Nana’s Apricot Jam

Apricots are small sweet fruits that are a good source of essential nutrients. A ripe apricot will have a firm skin and will be plump and juicy; its colour will be a golden-orange. Apricots have a mild and sweet smelling aroma and are a delicious treat; they also make a delectable jam!

Ingredients:

1.5 kg fresh, ripe apricots
1.7 kg sugar
500 ml of water
2 Lemons

To prepare:

Juice your lemons and be sure that no seeds or pulp get into the juice. Wash your apricots, cut them in half and remove pits, then cut into quarters. Combine water, lemon juice, and apricots in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for thirty minutes. As the mixture is simmering mash the apricots along the side of the sauce pan until the fruit is tender.

Next, add the sugar to your saucepan and stir the mixture constantly until all of the sugar has dissolved. Once the sugar has dissolved completely, bring the mixture to a rapid boil and cook for fifteen minutes. Test you jam to ensure that it has set (see testing jam). If it has not set properly cook for an additional five minutes and re-test for setting.

You will want to skim any foam from the top of your jam and then pour it into your hot, sterilised jars. If your jars have cooled, you will want to warm them in an oven at 100°C for five minutes. Time this so that your jars are hot by the time you are ready to fill them with your jam. Follow your preferred canning method, allow the jars to cool and then store in a dark, cool place until you are ready to use. Be sure to refrigerate once you break the seal.

Enjoy!