Apricot Jam
Capture the sunny flavor of fresh apricots in this simple homemade jam. With just a few ingredients, you can make a sweet, tangy spread perfect for toast, scones, or yogurt. A taste of summer from the Himalayan foothills.
For 30 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Fruit and Jars
- b.Before you begin, place 2-3 small ceramic plates in the freezer. These will be used to test the jam's set later.
- c.Wash, pit, and roughly chop the apricots into small, 1-2 cm pieces.
- d.Sterilize your glass jar(s) and lids by washing them in hot, soapy water, rinsing well, and then placing them in an oven at 120°C (250°F) for at least 15 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Macerate and Cook the Apricots
- b.In a heavy-bottomed, wide pot, combine the chopped apricots, sugar, and water.
- c.Stir well to coat the fruit. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to macerate; this helps the apricots release their natural juices.
- d.Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil before the sugar dissolves.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer and Thicken the Jam
- b.Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- c.Reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- d.The jam will start to thicken and become glossy. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface with a spoon.
- e.You can mash some of the fruit against the side of the pot with your spoon for a chunkier texture.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Add Lemon Juice and Test for Set
- b.Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the pinch of salt. The lemon juice helps the jam to set.
- c.Cook for another 3-5 minutes.
- d.To test if the jam is ready, take one of the chilled plates from the freezer. Drop a small spoonful of jam onto it. Return the plate to the freezer for 1 minute.
- e.Push the edge of the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it's ready. If it's still runny, cook for another 2 minutes and test again.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Cool and Store the Jam
- b.Once the jam has reached its setting point, turn off the heat. Let it cool in the pot for 10 minutes; this helps prevent the fruit from floating to the top of the jar.
- c.Carefully ladle the hot jam into the warm, sterilized jar(s), leaving about 1 cm of headspace at the top.
- d.Wipe the rims clean, then seal with the sterilized lids. Let the jam cool completely at room temperature.
- e.Store in the refrigerator. It will thicken further as it cools and will keep for up to 4 weeks.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use apricots that are ripe and aromatic but still firm to the touch.
- 2Do not reduce the amount of lemon juice; its acidity is crucial for helping the pectin set properly and it balances the sweetness.
- 3Be careful not to overcook the jam. If it's overcooked, it can become hard and candy-like once it cools.
- 4If you prefer a smoother jam, you can use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the mixture before the final stage of cooking.
- 5A wide, heavy-bottomed pan is ideal as the larger surface area helps the water evaporate faster, reducing cooking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spiced Apricot Jam
Add a cinnamon stick, a star anise, or 2-3 lightly crushed green cardamom pods to the pot while the jam simmers. Remove the whole spices before jarring.
Apricot and Vanilla JamApricot and Vanilla Jam
Add the seeds from half a vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract along with the lemon juice for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Nutty Apricot JamNutty Apricot Jam
Stir in 50g of finely chopped almonds or pistachios during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added texture and flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin A
Apricots are an excellent source of Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which is essential for vision health, immune function, and skin integrity.
Source of Antioxidants
This jam contains antioxidants like flavonoids and beta-carotene from the apricots, which help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Provides Dietary Fiber
The fruit pulp in the jam provides a modest amount of dietary fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Frequently asked questions
One tablespoon (about 20g) of this homemade apricot jam contains approximately 45-50 calories, primarily from the sugar and the natural sugars in the fruit.