Apricots are generally OK on pectin but usually need a boost in acid to get a good set. Hence the inclusion of lemon juice.
Ingredients for Apricot Jam:
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) sugar
- ΒΌ pint (145 ml) water
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) fresh apricots (weight after stones have been removed)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Method for Apricot Jam:
- Wash and drain the apricots. Cut in halves and remove the stones.
- Crack a few of the stones and tie the kernels in a piece of muslin.
- Put the apricots, kernels and water in a preserving pan.
- Stew the fruit until it is tender.
- Take out the kernels and Test for pectin.
- Add the sugar and stir until it has dissolved.
- Bring to the boil and boil rapidly for about 10 minutes until the jam sets when tested.
- Remove the scum.
- Pot and seal at once.
Makes about 6 lbs (2.7 kg) of apricot jam.
General Information on Jam Making
How to Make Jam, Jellies & Marmalade
These articles cover the basic methods and rules for making jams, jellies and marmalades. Once you have mastered these, it is far easier to adapt and alter recipes for your own tastes.
The first people to record some of their methods were the Romans...
what a superb site.
Easiest recipe I have found. How about a “print friendly ” version, rather than printing three sheets of paper for just one with the recipe.
Lovely recipe, I also added juice of half a lemom to ensure I got a set – it was perfect! Apricot Jam is my husbands favourite jam & he says this one knocks the socks off shop bought jam! Praise indeed!
@Mary Awcock:
Hi Mary,
You could just highlight the part you want to print then chose print “selected” in your print option menu.
I like the look of the Apricot recipe and intend adding about 2 oz of flaked almonds near the setting point.
Best regards
Gerald
How can I tell if the apricots are ready for picking? Picking for making jam, should they be on the hard side or wait till they are getting soft?
Under-ripe fruits have more pectin so I would use 1/4 under-ripe fruit (on the hard side) to 3/4 fully ripe apricots for the best jam. You’ll need the acid (lemon juice) as well to get a good set.