Ready to make some homemade jams? Get your jam jars with lids ready for a magical result.
Today, you’ll be learning how to make jam using a different fruit - apricots. Just before you get right into our jam-making business, you need to get in tune with the benefits of apricots. Apricots are naturally packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, so they are healthy for both you and your family. If you are looking for the best and healthiest fruits to make your next jam recipe, you should try this flavorful fruit.
Here’s a simple guide to making homemade apricot jam for your dessert toppings:
Ingredients
- Apricots
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Pectin for extra thickening
- Jam Jars with lids
- Start by washing and picking the stems of your apricot fruits. Chop the apricots into smaller pieces. You might want to peel off the skin; however, I recommend keeping the skin to give it a special flavour and texture.
- Put the apricot in a big pot, add some sugar and lemon juice. Ensure that you cook on low heat, while you continue stirring until the mixture thickens. Cooking usually takes between 20-30minutes.
- Now, it is time to check if the jam is properly prepared. Place a small amount of the cooked jam on a plate and tilt it. If the jam wrinkles while you tilt it, then it is done. If it doesn’t wrinkle or is not firm, you need to keep cooking.
- If you need extra thickness, you might need to add pectin to achieve your desired texture and consistency
- Now, your jam is ready. So, wash your jam jars with lids in running water and fill them with jam. Ensure that you add some space in the jar for expansion. Afterwards, seal the jar properly with the lids and keep it in your refrigerator. Now, your jam is ready to be served with your favorite dessert. One extra tip: You can also gift your friends a jar of your delicious homemade jam.
What is the best preservative for homemade jam?
The best preservative for your homemade jam is lemon juice because it contains a natural acid that prevents the growth of moulds and bacteria. This is very important, especially if you plan to keep it in your refrigerator for a few days. Adding lemon juice to your jam recipe extends its shelf life. It keeps the jam refreshing and adds a unique flavour to your recipe. Now, you see why preservation is very important. So, don’t forget to keep your jam in our jam jar. Get one today for your nice jam-making adventure.
What ingredient thickens jam?
Your homemade jam isn’t properly cooked if it isn’t thick. Yes! Have you ever imagined having to taste a watery jam? I bet you wouldn’t like it. This is why you need to add pectin to your recipe. Pectin is a soluble element that becomes firmer and thicker when heated with lemon juice and sugar. Naturally, many fruits contain pectin. However, you may need to add some extra drops of pectin for fruits that contain low pectin. So, before making any jam recipe, first figure out how much pectin your desired fruit contains.
Why add lemon when making jam?
Ever heard about the wonders of lemon juice? It is because it makes everything different. First, lemon juice makes your jam well-balanced. Here’s why. When you add sugar to the mixture, it loses its acidity. So, adding lemon juice restores the acid and makes it firmer. It is safe to say that if your jam does not have a great texture, you either missed the lemon juice or didn’t put enough.