Delicious Homemade Apple Jam
Delicious Homemade Apple Jam
Revitalizing Stale Apples: A Homemade Jam Project
Don’t let those slightly wilted apples go to waste! Transform them into a delightful homemade apple jam. This jam, simmered to sweet perfection, is wonderful spread on toast or dolloped onto yogurt. Any leftover pears can be chopped and frozen for later use in marinades for meat. Here’s a simple yet flavorful apple jam recipe.
Jam Ingredients- Apples
- Sugar (30-50% of apple weight)
- Lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. Wash the apples thoroughly, remove the cores, and dice them into small, uniform pieces (about 1cm cubes). Toss the diced apples with sugar and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to draw out their juices. You can adjust the sugar amount to your preference, typically between 30% and 50% of the apple’s weight. (While a 1:1 ratio is common for fruit-to-sugar in commercial jams, homemade versions can be delicious with less sugar.)
Step 2
2. Place the sugared apples in a pot and cook over medium heat with the lid on. Once the fruit releases its juices and begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low. Continue to cook gently, mashing the fruit with a spoon as it softens, until the liquid has reduced and thickened. Simmer until the mixture is jammy.
Step 3
3. If mashing is difficult or you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to lightly puree the mixture. Aim for a consistency where some apple chunks remain for texture, rather than a completely smooth puree.
Step 4
4. Towards the end of the cooking process, stir in fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice adds a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness and also acts as a natural preservative, helping the jam last longer. Cook for another minute or two after adding the lemon juice.
Step 5
5. Prepare your jars by sterilizing them in boiling water and ensuring they are completely dry. Carefully ladle the hot apple jam into the sterilized jars and seal them tightly. Allow the jam to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Enjoy your delicious, homemade apple jam!
