Apricot jam

Apricot jam - a delicacy that combines the natural sweetness of the fruit with a touch of elegance, perfect for sweetening your mornings or adding a sprinkle of magic to your desserts. This simple yet flavorful recipe will take you on a taste journey, transforming juicy apricots into a delicious spread that can be enjoyed on toast, in yogurt, or even as a filling for pastries. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 jars of 400 g each

Ingredients:
- 3 kg of fresh, ripe, and fragrant apricots
- 1 kg of sugar
- Juice of one lemon
- 50 ml of alcohol (optional, but recommended for flavor)

Necessary utensils:
- A sharp knife
- A large pot
- A strainer
- A wooden spatula
- Sterilized jars (about 6 jars of 400 g)
- A container to collect the apricot puree

Step by step for perfect apricot jam:

1. Preparing the apricots: Start by carefully washing the apricots under a stream of cold water. Once clean, cut them in half and remove the pits. This step is essential for achieving a smooth jam without impurities. Sprinkle the apricots with lemon juice and alcohol, if you choose to use it. The alcohol will help enhance the flavors and preserve the jam.

2. Mashing: Now comes a trick I learned from my grandmother! Take a few apricot halves and gently squeeze them in your palm, as if you were kneading dough. This process will release the natural juices of the fruit, providing a promising start for your jam.

3. Boiling: Place the apricots in a large pot and turn the heat to high. Set a timer for 10 minutes and stir constantly. It's important not to let the apricots stick to the bottom of the pot. After the time has passed, remove the pot from the heat and let them cool for 5-10 minutes.

4. Obtaining the puree: Using a strainer, pour the apricot mixture and press with a wooden spatula to obtain a smooth puree. This step is essential to eliminate large pieces of pulp and achieve a fine texture. If you prefer a jam with fruit pieces, you can keep a few halves intact.

5. Adding sugar: To the apricot puree, add 1 kg of sugar. Mix well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Place the pot back on the heat, this time at medium intensity, and boil the mixture for 15-20 minutes. You will notice how the jam begins to thicken and become shiny.

6. Bottling: When the jam reaches the desired consistency, take the sterilized jars and fill them with the hot mixture. Secure the lid tightly and to ensure proper sealing, turn the jars upside down for 5-10 minutes. This trick will help create a perfect vacuum.

Helpful tips:
- Choosing the apricots: Select well-ripened apricots, but not overly soft. The apricots should be juicy yet firm enough to withstand the cooking process.
- Sugar: You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar for a caramelized flavor or coconut sugar for a tropical note.
- Flavoring: If you want to enrich the flavor of the jam, you can add a vanilla bean or a few sprigs of rosemary during boiling. These will add an interesting complexity.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Apricot jam is a rich source of vitamins, especially vitamins A and C, which support skin health and the immune system. It is important to note that due to the sugar content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation. A serving of 100 g of apricot jam contains approximately 250 calories.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen apricots? Yes, you can use frozen apricots, but make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before using.
2. How do I store the jam? Properly made jam can be stored in the pantry for up to 1 year, as long as the jars are sealed correctly.
3. How can I use apricot jam? It is delicious on toast, in yogurt, as a filling for pastries, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Delicious combinations:
I recommend enjoying apricot jam alongside a warm fruit tea or even green tea, which will perfectly complement the sweet flavors. It can also be used as a filling for pancakes or fruit tarts, adding a touch of freshness.

This apricot jam recipe is not only an excellent way to preserve the taste of summer but also an opportunity to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe and share the results with family and friends! Perhaps, after making it, it will become your favorite as well. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the preparation, as cooking is, after all, a form of art!