3-Ingredient Lemon Jam Recipe
Introduction
This simple 3-ingredient lemon jam captures the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemons in a sweet, spreadable form. With just lemons, sugar, and water, it’s a natural treat that’s perfect on toast, yogurt, or as a glaze for desserts.
Ingredients
- 12 lemons
- 800 grams granulated sugar
- 600 milliliters water
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the lemons and cut off the tips. Slice each lemon in half, then into thin slices.
- Step 2: Remove any seeds and discard any blackish parts of the lemon skin.
- Step 3: Place the lemon slices in a large bowl, cover with water, and let them marinate for 24 hours.
- Step 4: After marinating, drain the lemons and transfer them to a large pot. Add the granulated sugar and water.
- Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Cook gently for a couple of hours, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The jam will thicken quickly thanks to the natural pectin in lemons.
- Step 6: When the jam is thickened, immediately pour it into sterilized jars. Seal tightly with lids and place the jars upside down, covered with a towel, until completely cooled.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, you can lightly mash the lemons after marinating, before cooking.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or a vanilla bean during cooking for a subtle, aromatic twist.
- If you prefer a less tangy jam, reduce the lemon quantity slightly or add a small amount of mild honey instead of sugar.
Storage
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly sealed, the lemon jam can last for several months. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and use within 2 to 3 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Fresh lemons are essential for this recipe because the peel and natural pectin in the whole lemon help thicken the jam and provide flavor. Bottled lemon juice lacks these qualities, so it’s not recommended as a substitute.
Why do I need to marinate the lemon slices for 24 hours?
Marinating softens the lemon peel and helps reduce bitterness while allowing the flavors to meld. This step also hydrates the lemons, which improves the texture and consistency of the final jam.
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3-Ingredient Lemon Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 26 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 to 5 cups of lemon jam 1x
Description
This simple 3-Ingredient Lemon Jam recipe transforms fresh lemons, sugar, and water into a tangy and sweet spread perfect for toast, desserts, or as a flavor booster for drinks. Using just lemons and pantry staples, this homemade jam is easy to make and naturally thickens thanks to the lemon’s high pectin content.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 Lemons
- 800 grams Granulated Sugar
- 600 milliliters Water
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly and cut off the tips at both ends. Slice each lemon in half, then cut thin slices from these halves to prepare for marinating.
- Remove Impurities: Carefully remove any pits and discard any blackish or blemished parts of the lemon skin to ensure a clean flavor.
- Marinate the Lemons: Place the sliced lemons in a large bowl, cover with water, and let them marinate for 24 hours. This helps soften the peels and mellows the bitterness.
- Combine Ingredients: After marinating, drain the lemons and transfer them to a large pot. Add the granulated sugar and the specified amount of water to the pot.
- Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to very low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Cook for a couple of hours until the jam thickens, taking advantage of the natural pectin in lemons.
- Jar and Store: When the jam has reached the desired consistency, immediately ladle it into sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly and invert them, covering with a towel to cool completely. Store in a cool, dry place where it will keep for months.
Notes
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prevent contamination and spoilage.
- Stir frequently during cooking to avoid the jam sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.
- Marinating lemons for 24 hours softens the peels and reduces bitterness, but you can extend this time for a milder flavor.
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dry place; once opened, refrigerate and consume within a few weeks.
- This jam is naturally thickened by lemon pectin—no additional pectin is necessary.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes plus 24 hours marinating
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Jam & Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western
Keywords: lemon jam, homemade jam, 3-ingredient jam, citrus preserve, natural pectin jam, easy jam recipe
