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
Scale
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
