Best Apricot And Lime Jam Recipes

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APRICOT JAM



Apricot Jam image

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

2 pounds pitted, quartered apricots
1 3/4 cups sugar
Zest of 1 lemon plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise and seeds scraped (see Cook's Note)

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



Apricot and Lime Jam image

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

8 ounces dried apricots
lime, juice and zest of
8 ounces sugar

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

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?

Making homemade apricot and lime jam is a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of summer all year long. Here are some valuable tips to keep in mind when making this sweet and tangy jam.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

The key to making delicious apricot and lime jam is to use the best quality ingredients. Choose fresh apricots that are ripe but still firm, with a bright orange color and a slight give when gently pressed. Limes should be fresh and juicy, with a bright green skin and a fragrant aroma.

Preparing the Fruit

To prepare the fruit, rinse the apricots and cut them in half, removing the pit. Cut the fruit into small pieces and place them in a large pot or Dutch oven. Rinse the limes and zest them with a grater or zester. Add the lime zest and juice to the pot with the apricots.
Choosing the Right Sweetener
Most jam recipes call for sugar as a sweetener, but you can also use honey or maple syrup for a different flavor. Keep in mind that using a liquid sweetener like honey will result in a thinner jam, so you may need to cook it longer to thicken it up.

Cooking the Jam

To cook the jam, bring the fruit and sweetener to a simmer over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the fruit cooks, it will release its natural pectin, a substance that thickens the jam.
Testing for Doneness
To test if the jam is done, remove the pot from the heat and place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute or two, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, the jam is done. If it is still runny, simmer it for a few more minutes and test again.

Filling and Storing the Jam

Once the jam is done, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal them with lids and bands.
Processing the Jars
To process the jars, place them in a large pot or canner filled with boiling water. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boil and process the jars for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool at room temperature for 24 hours.

Using the Jam

Homemade apricot and lime jam is great on toast or English muffins, but it can also be used in other ways. Try using it as a glaze for chicken, pork, or fish, or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. You can also mix it with cream cheese or goat cheese for a delicious spread or dip.

Conclusion

Making homemade apricot and lime jam is a fun and rewarding way to preserve the flavors of summer. With these valuable tips, you'll be making delicious jam in no time. Experiment with different sweeteners and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Enjoy!

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