Description
Homemade Apricot Jam delights with ripe summer fruits from Mediterranean orchards. Fresh apricots blend seamlessly with sugar and lemon, creating a spreadable treasure you’ll savor on morning toast.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits:
- 2 pounds (900g) ripe apricots
Sweeteners:
- 4 cups (800g) granulated sugar
Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foam)
Instructions
- Thoroughly cleanse apricots under cool running water, removing any blemishes or dirt.
- Using a sharp knife, slice apricots in half, carefully remove the pits, and chop into small, uniform pieces.
- Transfer the chopped apricots into a large, sturdy pot with a heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pour granulated sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the apricots, gently stirring to coat all fruit pieces.
- Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, enabling the apricots to release natural juices and macerate.
- Position the pot on the stove, turning the heat to medium-high and bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil while stirring consistently.
- Reduce heat to medium, letting the mixture simmer gently, stirring intermittently to prevent scorching.
- Continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until the apricots soften and the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Skim any foam accumulating on the surface, optionally adding a small pat of butter to minimize foam formation.
- Perform the gel test by placing a chilled plate in the freezer, then dropping a small jam sample onto it.
- After 2 minutes, push the jam with your finger; if it wrinkles, the jam is ready. If not, continue cooking and retest.
- Once the desired consistency is achieved, immediately remove the pot from heat.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, maintaining a 1/4 inch headspace.
- Clean jar rims with a damp, sterile cloth and securely attach sterilized lids.
- For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper preservation.
- Remove jars and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
- Verify jar seals before storing in a cool, dark pantry.
Notes
- Use ripe, slightly soft apricots for the best flavor and natural sweetness, ensuring the jam has a rich, intense taste.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the apricot’s natural flavor.
- For a lower sugar version, use pectin or swap some sugar with honey to maintain the jam’s consistency while reducing sweetness.
- Prevent crystallization by stirring the mixture thoroughly and ensuring sugar dissolves completely before bringing to a boil.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 293
- Sugar: 70 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 75 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg