Sunny Day Apricot Jam Recipe: Sweet Summer Magic in a Jar

Summer’s golden bounty meets sweet preservation in this simple apricot jam creation that captures orchard memories.

Ripe fruit transforms into a luscious spread with minimal effort.

Sunshine-kissed apricots burst with natural sweetness during the cooking process.

Homemade goodness fills your kitchen with warm, comforting aromas while you stir the bubbling mixture.

Pectin and sugar dance together, thickening the vibrant orange concoction into a silky treasure.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor in every spoonful of this delightful preserve.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly fresh fruit becomes a delectable pantry staple that connects generations.

Handy Hints for Easy Apricot Jam

• Choose ripe, fragrant apricots that yield slightly when gently pressed for the most flavorful jam.
• Add a tablespoon of pectin if you prefer a firmer jam texture that sets more quickly and consistently.
• Sterilize jars in boiling water for at least 10 minutes to prevent bacterial growth and ensure food safety.
• Reduce sugar by up to 25% without compromising preservation, but avoid removing too much to maintain proper consistency.
• Enhance the jam's complexity by adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract during the cooking process for a subtle, warming note.

Simple Storage Tips For Easy Apricot Jam

• Store homemade apricot jam in clean, airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks after opening.
• Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top, and freeze for up to 12 months.
• Gently warm small portions in the microwave using short 10-15 second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
• Keep unopened sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year, checking seals periodically for any signs of spoilage.

Easy Combos with Apricot Jam

• Pair with Tangy Goat Cheese: Spread the apricot jam on a crusty baguette slice topped with creamy goat cheese for a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• Complement with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, its bergamot notes creating a sophisticated companion to the rich, fruity jam.
• Match with Almond Pastry: Serve the jam alongside a buttery almond croissant or Danish pastry, enhancing the breakfast or afternoon tea experience with its complementary nutty and fruity profile.
• Enjoy with Prosecco: Sip a chilled glass of Prosecco, its light bubbles and crisp notes providing a refreshing contrast to the jam's deep, sweet essence.

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe Flavor Spin Suggestions

• Low-Sugar Apricot Jam: Replace regular sugar with a low-sugar pectin, reducing total sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor and preserve natural fruit taste.
• Honey Apricot Spread: Substitute white sugar with raw honey, creating a more complex, floral sweetness and adding natural antioxidants to the recipe.
• Spiced Apricot Preserve: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom during cooking to introduce warm, aromatic notes that complement the fruit's natural flavor.
• Sugar-Free Apricot Jam: Use sugar-free pectin and natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for diabetic-friendly and low-carbohydrate dietary needs.

FAQs

• Why do I need to add lemon juice to the apricot jam?

Lemon juice helps activate the pectin in the fruit, which allows the jam to set properly and adds a bright, tangy flavor that enhances the sweetness of the apricots.

• How can I tell if my jam has reached the right consistency?

Drop a small amount of jam on a cold plate and push it with your finger. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run, the jam has reached the right thickness and is ready to be jarred.

• Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Sugar is crucial for preservation and setting the jam, so reducing it significantly can affect the texture and shelf life. If you want less sugar, look for low-sugar pectin designed for reduced-sugar recipes.

• What kind of apricots work best for making jam?

Ripe, slightly soft apricots with a deep orange color are ideal. They should be free from bruises and have a sweet, fragrant aroma for the best jam flavor.

Easy Apricot Jam For Everyday Spreading

• Quick Kitchen Project: Master a homemade jam with minimal effort and basic ingredients, perfect for beginners wanting to explore preserving skills.
• Family-Friendly Recipe: Create delicious jam that everyone can enjoy, transforming simple apricots into a sweet spread kids and adults will love.
• No-Fuss Preservation: Craft a seasonal treat in under an hour, capturing summer's fresh apricot flavors with straightforward cooking techniques that require just one pot.
• Versatile Culinary Creation: Elevate breakfast toast, baked goods, and desserts with a homemade jam that tastes significantly better than store-bought versions, showcasing your personal cooking touch.

What You Mix Into Easy Apricot Jam

• Apricots: Sweet, ripe stone fruits that provide the jam's primary flavor and natural pectin for thickening.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness, balances sweetness, and helps with preservation and setting.

• White Granulated Sugar: Essential for creating the jam's sweet profile and helping with preservation and texture.

• Canning Jars: Sterilized glass containers for storing and preserving homemade jam safely.

Easy Apricot Jam Method

Step 1: Prep the Apricots

Wash the apricots thoroughly under cool running water.

Remove the pits by cutting the fruits in half and gently pulling them apart.

Chop the apricots into small, bite-sized pieces that will cook down easily.

Step 2: Start Cooking Fruit

Place the chopped apricots into a large, heavy-bottomed pot.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fruit to help preserve color and add a bright tang.

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the apricots become soft and start to break down.

Step 3: Add Sweet Crystals

Gradually sprinkle sugar into the simmering apricot mixture.

Stir continuously to help the sugar dissolve completely.

The mixture will become glossy and slightly more liquid as the sugar melts.

Step 4: Bring to Boiling Point

Crank up the heat to high and let the jam reach a full, rolling boil.

Keep stirring frequently to prevent burning.

The mixture will bubble vigorously and start to thicken.

Continue boiling for 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Check Jam Consistency

Drop a small spoonful of the hot jam onto a chilled plate.

Wait a moment, then gently push the edge with your fingertip.

If the jam wrinkles and doesn’t immediately flow back, it’s ready to be jarred.

Step 6: Seal in Jars

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars.

Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a tight seal.

Place the lids on top and secure them.

Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to create a proper seal.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature.

After 24 hours, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid.

If the lid doesn’t flex, your jam is perfectly preserved and ready to enjoy!

Easy Apricot Jam Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sweet summer memories bloom in this homemade Apricot Jam, marrying ripe fruit’s natural sugars with gentle spices. Delightful spreads await when fresh apricots meet simple kitchen magic, promising delectable moments on toast or stirred into morning yogurt.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Fruits:

• 8 cups (2 quarts) fresh apricots

Acids/Liquids:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Sweeteners/Preserving Agents:

• 7 cups white granulated sugar

Containers:

• 5 pint-sized canning jars

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Instructions

1. Carefully prepare apricots by rinsing thoroughly and removing pits, then chop into uniform small segments.
2. Transfer chopped apricots to a spacious cooking vessel, introducing fresh lemon juice to enhance flavor profile and prevent fruit discoloration.
3. Apply moderate thermal energy, gently simmering the fruit until it transforms into a soft, pulpy consistency.
4. Methodically incorporate granulated sugar, maintaining continuous stirring to ensure complete dissolution and prevent potential burning.
5. Elevate cooking temperature, triggering an aggressive boiling reaction that helps activate natural pectin and concentrate fruit essence.
6. Maintain vigorous stirring during intense boiling phase, monitoring consistency and preventing potential scorching for approximately 15-20 minutes.
7. Validate jam’s readiness through temperature-controlled plate technique, observing surface texture for precise gel formation indicators.
8. Strategically transfer molten jam into sanitized glass receptacles, ensuring meticulous rim cleansing and precise lid application.
9. Execute water bath processing to guarantee preservation integrity and eliminate potential microbiological contamination.
10. Allow completed jars to stabilize at ambient temperature, verifying hermetic seal performance after complete cooling period.

Notes

• Choose ripe, slightly soft apricots for the most flavorful and natural sweetness in your jam.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure the jam reaches the perfect gel point around 220°F for consistent texture.
• Lower sugar versions work well by replacing some sugar with pectin or using low-sugar pectin alternatives for a healthier option.
• Freeze excess jam in airtight containers for up to 6 months, preserving the bright, fresh apricot flavor for future enjoyment.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 232
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 0.5 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg