How to Make Absolutely Fabulous Low Sugar Apricot Jam

Apricots become naturally sweet jam.

Jams and jellies made of fruit often include large amounts of sugar to sweeten them. However, fruits such as apricots require very little sugar to create a sweet jam, because they're naturally sweet. Making your own homemade apricot jam with less sugar is a great way to save money and lower the amount of sugar in your diet. Low-sugar apricot jam has vitamins and is a healthier treat than sugar-filled versions.

Things You'll Need

• 2 qts. crushed apricots
• 6 cups sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• Bowl
• Plate
• Spoon
• Pot
• Sterilized jars

Instructions

1. Stir apricots and sugar in a large glass or ceramic bowl until mixed thoroughly. Cover bowl with a large plate or lid. Let the mixture sit for 6 hours.

2. Pour mixture into a pot, add lemon and heat. Bring the apricot mixture to a boil for 5 minutes, and stir frequently.

3. Pour your heated mixture back into the bowl. Cover and let sit for 6 hours.

4. Place your apricot mixture back into the pot. Bring it to a simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam is clear and thickened.

5. Pour your jam into heated, sanitized jam jars. Leave 1/4 inch of each jar empty. Close the jars tightly, and submerge into simmering water for 8 minutes. Remove them, and let sit on a flat surface to cool to room temperature. Then move the jars to a storage area.

Tips & Warnings

• I say "Mason Jars" but you can use any glass jar that has a lid.

• The key here is to not 'bother' those jars of jam until 24 hours have passed.

• Don't leave out the butter or margarine, it really stops the jam from foaming.

• However, if you find your jam foams still, just scrape that off with your spoon, and don't use it, throw it out. Butter will really help the foam though.

• This wonderful jam lasts over a year in your refrigerator

• Refrigerate open jars of apricot jam and consume within one week.

References

• The Adventures of Pie Queen; Apricot Jam; Stephanie J. Rosenbaum; 2008
• Cooks.com; Recipe - Apricot Jam, More Fruit Than Sugar; COOKS.COM; 2011
• Foods For Long Life; How to Make Organic Sugar Free Apricot Jam; Foods For Long Life; 2009