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Homemade Italian Lemon Jam โ€“ simple, zesty, and full of love ๐Ÿ‹

Italian Lemon Jam

Italian Lemon Jam is a vibrant, sweet-tart citrus preserve made with fresh lemons, sugar, and zest. This homemade recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal bitterness, using traditional Italian techniques for a perfectly balanced spread. Ideal for toast, yogurt, baking, or gifting in jars, it’s a sunshine-filled staple for any kitchen.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 200g jam 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large lemons (3 for zest, 1 to be chopped)
  • ยพ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cups water (to boil zest)
  • 2 cups water (to cook jam)

Instructions

  1. Grate zest from 3 lemonsโ€”avoid the white pith.

  2. Juice one lemon (about 2 tablespoons).

  3. Chop 1 whole lemon into thin slices or strips.

  4. Place zest and chopped lemon into a pot.

  5. Add 1 cup water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain.

  6. Repeat boiling and straining once more to reduce bitterness.

  7. Add sugar, lemon juice, and remaining 2 cups water.

  8. Simmer for 30 minutes until slightly thickened.

  9. Transfer to sterilized jars. Cool and store.

Notes

  • Makes about 200g.
  • Double/triple for larger batch.
  • Keeps for 3โ€“4 weeks refrigerated, or up to 12 months if canned.
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: DIY
  • Method: Boiling & Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 200g
  • Calories: 703 kcal
  • Sugar: 161g
  • Carbohydrates: 190g
  • Fiber: 12g