Homemade Apple Jam Recipe
Introduction
Homemade apple jam is a delightful way to capture the sweet, comforting flavors of fresh apples. This recipe combines tart lemon and warm cinnamon to create a spread that’s perfect on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram Red Apple
- 1 Lemon
- 225 gram Apple Juice
- 200 gram Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and core the red apples, then cut them into cubes.
- Step 2: Place the apple cubes into a large pot. Add the zest and juice from the lemon, apple juice, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cook the mixture over high heat for about 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become translucent and soft, and the liquid reduces to about half and thickens.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to simmer and cook for 5 to 10 minutes more. Use a large spoon or wooden spoon to gently mash the apples to your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized bottles and seal them tightly. Invert the bottles to cool, then store in the refrigerator for at least 2 days before enjoying.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother jam, blend the mixture before bottling to create a uniform texture.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warm spice notes.
- Use other apple varieties for different flavor profiles; sweeter apples will reduce the amount of sugar needed.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Storage
Store the apple jam in sterilized, airtight bottles in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the jam in freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently on the stove or enjoy it cold as a spread.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled?
Yes, fresh lemon juice from the lemon rind included in the recipe enhances the flavor and helps preserve the jam’s natural color and freshness.
How do I know when the jam is ready?
The jam is ready when the apples are soft and translucent, the liquid has reduced by half and thickened, and it reaches a consistency that coats the back of a spoon without running off quickly.
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Homemade Apple Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of apple jam 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade apple jam is a delightful spread made from fresh red apples simmered with lemon, apple juice, sugar, and cinnamon. It offers a naturally sweet, slightly tangy, and warmly spiced flavor perfect for breakfast toast, desserts, or as a topping for various dishes. The simple stovetop method ensures a rich, thick texture that encapsulates the fresh apple essence, making it a wholesome and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 kilogram Red Apple
- 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
- 225 gram Apple Juice
- 200 gram Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core 1 kilogram of red apples, then cut them into cubes to ensure even cooking and smooth mashing later.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the apple cubes into a large pot. Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon, 225 grams of apple juice, 200 grams of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pot.
- Initial Cooking: Cook the apple mixture over high heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the apples to soften rapidly and start breaking down.
- Simmer on Medium Heat: Reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling the mixture for about 20 minutes, until the apples become translucent, soft, and the liquid reduces by half, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Final Simmer and Mash: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Use a large spoon or wooden spoon to mash the softened apples to the desired consistency.
- Jar the Jam: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized bottles or jars. Seal them tightly and invert the jars to cool, which helps create a vacuum seal for preservation.
- Refrigerate and Serve: Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator for at least 2 days to let the flavors mature. Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy your homemade apple jam!
Notes
- Ensure to stir frequently during cooking to prevent the jam from sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Sterilize jars properly to extend the shelf life and prevent contamination.
- You can adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of apples or personal preference.
- Use a wooden spoon for mashing as metal spoons can react with lemon juice and affect flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, blend the cooked apples briefly before bottling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple jam, homemade jam, apple spread, cinnamon apple jam, natural fruit preserve, stovetop jam
