First place a small plate in the freezer.

Cut your apricots into small pieces. I personally don’t like big chunks in my jam, so I cut them quite small. After they are cut I add them into my big measuring cup. Some people think you need to peel them, but unlike peaches their skin is very soft and melds into the jam after you have cooked them for a few minutes.

After you have the amount of fruit cut that you want add it to your pan and set your heat on medium.

While that is starting to heat up you can measure out your sugar and add that in too.

At this point you want to let it cook down for a bit, about 20-30 minutes, while keeping a constant watch on it and stirring frequently. The idea of this step is to let some of the liquid from the fruit boil off a bit so you end up with a thicker jam.

Now you can add in your lime. I like to wait until some time has gone by, because you can add lime to taste, and without all that extra liquid in there you are going to be able to taste what the finished product will taste like. If you like your jam less tart, start with just 1 ½ tablespoons of lime, then add more if you want it more tart. I might add more than 3 depending on how sweet the fruit is.

This is the time to get out your plate. Drip a little drop of your jam on the plate. It should thicken and not really run down the plate. If it still looks runny you might want to let it cook for a little bit longer.

I like to waterbath can mine when it is all done, it’s an easy process. Use 3 pint jars, there may be a little less or more depending on how much water was in your fruit and how long you had to let it boil to thicken.

To Can

Put hot jam in hot jars with about an inch of head space

Wipe rims

Finger tighten lids

Put jars in canner. Ensure there is at least an inch of water above the top of your lid

Process 15 minutes

Turn off heat and allow to sit for about 5 minutes

Remove from canner and listen for the very satisfying ping

If any jars don’t seal, place in the fridge to be consumed first. Or reprocess.

Toast up some yummy bread and slather your apricot jam liberally. Enjoy!!