---
title: "Traditional Chilean Alcayota Jam with Walnuts: A Step-by-Step Guide"
description: "Alcayota jam, or sweet made from alcayota, is one of Chile's most traditional preparations using this fruit, a member of the squash family, commonly processed for these types of confectionery."
url: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/alcayota-jam-with-walnuts-recipe/
date: 2024-06-27
modified: 2026-01-27
author: "Carlos Uhart M."
image: https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Alcayota-Jam-with-Walnuts-Recipe.jpg
categories: ["Sauces"]
tags: ["Jams"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# Traditional Chilean Alcayota Jam with Walnuts: A Step-by-Step Guide

[Versión en Español](https://comidaschilenas.com/receta-de-dulce-de-alcayota-nueces/)

![A glass jar of amber alcayota jam, showing its distinct fibers and chopped walnut pieces.](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Alcayota-Jam-with-Walnuts-Recipe.jpg)

Alcayota jam, or sweet made from alcayota, is one of Chile’s most traditional preparations using this fruit, a member of the squash family, commonly processed for these types of confectionery.

## Nutrition Facts

Each serving of alcayota jam with walnuts contains approximately 200 calories, 45 g of carbohydrates, 1 g of fat, 1 g of protein, 2 g of fiber, 40 g of sugars, and 5 mg of sodium.

## How to Make Alcayota Jam

Alcayota jam is a delicious combination with walnuts and orange zest, perfect as a dessert, served with homemade bread, or used as a pastry filling.

**Prep Time:** 12 hours

**Cook Time:** 90 minutes

**Servings:** 10 people

### Ingredients

- 2 kg alcayota
- 1 ½ kg sugar
- 6 cloves
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- Orange zest
- Whipped cream

### Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 230°C (446°F). Place the alcayota on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the tough skin peels off. Remove from the oven and let cool. While still warm, cut the alcayota in half, remove the skin and seeds, weigh the pulp on a scale, and measure out an equal amount of sugar. Set aside.

![Whole alcayota fruit with a hard green shell and white spots, ready for its initial baking.](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Fresh-alcayota-300x192.webp)

1. In a large pot, add the alcayota pulp, separate the fibers with a fork, cover with the equivalent amount of sugar, and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the juices are released from the pulp. Add julienne orange zest and cloves to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat, and simmer on low for another 30 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 12 hours.

![Raw alcayota pulp shredded into long, thin fibers before cooking with sugar.](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Alcayota-fibers-300x191.webp)

1. Bring the mixture to a boil again over medium heat, reduce the heat, and simmer on low for another 30 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to prevent the jam from sticking to the sides of the pot. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the chopped walnuts. Mix well, let cool, and then refrigerate. Serve the alcayota jam cold, optionally accompanied with whipped cream.

## Additional Tips

- When making alcayota jam, it’s crucial to follow each step carefully to achieve the best results, respecting cooking and resting times.
- Be sure to stir constantly and prevent the mixture from sticking to the pot. The effort will be completely worth it.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

### 1. Why did my jam turn too dark or taste bitter?

The temperature was likely too high or the cooking time too long, caramelizing the sugar beyond the amber point. You have to cook over low heat and stir constantly to distribute the heat evenly.

### 2. Is it necessary to weigh the pulp and sugar equally?

Alcayota has a very high water content. The equal weight of sugar ensures the jam reaches the characteristic “thread” consistency and remains shelf-stable by reducing the water activity.

### 3. Can I substitute sugar with sweeteners?

While technically possible, sugar performs a structural and preservative function. A sweetener will not achieve the same syrup point or the specific crystallization texture of the alcayota fibers.

### 4. What if the mixture sticks to the pot?

Cook it at low heat and constant agitation with a wooden spoon. If it has already stuck, transfer the clean portion to a new pot to avoid the burnt flavor contaminating the entire batch.

## Health Benefits

Alcayota is high in dietary fiber. Technically, these polysaccharides promote peristalsis (the movement of the digestive tract), helping to prevent constipation and support a healthy microbiome. Its high water content also aids in hydration during the digestive process.

## Did You Know?

Alcayota, also known as alcayote, chilacayote, or cayote, is a fruit native to Central America. Cultivated by the Aztecs over 4,000 years ago, they called it “tzilicayotli.”

## Recommended

- [Quinoa salad](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/traditional-mapuche-kinwa-quinoa-salad-recipe/)
- [Mixed ceviche](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/recipe-of-mixed-ceviche/)
- [Rescoldo tortillas](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/mapuche-rescoldo-tortilla-recipe/)
- [Walnut kuchen](https://www.chileanfoodrecipes.com/chilean-homemade-walnut-kuchen-recipe/)