Description
Sunshine-kissed lemons dance in this Homemade Lemon Jam, creating a zesty preserve that sparkles with citrus intensity. Silky smooth and perfectly balanced, you’ll savor each spoonful of bright Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 lemons (large size)
- 2 cups (470 milliliters) white sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh water
Flavoring:
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) pure vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse lemons under cool running water, ensuring all surfaces are clean, then gently dry with a soft kitchen towel.
- Using a fine grater, carefully extract the vibrant yellow zest from the lemon’s outer skin, then slice and squeeze to release all juice, meticulously removing any stray seeds.
- Combine freshly extracted lemon juice, fragrant zest, granulated sugar, and water in a heavy-bottomed cooking pot, stirring until sugar dissolves completely and creates a smooth liquid mixture.
- Place the pot over medium heat, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous, rolling boil while occasionally stirring to prevent potential scorching.
- Reduce heat to low, maintaining a gentle simmer for approximately 35 minutes, periodically stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Test jam’s consistency by dropping a small amount onto a chilled plate – if the droplet maintains its shape without spreading, the jam has reached perfect setting point; if liquid, continue cooking for additional minutes.
- Remove pot from heat source, allowing mixture to rest and slightly cool for easier handling and optimal texture development.
- Carefully transfer the warm jam into sterilized glass containers, ensuring precise pouring and minimal spillage.
- Securely seal jars, then permit them to cool completely at room temperature before storing in a cool, dark pantry space.
Notes
- Choose organic lemons for a cleaner, more vibrant flavor profile without pesticide residues.
- Adjust sugar levels based on lemon tartness – start with less and taste as you cook to control sweetness.
- Use a candy thermometer for precise jam setting at around 220°F (104°C) for perfect consistency.
- Sterilize glass jars in boiling water before filling to ensure longer preservation and prevent bacterial growth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts, Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 120g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg