APRICOT JAM
Making jam is one of the best ways to harness the flavor of apricots during their short season, to enjoy during the colder months. In this recipe, we give the fruit's natural pectin a jump-start by macerating the apricots with sugar and lemon before cooking; the acid in the lemons activates the apricot's pectin, reducing the cooking time and preserving more flavor and color. We also added a touch of vanilla to coax out the mellow notes of the fruit and balance the mixture's tartness. Apricot jam tastes great with scones or slathered on rustic bread--or swirled into vanilla ice cream. It's also the classic choice for melting and brushing over pastries and fruit tarts.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories condiment
Time 50m
Yield 3 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Toss the apricots, sugar, lemon zest and juice and vanilla in a large saucepan to combine, then mash slightly to release some of the apricot juice. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the apricots to macerate and the sugar to dissolve. Meanwhile, place a small plate in the freezer to chill; this will be used to test the doneness of the jam.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. (See Cook's Note for suggested add-in.) Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium, stirring frequently. Continue to cook until the jam becomes thick and syrupy, about 35 minutes. To test doneness, place a small amount of the jam onto the chilled plate and freeze for 2 minutes. Drag your finger or a spoon through the jam. If it holds its shape and thickness, the jam is done; remove from the heat. If it's runny, continue to cook and test again in 5-minute increments. Once the jam has reached the right consistency, transfer to jars and cool completely before storing, tightly covered. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
APRICOT AND LIME JAM
Jellies, James & Chutneys - Preserving the Harvest makes 1 pound, 2 oz - variation: use dried peaches or pears. If using dried pears, add some crystallized ginger
Provided by dicentra
Categories Fruit
Time 30m
Yield 18 oz
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Chop the apricots coarsely and then add to a pot with 2 1/3 cup water with the lime zest and juice.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the apricots are tender.
- Add the sugar, stirring over low heat until dissolved.
- Increase the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the jam is thick.
- Ladle into hot sterilized jars, seal and label.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 80.8, Fat 0.1, Sodium 1.4, Carbohydrate 20.9, Fiber 1, Sugar 19.7, Protein 0.5
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What is Apricot and Lime Jam?
Apricot and lime jam is a sweet and tangy combination of fresh apricots and zesty limes, cooked down with sugar to create a delicious spread. It is a perfect accompaniment to toast, croissants, scones or muffins, and can also be used as a topping for a cheesecake or as a filling for crepes or cakes.
The Ingredients
To make apricot and lime jam, you will need fresh apricots, limes, granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. The ingredients are simple and easily accessible, making it an affordable jam recipe to make at home.
The Preparation
To prepare the apricots, they should be washed and pitted. Then, you can chop the apricots into small pieces - this will help them cook down more easily. You will also need to zest and juice the limes, which will add a bright citrus flavor to the jam. The sugar, water and salt are then combined in a saucepan and heated until dissolved.
The Cooking Process
Once the sugar mixture is heated, the chopped apricots and lime juice and zest are added and the mixture is brought to a boil, then reduced to a simmer. The jam will need to simmer for a while until the fruit has cooked down and the liquid has thickened to the right consistency. The jam is ready when it reaches 220°F (105°C), which is known as the setting point. It is important to keep stirring the jam as it cooks to avoid burning the bottom of the saucepan.
The Variations
There are many ways to adapt and play around with apricot and lime jam. For example, you could add in other fruits such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries to create a mixed fruit jam. If you want to add more texture, you could also incorporate nuts like almonds or pistachios. Some people also like to add spices like cinnamon or ginger to give the jam a warming flavor.
The Serving Suggestions
Apricot and lime jam pairs well with a wide range of foods. The most obvious choice would be to spread it onto a thick slice of toast or fresh croissant for a quick and easy breakfast. However, you could also use it to top a cheesecake or layer it onto a sponge cake. For a savory twist, it can be used as a glaze for roast meats or as a marinade for grilled chicken.
The Health Benefits
Apricots are a great source of Vitamin A, which helps to support healthy skin and eyesight. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion and helps to keep you feeling full for longer. Limes are packed with Vitamin C, which is important for immunity and improving iron absorption. Both fruits are low in calories and can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
The Storage
Once the jam has been cooked and cooled, it can be stored in an airtight jar for up to 6 months. It is important to make sure that the jar is sterilized before use to prevent any contamination. Once opened, the jam should be refrigerated and consumed within a few weeks.
The Conclusion
In summary, apricot and lime jam is a delicious and versatile spread that can be made easily at home. It offers a sweet and tangy taste, with multiple variations that can be customized according to personal preference. It is also a nutritious choice thanks to the high Vitamin A and C content of the apricots and limes. So why not give this simple yet tasty recipe a try in your kitchen?