Homemade Lemon Jam: 

Lemon jam is like a burst of sunshine captured in a jar. Its tangy, sweet, and zesty flavors can brighten up your morning toast, add a twist to your desserts, or even serve as a delightful homemade gift. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make your very own lemon jam, allowing you to savor the taste of summer all year round.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large lemons
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from one of the lemons)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemons

1. Wash and scrub the lemons thoroughly to remove any dirt and wax. You’ll be using both the juice and the zest, so clean them well.
2. Zest one of the lemons, taking care to avoid the bitter white pith. You should have about 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
3. Juice all the lemons, straining the seeds and pulp. You should have around 1 cup of lemon juice.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, water, and a pinch of salt.
2. Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and salt.

Step 3: Cook the Jam

1. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent the sugar from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
2. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the jam simmer. Stir occasionally.
3. Cook the jam for about 20-30 minutes or until it thickens and reaches a consistency you like. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t overcook it.

Step 4: Test for Doneness

1. To test if the jam is ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it – it should wrinkle and not flow back. If it wrinkles, it’s ready.

Step 5: Store the Lemon Jam

1. Once the jam reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
2. While it’s still hot, pour the lemon jam into clean, sterilized jars. Seal the jars tightly.

Step 6: Enjoy!

1. Your homemade lemon jam is now ready to enjoy. It’s perfect on toast, scones, muffins, or as a delightful addition to desserts and pastries.
2. Store the jam in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator.

 

Homemade lemon jam is a simple, yet wonderfully flavorful addition to your pantry. The zesty, sweet, and tangy notes make it a versatile condiment that can brighten up your everyday meals and desserts. With just a few lemons and some patience, you can capture the essence of summer in a jar and enjoy the taste of sunshine year-round.