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Easy Apricot Jam Recipe

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3.9 from 8 reviews

This Easy Apricot Jam recipe is a delightful way to preserve the fresh flavor of apricots with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Perfect for beginners, this homemade jam balances the natural sweetness of apricots with lemon juice and sugar, cooked slowly to a luscious, spreadable consistency. Ideal for breakfasts, desserts, or gifts, this recipe yields five pints of delicious, shelf-stable apricot jam.

Ingredients

Apricot Jam Ingredients

  • 8 cups fresh apricots (about 2 quarts), halved and pitted
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 7 cups white granulated sugar
  • 5 pint-sized canning jars with lids

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apricots: Break the apricots in half and remove the pits. Use a paring knife to cut off any blemishes or bruises to ensure a clean jam base.
  2. Sterilize Jars: Wash the jars and lids thoroughly. Then sterilize them by boiling in a water bath; keep them submerged in the hot water until ready to fill to prevent contamination.
  3. Combine Ingredients and Boil: Place the apricots, lemon juice, and sugar into a large pot. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and prevent sticking.
  4. Simmer and Skim Foam: Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jam thickens. Regularly skim off the white foam to keep the jam clear.
  5. Fill Jars: Using a soup ladle, carefully fill sterilized jars with the hot jam, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Remove any air bubbles by running a clean knife inside the jar edges. Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids.
  6. Process in Water Bath: Place a rack in a large stockpot and add water halfway up the rack. Heat to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Using a jar holder, carefully lower the jars into the water, ensuring they do not touch. Add boiling water if needed to cover jars by at least one inch. Cover the pot and boil for 15 minutes to seal the jars.
  7. Cool and Store: After boiling, turn off heat and carefully remove jars to a cloth-covered surface. Let them cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard for long-term preservation.

Notes

  • Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to avoid spoilage.
  • Skimming foam is essential for a clear final product.
  • Keep headspace in jars to allow for expansion during sealing.
  • The lemon juice acts as a natural preservative and helps set the jam.
  • Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.
  • Use ripe but firm apricots for best texture and flavor.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/easy-apricot-jam-recipe/