Apricot jam with gelling sugar

Apricot Jam Recipe with Gelling Sugar – A Summer Delight in a Jar

Who doesn’t love the sweet and unmistakable aroma of apricot jam? This jam is not just a delicacy but also a perfect way to preserve the taste of summer for the colder days. Making jam is an art, but with a little patience and attention to detail, you will achieve a perfect result every time. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to create apricot jam with gelling sugar that will delight your family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10 jars

Ingredients
- 5 kg very ripe apricots (about 4 kg pitted and peeled)
- 2 kg gelling sugar

Brief Introduction
Apricot jam has a long history, being made since ancient times to preserve seasonal fruits. This simple and quick recipe, based on gelling sugar, will allow you to achieve a jam with a perfect texture and intense flavor. Gelling sugar has the advantage of helping to achieve an ideal consistency and reduces cooking time.

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the apricots
To obtain a high-quality jam, it is essential to choose very ripe apricots. They will have a sweet taste and intense aroma. Buy them from a reliable supplier or, if possible, from your own garden.
- Tip: Choose apricots that have a uniform color, without spots or imperfections.

Wash the apricots under a stream of cold water to remove impurities. Then, remove the skins and pits. It is important to use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the fruit's pulp.

Step 2: Pureeing the apricots
After cleaning the apricots, use a blender or a masher to turn them into a fine paste. This step is essential for obtaining a homogeneous jam.
- Suggestion: If you like jam with fruit pieces, you can leave some finely chopped apricots to add later.

Step 3: Cooking the jam
Put the apricot paste in a large pot, preferably with a double bottom, to prevent sticking. Add the gelling sugar and mix well. Place the pot over low heat and let it reach the boiling point.
- Warning: At first, foam will form on the surface. Don’t forget to remove it with a metal spoon to achieve a clear and beautiful jam.

Let the jam boil for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Jarring the jam
While the jam is boiling, prepare the jars. Make sure they are clean and dry. You can sterilize the jars either in the oven or in boiling water. Once the jam is ready, fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top for expansion.
- Tip: Use a wide-mouthed container or a funnel to avoid mess.

Seal the jars with their lids and place them in a preheated oven at 100 degrees Celsius. Turn off the heat and leave the jars inside until the next day. This step helps create a vacuum, extending the shelf life of the jam.

Step 5: Storing
After the jars have completely cooled, store them in the pantry. Make sure to keep them in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage.

Serving Suggestions
Apricot jam is delicious on a slice of toasted bread, but you can also use it as a filling for cakes, crêpes, or pancakes. It also pairs perfectly with fine cheeses or as a topping for ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular sugar instead of gelling sugar?
- Yes, but the jam will not have the same consistency and will require a longer cooking time.

2. How long does the jam last?
- If properly sterilized, the jam can last up to a year in the pantry. After opening, keep it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 weeks.

3. Can I add spices?
- Absolutely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a few vanilla seeds can add a special touch to your jam.

Nutritional Values
A 100-gram serving of apricot jam contains approximately 250 calories, being a good source of vitamin A and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, apricot jam can be a delicious part of a balanced diet.

Variations
If you want to experiment, you can add other fruits such as peaches or plums to create a unique combination. You can also try replacing gelling sugar with healthier alternatives like agave syrup, although this will change the final texture.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put your cooking skills to work! Making apricot jam is not only a pleasant activity but also an excellent way to enjoy the taste of summer all year round. Enjoy your meal!