Description
A bright and zesty Italian lemon jam recipe that makes the perfect holiday gift. With its golden sunshine color and refreshing citrus flavor, this festive preserve captures the warmth of Italian traditions in every jar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large lemons (preferably organic Meyer lemons)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup pure water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Wash lemons thoroughly, zest with a microplane avoiding the white pith, and juice them, removing seeds.
- Combine lemon juice, zest, sugar, and water in a heavy-bottomed pot. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Bring mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and simmer.
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until glossy and thickened.
- Test consistency with the cold plate method—jam should wrinkle when pushed.
- Remove from heat and ladle into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Seal jars tightly and let cool completely before storing.
Notes
Use Meyer lemons for best flavor and sweetness. For a festive variation, try blood oranges or add fresh herbs like rosemary. Always sterilize jars before filling for proper preservation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg