Apricot jam with pits

Apricot jam with kernels – A summer delicacy for winter

Every summer, when the sun shines brightly and the sweet aroma of apricots fills the air, I lovingly dedicate myself to making apricot jam with kernels. It is a recipe that deserves a place of honor in my pantry, being not just a simple jam, but a true treasure that can transform any dessert or a slice of fresh bread into a memorable culinary experience.

This jam is versatile and can be used both in making sweets and as a topping for pancakes or muffins, or simply enjoyed on a slice of toasted bread. Let’s discover together how we can obtain a delicious and fragrant apricot jam that will withstand the winter!

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 10 jars of 300 g

Ingredients:

- 1.4 kg ripe and fragrant apricots
- 375 g sugar
- Apricot kernels (from about 4 kg of apricots)
- 1 lemon (juice)
- 1 vanilla pod

A bit of history:

Apricot jam has a long tradition, being prepared for centuries in various cultures to preserve the taste of summer. It is not just a simple mixture of fruit and sugar; it is a way to keep the memories and flavors of the warm season throughout the year, bringing a touch of joy to cold days.

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the apricots

Start by washing the apricots well under a stream of cold water. Then, cut them in half and remove the pits. Place the apricot halves in a large bowl and add the sugar. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. This will allow the apricots to release their natural juice, which will help achieve a tastier jam.

Step 2: Preparing the kernels

If you want to add a distinctive note to your jam, don’t forget about the apricot kernels! In a pot, bring water to a boil and add the kernels. Let them boil for a minute, then drain and rinse them under a stream of cold water. Now, remove the outer shell of the kernels if they taste bitter. Taste them to check the flavor, and if you prefer a sweeter taste, remove the brown skin.

Step 3: Cooking the jam

After letting the apricots macerate, transfer the mixture to a large pot. Place it over low heat and let the jam boil for about 2 hours, stirring constantly. It is essential to stir frequently to prevent the jam from burning. If you want to avoid problems, you can use a heat diffuser, which will distribute the heat evenly.

Step 4: Adding flavors

In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the juice of one lemon and the split vanilla pod. This will give the jam a wonderful aroma and a touch of sophistication.

Step 5: Preparing the kernels

While the jam is boiling, you can prepare the kernels. Lightly crack them with a hammer, being careful not to crush them completely. The nut should remain whole, and the flavor will become more intense. If you wish, you can roast them slightly in the oven to make them crunchier and enhance their aroma.

Step 6: Jarring the jam

Once the apricot jam has reached the desired consistency, it’s time to transfer it to sterilized jars. Make sure the jars are hot before adding the jam. Fill the jars with jam, leaving a small space at the top. Cover the jars with lids and place them in a preheated oven at 120°C for 15 minutes. After that, you can wrap them in blankets and let them cool slowly for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Enjoy and savor!

Once the jars have completely cooled, you can label them and store them in your pantry. The apricot jam with kernels will keep perfectly, even without preservatives, and will remind you of warm summer days every winter.

Useful tips and variations:

- You can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or ginger for an exotic-tasting jam.
- If you prefer less sweet jams, reduce the amount of sugar or add a natural sweetener.
- You can combine apricot jam with other jams, such as peach or plum, for a diverse flavor palette.

Delicious pairings:

This jam pairs perfectly with:
- Toast or croissants
- Fluffy pancakes
- Nut muffins
- Cheese pies

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen apricots?
Yes, but it is recommended to let them thaw completely and drain excess water to avoid diluting the jam.

2. How can I check if the jam is well cooked?
You can do the plate test: put a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate and let it cool for a few seconds. If it thickens and does not run, it is ready.

3. How long does apricot jam last?
If properly sterilized, the jam can last for several years, but it is best to consume it within a year to enjoy its fresh flavor.

Apricot jam with kernels is more than a recipe; it is a tradition, a joy, a way to keep summer in every jar. So embrace summer and turn your apricots into delicious jars of jam! Bon appétit!