Apricot jam
To prepare a delicious and aromatic apricot jam, it is essential to choose the ripest and juiciest fruits. The apricots should be sweet enough that you leave all the sugar needed to turn your jam into a delicacy. We start by washing the apricots well, removing any impurities. Then, we take out the pits and, after this operation, we should be left with about 500 grams of apricots. We cut the fruits into small pieces, as this will help achieve a uniform and velvety texture of the jam.
After cutting the apricots, we place them in a large pot, which is important to allow for the quick evaporation of the liquid. We cover the fruits with sugar and let the mixture sit until evening. This is a crucial step, as the sugar will extract the juice from the apricots, forming a rich and aromatic syrup. Usually, I prefer to clean the fruits in the morning and put them to boil in the evening, making sure they have had enough time to macerate.
Once the boiling moment arrives, we add a little water to the pot, being careful not to overdo it, as the jam should not be too fluid. We boil the mixture on low heat, considering that a large pot helps reduce cooking time. Usually, I boil the jam for about 40 minutes. It is important to stir periodically to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot and to allow for even boiling.
To check if the jam is ready, we place a drop on a cold plate. If the drop does not run and keeps its shape, it means the jam has set perfectly. Once we achieve the desired consistency, we let the jam cool slightly before pouring it into the prepared jars. It is important to label the jars so that we know what they contain, especially if we are making several types of jams.
After it has completely cooled, the jam will thicken and acquire a vibrant orange hue. Thus, we have obtained two jars of 350 grams of apricot jam, perfect for enjoying on toast or as a filling for pastries. Since I do not use preservatives, it is recommended to store the jam in cool places and consume it relatively quickly. Enjoy your meal! If you liked the recipe, feel free to find it on my blog, where I share more kitchen secrets.
Ingredients: 500 g apricots (amount remaining after cleaning); 500 g sugar; 2 cups of water.