Description
This Italian Lemon Jam recipe yields a bright, tangy, and sweet preserve made from fresh lemons, sugar, and water. Perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or enhancing savory dishes, this jam captures the authentic citrus flavor with optional vanilla or extra lemon juice for a richer taste. The jam is cooked on the stovetop and thickened to a delightful consistency for up to 2-3 jars depending on jar size.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 6 large lemons
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for extra tang)
Instructions
- Prepare Lemons: Wash the lemons thoroughly and slice them thinly, making sure to remove any seeds to avoid bitterness in the jam.
- Cook Lemons: Place the lemon slices in a large pot with the water. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the lemons soften, helping release their natural juices.
- Add Sugar and Boil: Add the granulated sugar to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Simmer Jam: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently. Continue until the jam thickens and reaches your desired consistency.
- Enhance Flavor (Optional): Stir in the optional vanilla extract or extra lemon juice to add depth and an extra tangy punch to your jam.
- Test Consistency: To check if the jam is ready, place a small amount on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it has reached the perfect thickness.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the jam from heat and allow it to cool slightly to make handling easier for jar filling.
- Jar and Store: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, seal them immediately, and let cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. The jam will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Use thin slices of lemon to ensure the jam cooks evenly and softens properly.
- Removing seeds is crucial to prevent bitterness.
- For longer preservation, consider canning the jars properly using a water bath method.
- Adjust the amount of sugar based on sweetness preference.
- The optional vanilla adds a subtle aromatic note complementing lemon flavor.
- Store refrigerated after opening to maintain freshness.
