Summer is apricot season, and it’s the perfect time to make quick refrigerator jam using fresh apricots . Here is how to make a small batch of homemade apricot jam that can be stored in the refrigerator.

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Looking for easy recipes to make using fresh apricots? Here is a refrigerator apricot jam recipe that is simple to make using just three ingredients.

In many places, the beginning of summer is apricot season. These soft, peachy orange fruits have a sweet and tangy flavor that is loved by many. During this time, you may be looking for apricot recipes using fresh apricots.

Apricots are a stone fruit, related to other popular stone fruits—like peaches and cherries. While dried apricots are available for purchase year round, fresh apricots have a short season at the beginning of summer that means you only have a short period of time to take advantage of their flavor.

Although apricots are similar to peaches in appearance, they have a slightly different flavor profile. Whereas many peaches are sweet and juicy, apricots have slightly sour and tangy flavor notes.

In addition to their unique flavors, apricots can be used in a variety of recipes—from making sweet jams and desserts to using apricots to make apricot chicken. Apricots can also be dried to make a healthy snack.

If you find yourself surrounded by apricots this year—and you’re looking for what to do with apricots, then making a homemade apricot quick jam that can be stored in the refrigerator is one way to use apricots in a recipe.

Refrigerator jam is an easy way to make homemade jam in small batches to preserve apricots and other fruits for short amounts of the time. You can make many popular types of jam this way, including blackberry jam, blueberry jam, and fresh strawberry jam.

You may be surprised at how easy it is to make homemade apricot jam to store in the refrigerator using a few simple ingredients, including fresh apricots, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and water. This method of making small batch quick jam can be a great way to preserve many types of fruit for a short period of time, including blackberries, peaches, and strawberries.

Please Note: This recipe makes apricot jam that you can store in the refrigerator to use for up to a week. The recipe does not make shelf stable apricot jam that can be stored at room temperature until the jar opened for use. Once it’s made, the small batch apricot jam should be stored in the refrigerator.

What Are Apricots?

Apricots are a small stone fruit with orange skin and a sweet and tangy flavor. Apricots belong to the same genus as peaches, although apricots tend to have a slightly more sour flavor than peaches. 

These popular fruits are widely grown in the Mediterranean, Central Asia, and parts of the United States. You’ll find that apricots are used as an ingredient in many different cuisines around the world.

Apricots are a versatile fruit that can be eaten fresh, dried, or used to make sweet and savory culinary foods and dishes. One of the most popular uses for fresh apricots is using the fruit to make homemade apricot jam.

Apricot jam is a sweet spread that is made from apricots, sugar, and often lemon juice or pectin. The ingredients are cooked until the fruit breaks down and thickens, resulting in a flavorful preserve that can be used on toast, pastries, or as a filling in desserts. 

You can also use apricot jam as a glaze for meat and poultry. Apricot jam adds sweet and tangy flavor to many different dishes.

When Are Apricots in Season? 

Apricots are typically in season during late spring to early summer, although the peak apricot season varies slightly depending on the region. 

In the Northern Hemisphere, apricots are usually harvested from May through July. In regions with warmer climates, like the state of California and in the Mediterranean, apricot season can start as early as late April. 

The exact timing of apricot season can vary based on local climate conditions and the specific apricot varieties that are growing. Keep an eye out for fresh apricots from spring to early summer, depending on where you live. 

Farmer’s markets, farm stands, and supermarkets can be good places to find apricots. If you belong to a CSA in a region where apricots are commonly grown, then you may be delighted to find apricots in your CSA box some years. All that you need are about a pound of apricots, or enough apricots to yield two cups of diced apricots after the fruit has been washed, cored, and sliced.

How to Choose the Best Apricots

Look for fresh apricots that have smooth skin with a vibrant orange color; some varieties may have a red blush on the skin. 

Use ripe apricots with firm flesh that gives slightly when pressed. Firm apricots may need to ripen more, while soft and mushy apricots are generally past their prime to use for making jam.

Different Types of Apricots

There are many varieties of apricots to choose from. Here are just a few that you may find at your local farmer’s market or supermarket, depending on the time of year and where you live.

• Blenheim (Royal) Apricots. Blenheim apricots are known for having a sweet, rich flavor and juicy texture, and they are often considered the best variety to use for making jam. Blenheim apricots are small to medium in size with a deep orange color. 
• Goldcot Apricots. Goldcot apricots have a firm texture and tangy flavor. The apricots make a flavorful, tart jam. The fruit are medium sized and have a bright orange hue.
• Harcot Apricots. Harcot apricots are sweet and aromatic, making them perfect to use for making jam. The apricots are medium sized and have a bright orange color with a hint of red.
• Katy Apricots. Katy apricots are an early season apricot with a sweet and mild flavor that can be used for making jam. The apricots are medium to large, featuring a deep orange color with a red blush.
• Moorpark Apricots. Moorpark apricots are sweet, with a slight tartness, These large apricots have a rich flavor that is good for making jam. Moorpark apricots are usually orange in color, with a red blush, and they are juicy when ripe.
• Perfection Apricots. Sweet and juicy Perfection apricots are ideal for jam making. The apricots are medium to large in size and have a bright orange color.
• Tilton Apricots. Tilton apricots have a slightly tart flavor and firm texture that makes them a good choice for making jam. The apricots are medium sized and bright orange with a red blush.

Each apricot variety brings its own unique flavor and texture to apricot jam. If more than one variety is available when you buy apricots, then you can choose which variety to use based on your preferences or what’s available. You can also mix different types of apricots to get a unique flavor profile for the apricot jam.

Apricot Jam Ingredients and Tools

Here is a list of ingredients used to make this homemade apricot jam recipe, and a list of tools and equipment that can be useful for making apricot jam and other jam recipes.

Jam Ingredients

• Fresh Apricots. Fresh apricots are the main ingredient of the homemade apricot jam recipe. Seasonal fresh apricots provide a  tangy flavor and soft texture for the jam. The apricots should be ripe and free of bruises and blemishes for the best results. Look for in season, fresh apricots at your local farmer’s market or supermarket.
• Granulated Sugar. Sugar acts as a preservative and sweetener, helping to thicken the jam and extend its shelf life. Use granulated sugar to sweeten and enhance the apricot jam. 
• Bottled Lemon Juice. Bottled lemon juice adds acidity, which helps in setting the jam and enhances the flavor. It may also help in preserving the jam by lowering the pH, making it less hospitable to bacteria. 

Canning Tools & Equipment

If you like to make apricot jam, and other types of homemade jams and preserves, then it can be useful to have some canning tools on hand. With care, these tools can be used to make many different preserves—such as blackberry jam and strawberry preserves, over time.

• Large Non Reactive Saucepan or Pot. A large saucepan or pot is used to cook the apricots and other ingredients that are used to make jam. A non reactive pot (such as a stainless steel or enamel-coated pot) helps to prevent the fruit’s acidity from reacting with the metal, which could affect the taste of the jam.
• Wooden Spoon or Heat Resistant Spatula. A large wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula is a must have for stirring the apricot jam mixture while it cooks. Stirring helps to ensure more even heating and prevent sticking or burning while the jam cooks.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons. Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring out apricots, sugar, lemon juice, and other ingredients when making jam.
• Knife and Cutting Board. Use a knife and cutting board to slice, pit and chop the apricots into small pieces. Use caution when handling knives and other sharp objects.
• Ladle. A heat resistant ladle can be used to transfer hot jam into the sterilized jars for storage.
• Sterilized Canning Jars with Lids and Bands. Glass canning jars with airtight lids are used to store the jam. The jars should be sterilized before filling them to help prevent bacteria and mold and ensure the jam stays fresh.
• Jar Funnel. A jar funnel helps to pour jam into the jars without having it spill over the sides.
• Jar Lifter or Tongs. Use heat resistant tongs or a jar lifter to  handle the hot jars during and after processing. Always use caution when handling hot food and jars.
• Boiling Water Bath Canner or Large Pot with a Rack. A water bath canner or large pot with rack can be used for sterilizing jars and for processing filled jars in boiling water when water bath canning jams and other types of fruit preserves.
• Clean Cloth or Paper Towels. Use a clean cloth or paper towels to wipe the rims of the jars to remove any stray jam or ingredients before sealing the jar with the lid. This helps to ensure a clean, secure seal.
• Timer. A kitchen timer can be used to track cooking and processing times accurately.

How to Make Refrigerator Apricot Jam

Here is how to make an easy refrigerator apricot jam that tastes delicious on toasted bread, English muffins, and freshly baked bread.

1—Wash the apricots.

Start with about a pound of apricots, or enough to yield 2 cups of diced apricots after the fruit is washed, cored, and sliced. Wash the apricots thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime. For smoother jam, peel the apricots before adding them to the pot to cook. If you like a more textured jam, then leave the peels on the fruit.

2—Slice the apricots.

Slice the apricots into halves, and remove and discard the pit that is found at the center of each apricot. Cut the apricots into ½ inch pieces.

3—Cook the apricot jam.

Place the sliced apricots, sugar, and lemon juice into a heavy bottomed, large saucepan or pot with high walls. Stir the ingredients to coat the apricots with sugar and lemon. Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to bring out the flavor of the apricots.

Next, bring the apricot jam mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Keep stirring the ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. 

Once the sugar is dissolved, reduce the heat to low and simmer the apricot jam for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the jam starts to thicken up. 

Stir the jam occasionally to help prevent it from sticking to the pan. Use a spoon to remove any foam that forms on top of the jam as it cooks. 

The refrigerator apricot jam recipe uses the fruit’s natural pectin to help thicken the jam. In general, the longer you simmer the jam, the thicker the jam will be. Keep in mind that the jam will also thicken as it chills in the refrigerator.

Tip: The apricot jam may start to foam on top as it cooks. To help prevent the foam, add half a teaspoon of butter to the pot as the jam cooks.

4—Test the apricot jam for thickness.

To test the jam for thickness, place a small amount of apricot jam on a chilled plate. Leave the jam on the plate for a minute. If the apricot jam has a slightly thick and jelly like texture that holds its shape and wrinkles when you touch it, then the jam is ready. 

If the jam is runny, however, then cook the apricot jam for a few more minutes to thicken it up. Keep in mind that the apricot jam will continue to thicken some as it cools off over time.

5—Transfer the jam to jars.

Carefully transfer the cooked apricot jam to sterilized canning jars with lids. Use caution when handling hot jam, tools, and equipment.

The recipe makes about 2 cups of jam. Half pint canning jars and jelly jars are popular jar sizes to use for canning jams, jellies, and preserves.

Allow the apricot jam to cool before transferring the jars to the refrigerator. In many cases, the jam may be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

After opening each jar, check for signs of mold or spoilage before using the jam. The jam should have a fresh appearance. If you notice any signs of mold or spoilage, discoloration or off smells, or if the jam has separated, then discard the jam.

Apricot jam makes a great topping for toast and freshly baked bread. It can also be used as an ingredient for making recipes like apricot chicken, apricot pastries, or apricot cake. 

What to Do with Apricot Jam

One of the best things about apricot jam—other than the flavor—is the jam’s versatility. Here are just a few ways that you can use apricot jam in a variety of dishes. 

• Spread apricot jam on toast or bread. Spread homemade apricot jam over toast or sliced bread for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack in the morning. 
• Use apricot jam to top yogurt or oatmeal. Add a spoonful of apricot jam to yogurt or oatmeal to add a little flavor and sweetness to your morning breakfast routine.
• Pair homemade apricot jam with cheese. Serve apricot jam on a cheese platter. The jam tastes particularly good with cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
• Use apricot jam as a filling for pastries. Apricot jam makes an ideal filling for croissants, danishes, thumbprint cookies, and other types of pastries.
• Apricot jam makes a great glaze for meats. Brush apricot jam onto chicken, pork, or ham while roasting for an easy sweet and tangy glaze.
• Add apricot jam to cakes. Add a thin layer of apricot jam between layers of cake, or use apricot jam as a glaze on top of the cake for added moisture and flavor. Apricot jam is a key ingredient in the famous Sacher torte, for example.
• Apricot jam makes a great dessert sauce. Drizzle apricot jam over ice cream, cheesecake, or pancakes for a sweet and tangy topping that adds a unique layer of flavor to the dessert.

Quick Refrigerator Apricot Jam

Here is how to make an easy refrigerator apricot jam that is delicious with toasted bread and pastries. This quick apricot jam recipe should be stored in the refrigerator to help preserve the jam.

This post was all about how to make refrigerator apricot jam, an easy quick jam recipe.

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