Lemon Jam
A bright and zesty homemade lemon jam that adds flavor to toast, pancakes, and more. Low-calorie and gluten-free, perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 lemons 4 Lemons Provide fresh, tart flavor.
- 2 cups Granulated Sugar Adds necessary sweetness; can experiment with Stevia for a lower-calorie option.
- 1 cup Water Used for cooking down the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional) Enhances flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and dry the lemons thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticide residue.
- Cut the lemons in half, removing any seeds carefully as they can add bitterness.
- Juice the lemons with a juicer or by hand, making sure to reserve the juice.
- Grate the lemon zest from one lemon using a microplane for added flavor.
Cooking
- In a medium-sized pot, combine the lemon juice with an equal amount of water.
- Add the grated lemon zest along with granulated sugar to the pot.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves, stirring frequently.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble for about 20-30 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the jam cool for about 10 minutes.
Serving
- Once cooled, transfer the Lemon Jam to clean sterilized jars, sealing with lids.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or proceed to can them for longer storage.
- Use on toast, pancakes, or mix into yogurt for a zesty treat!
Notes
For a sweeter jam, add more sugar slowly while tasting. Keep a close eye on the pot while cooking to prevent sticking or burning. Use glass containers for storage; they preserve flavor better. If the jam is too thick, stir in a little more water after cooling. Use an ice bath to cool jars quickly if you need to store them immediately.