Apricot or peach jam

Apricot or peach jam – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Apricot or peach jam is a quick and flavorful dessert, perfect for adding a touch of summer to your mornings. This simple recipe will help you turn seasonal fruits into a delicacy that you can enjoy on toast or in various desserts.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg ripe apricots or peaches (choose fresh fruits, free from spots or signs of spoilage)
- 700 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 lemon juice (about 50 ml, for a fresher taste and to aid preservation)
- 1 vanilla bean (optional, for extra flavor)

Step 1: Preparing the fruits
Start by washing the apricots or peaches thoroughly under a stream of cold water. Then, let them drain in a colander. Peel them with a knife or use a quick method: blanch them for 30 seconds in boiling water, then immediately transfer them to cold water. The skin will come off easily. After peeling, carefully remove the pits.

Step 2: Preparing the puree
Once you have the pulp, you can use a blender or a food processor to turn the fruits into a smooth puree. This step is crucial, as the texture of the jam depends on how the fruit is processed. If you prefer a jam with chunks, you can leave some larger pieces.

Step 3: Cooking the jam
Pour the apricot or peach puree into a large pot and add the sugar, lemon juice, and the split vanilla bean (if you choose to use it). Mix the ingredients well until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, place the pot over medium heat.

Add a dash of patience! Allow the mixture to reach a boiling point, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. You will notice how the jam thickens and becomes glossy. It is important to perform a consistency test: drop a little jam on a cold plate, and if it doesn't spread too much, it’s ready.

Step 4: Bottling
When the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, prepare the sterilized jars. Fill each jar with hot jam, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the jars with sterilized lids and turn them upside down to create a natural vacuum.

Step 5: Serving and variations
Apricot or peach jam can be enjoyed on toast, as a filling for pastries, or even as a topping for yogurt. You can experiment by adding your favorite flavors, such as cinnamon or ginger, to add an interesting taste.

Useful tips:
- Choose very ripe fruits, as they contain more natural sugar, thus reducing the amount of added sugar needed.
- Ensure that the jars are very well sterilized to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
- The jam can be stored for up to a year if kept in a cool, dark place.

This apricot or peach jam recipe is not only a fantastic way to preserve fruits but also an opportunity to impress your family and friends with a delicious seasonal dessert. Try it and enjoy the flavors of summer all year round!