple is widely cultivated in Vietnam and is known for its immune-boosting properties. Packed with vitamin C, pineapple helps block harmful viruses, stimulates white blood cells, and offers antioxidant protection, shielding the body from the negative effects of free radicals. Pineapple is also rich in calcium, a vital nutrient that strengthens bones and prevents degeneration over time.

Aside from its daily uses in fresh eating, salads, or pineapple juice, during Tet, pineapple can also be transformed into a sweet and tangy treat — pineapple jam. With its unique blend of sour and sweet flavors, this jam is a refreshing change from traditional Tet sweets, offering a delightful balance of flavors without being overwhelming.

Benefits:

• Not only does pineapple jam have a distinctive, sweet-tangy taste, but it also replenishes the body with essential vitamins and minerals.
• It aids in relieving indigestion and supports weight loss.

As children, many of us were fond of the sweet treat known as peanut jam, which brings nostalgic memories. This jam is beloved by everyone, from adults to kids. When made, it has a pure white color and a shape resembling eggs, making it visually appealing. During Tet, it's common to see peanut jam alongside other traditional treats like ginger and banana jams, especially in the northern regions of Vietnam.

The process of making peanut jam, also known as peanut candy, is simple. Despite the modest cost of ingredients, the result is a delicious, addictive treat. This jam isn't just for Tet—it's also a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.

Benefits:

• Peanuts are a nutritious snack with a delightful taste and aroma.
• The peanut jam is savory, crunchy, and perfectly sweet, making it irresistible and hard to stop eating once you start.

Kiwi fruit is highly nutritious, rich in fiber, and packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Studies show that eating kiwi provides many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease, easing constipation, and improving protein digestion. Kiwi is typically eaten fresh, but it is also now used to make kiwi jam.

This jam has become a favorite among young people, especially during the Tet holiday. With its sweet green color and circular black seeds, it’s visually appealing. The soft, tangy-sweet flavor of kiwi jam will undoubtedly be a delightful treat for your Tet celebrations.

Benefits:

• Kiwi is rich in vitamins C and E. Just two medium-sized kiwis provide about 230% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, almost twice as much as an orange.
• Research also suggests that vitamin C boosts immunity, fights stress, and helps reduce signs of aging.

During the traditional Tet festival, the festive table is filled with an abundance of fruits, but no Tet celebration is complete without the delicious jams. Savoring coconut jam, ginger jam, pumpkin jam, or carrot jam has always been a refined and meaningful way to entertain guests during the three days of Tet.

Among these, apple jam stands out with its chewy, sweet, and aromatic flavor, offering a delightful and unique taste. Although there are many types of jams during Tet, apple jam remains one of the most beloved by the younger generation. This jam is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to your Tet celebration, bringing warmth and joy to your family.

Benefits:

• Apple is one of the top four fruits globally (along with bananas, citrus fruits, and grapes), rich in nutrients such as glucides, proteins, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, beta-carotene, and many vitamins and fibers.
• Studies show that apples can help prevent high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and are an ideal food for pregnant women.
• Apples are rich in potassium, which helps balance sodium levels in the blood, promoting lower blood pressure.
• Apples also help reduce blood cholesterol levels and prevent the hardening of arteries.

Lotus seed jam is a must-have treat during Tet. Its taste will surely surprise you, with a sharp sweetness enveloped in a deliciously sugary coat. This jam is light and delicate, making it a perfect fit for the traditional Tet celebration.

Lotus seed jam has a sweet, sharp flavor and comes in small, round, golden-yellow pieces wrapped in a layer of sugar. When you bite into one, the lotus seed inside crumbles and blends with the sweetness of the sugar, creating an unforgettable taste.

Benefits:

• In traditional medicine, lotus seeds are known for their sweet taste and neutral properties, making them an effective sedative.
• Additionally, studies suggest that lotus seeds are rich in protein, glucose, and B and C vitamins, making them highly beneficial for treating headaches, particularly migraines.

Ginger Jam is made from fresh ginger, sugar, and a touch of sweetness with a slight spiciness. It has a vibrant yellow color with a mild spice. A traditional treat for the Lunar New Year, ginger jam is perfect for the cold weather. Known for its warming properties, ginger helps soothe winter ailments. There are two types of ginger jam: dry and chewy.

As a key ingredient, ginger gives this jam numerous health benefits. No Vietnamese Tet celebration is complete without the tangy, spicy kick of ginger jam to warm you up on chilly days.

Benefits:

• Ginger jam is known for its digestive benefits. It helps detoxify, relieves nausea, and eases bloating caused by irregular eating habits. It also helps prevent respiratory illnesses.
• Additionally, due to the ginger, it provides pain relief, reduces inflammation, and is effective for treating colds.

Carrots are well-known for their health benefits, and in Vietnam, they are transformed into a sweet and delicious Tet treat to enjoy during the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Carrots are a staple ingredient in Vietnamese kitchens, offering numerous health benefits such as improving vision, promoting healthy skin, slowing down aging, and preventing cancer. Therefore, with carrot jam, you not only get a visually appealing snack but also a nutritious treat to welcome guests during the festive season.

Benefits:

• Carrot jam is great for boosting blood health and aiding digestion. It’s especially helpful for those suffering from anemia, stunted growth, or diarrhea.
• Additionally, the vitamin A in carrots helps prevent dry corneas, night blindness, slow-healing wounds, and strengthens the body's immune system.

After the Lunar New Year, nearly every Vietnamese household has kumquats left over from their New Year's decorations. Don't let them go to waste—turn them into a delicious and healthy Tet jam. This jam is quite a labor-intensive treat, and it’s best to use the whole kumquat fruit.

Kumquat jam is a delightful, chewy treat with a flower-like appearance, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Besides its delicious taste, kumquats are known for their medicinal properties, helping to relieve coughs, clear phlegm, and aid digestion. This jam not only makes for a tasty snack but also helps soothe the post-feast “full” feeling.

Benefits:

• Kumquat jam stimulates digestion and enhances appetite.
• It also works as an effective remedy for coughs, sore throats, indigestion, and can help detoxify the body, relieve hangovers, and reduce nausea.