Description
This professional-style apricot jam recipe uses the traditional maceration technique to enhance flavor, prevent crystallization, and deliver a golden, preservative-free jam that captures summer’s essence. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it’s healthier, fresher, and more delicious than store-bought.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.2 pounds (1 kg) fresh apricots – ripe but firm
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Optional: coconut sugar or date sugar for substitutions
- Optional: cinnamon, clove, cardamom, or vanilla for extra flavor
- Optional: a few apricot kernels for almond notes
Instructions
- Sterilize jars and lids by boiling for 8 minutes or roasting in oven at 160-180°C for 15 minutes. Let air-dry.
- Wash apricots, cut in half, and remove stones. Place in bowl with sugar and lemon juice. Mix gently.
- Allow mixture to macerate for 4 hours or overnight in refrigerator.
- Transfer mixture to a wide, heavy-bottomed pan. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- When apricots soften, mash with potato masher for chunky jam or blend for smooth consistency. Continue cooking on low heat until thickened.
- Test jam by dropping syrup on a plate. If it doesn’t spread after 1 minute, it’s ready.
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Seal tightly and invert jars, or process in hot water bath for 5 minutes.
Notes
Maceration improves flavor and prevents crystallization. Use lemon juice to ensure proper set and natural preservation. Makes approximately 3 jars of golden apricot jam.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours or overnight maceration)
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 68
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg