Making a simple two-ingredient apricot jam is a delightful way to preserve the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh apricots. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also requires minimal ingredients, making it a perfect option for beginner jam-makers or those who want to create a homemade treat with little effort. The natural sweetness of apricots, combined with granulated sugar, creates a jam that is bursting with flavor and can be enjoyed on toast, pastries, or even as a topping for desserts.
One of the keys to a successful jam is ensuring that your jars are properly cleaned and sterilized. This not only helps to preserve the jam for a longer period but also prevents any unwanted bacteria from spoiling your efforts. Using brand-new jars or recycling old ones is fine, but they must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before use. The process of making the jam itself is straightforward, involving cooking the apricots and sugar together until they reach the desired consistency. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural flavors of the apricots to shine through, creating a jam that is both delicious and versatile.
Once the jam is cooked, filling and sealing the jars properly is crucial to ensure they are preserved correctly. Sterilizing the filled jars by boiling them in water is an essential step that ensures the jam remains safe to eat and retains its flavor over time. This homemade apricot jam is not only a wonderful way to capture the essence of summer but also a thoughtful gift for friends and family.
Ingredients
- 800 grams apricots
- 400 grams of granulated sugar
Instructions
1) First step: Clean and dry jars
Before you begin making the jam, it’s important to prepare your jars. You can use new jars or repurpose old ones, but always check that the lids are intact and sealed properly. Wash the jars thoroughly with soap and water, and make sure they are completely dry inside and out. Clean jars will help preserve the jam for longer and prevent any contamination.
2) Second step: Prepare the apricots
Start by washing the apricots under running water to remove any dirt or residue. Once they are clean, dry them gently with paper towels. Cut the apricots in half and remove the seeds, ensuring that no seeds are left behind in the fruit. The apricots should be pitted and ready for cooking, with no traces of seeds that could affect the texture of the jam.
3) Third step: Cook the apricots and sugar
Place the prepared apricots in a large pot and add the granulated sugar. Stir the mixture well to ensure that the sugar is evenly distributed among the apricots. Turn on the stove to medium heat and cook the apricots and sugar together, stirring constantly to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. Let the mixture cook for about 30 minutes, or until it reaches the desired jam consistency. You can adjust the cooking time based on how thick or runny you prefer your jam.
4) Fourth step: Fill the jars
Once the jam has reached your preferred consistency, it’s time to transfer it into the prepared jars. Use a ladle to carefully fill each jar with jam, leaving as little space as possible between the jam and the lid. The jam should almost reach the top of the jar, which will help create a good seal when the lid is closed. Secure the lids tightly to ensure that no air can enter the jars.
5) Fifth step: Sterilize the jam
To ensure that your jam is properly preserved, it’s important to sterilize the filled jars. Place a towel, shirt, or another cloth at the bottom of a large pot and on the sides as well. This will cushion the jars and prevent them from breaking during the boiling process. Place the jars in the pot and cover them with water, making sure the water level is above the tops of the jars. Turn the stove to high heat and bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, set a timer for 40 minutes and ensure that the water remains at a boil for the entire time. After sterilization, the jars can be stored in a cool, dark place, and there’s no need to refrigerate them until opened.