Nectarine Jam (3-Ingredients) • Keeping It Simple Blog

Jump to Recipe

Nectarine jam is so delicious and so easy to make requiring only 3 ingredients, nectarines, sugar and lemon juice. With this nectarine recipe, there is no need to peel the nectarines and no pectin is needed. This nectarine jam recipe makes a delicious and thick jam with enough to store in your refrigerator and a little leftover for the freezer too.

About this Nectarine Jam Recipe

I love making use of seasonal fruits as much as possible because the flavors are better and it is more economical to buy in-season fruit.

Recently I began realizing how easy stone fruit jam is to make and how delicious it tastes. Fresh nectarines are an ideal stone fruit to make jam with because it does not require much work at all.

For this homemade nectarine jam, you leave the skin on the nectarines since they add natural pectin (which helps thicken the jam). It also has a little added lemon juice which helps that pectin work better.

There is a whole Science behind how pectin works and this recipe utilizes all of that science to make the perfect thick nectarine jam. This jam is not only really easy to make, it is one of my favorite jams ever!

Ingredients You Will Need

Nectarines. You need 3 cups of chopped nectarines (pits removed and skin left on).
Granulated sugar. Sugar is an important part of jam making as it helps set the jam.
Lemon juice. Lemon juice does two things when making jam. First, it adds a little background flavor but it also helps make the fruit a little more acidic which in turn helps the natural pectin in the fruit work for us.

Recipe Notes: When choosing nectarines for this jam, try to use nectarines that are not overly ripe. The firmer the nectarines, the more pectin they will have. This is also a small batch recipe made for refrigerating not canning.

How to make nectarine jam

nectarine jam ingredients in pot — 1. Add ingredients to pot.

nectarine jam cooking — 1. Add ingredients to pot.

To make the nectarine jam, you are going to cut the nectarine into small pieces making sure to remove and discard the nectarine pit. Then add the nectarines, sugar and lemon juice into a medium saucepan and mix well.

simmering nectarine jam — Step 3: Bring the jam to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer.

finished nectarine jam in pot — Step 3: Bring the jam to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer.

Once the ingredients are mixed together, bring it up to a boil over medium-high heat then when the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to create a mild simmer. I like to use a potato masher to mash down the nectarines a little bit when they first start to simmer to help them cook faster.

My favorite ways to use this homemade jam

This homemade nectarine jam is so delicious that I can just scoop a small spoonful when I want something sweet. I also love to use it in many of my meals.

Here are some of my favorite ways to use this homemade jam.

I love adding this nectarine jam to my charcuterie boards as a sweet element to contrast cheese.
I add this to some brie then wrap the brie in puff pastry and bake it until golden brown. So delicious!
My daughter loves to make her own flavored yogurts, cottage cheese dip by mixing in the flavor she wants that day.
I like to add some of this jam to an oven baked pork tenderloin or some simple cheddar cheese scones. The sweet flavor of this jam added to salty food is amazing.

nectarines on table for homemade nectarine jam

Faqs

Do nectarines need to be peeled for jam?

No. When making nectarine jam, the skins will cook down completely. The skins also add pectin naturally to the recipe along with a beautiful reddish color.

Can nectarines be used in place of peaches in jam?

Yes. Nectarines are interchangeable with peaches in jam recipes except you do not have to peel the nectarine skins. Many people prefer nectarines to peaches for their flavor and because they are easier to make jam with.

Can you freeze jam?

Yes! Jam freezes really well and can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze just place cooled jam in freezer-proof bags and seal tight. To thaw, place the jam in the refrigerator overnight and use within 2 weeks.

More Like This

Print Recipe

5 from 17 votes

Easy 3- Ingredient Nectarine Jam

A simple and really delicious homemade nectarine jam recipe that makes use of nectarines when they are in season.

Prep Time10

Cook Time25

cooling20

Total Time55

Servings: cups

Author: Melissa Oleary

Ingredients

3 cups chopped nectarines with skin on This is about 4-5 nectarines
1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
2 tablespoon Lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the nectarines by rinsing them then cutting them in half and removing the inside pit.
3 cups chopped nectarines with skin on
Now chop the nectarines into large chunks.
Add chopped nectarines to a medium sauce pan along with the sugar and lemon juice and mix well.
1 ½ cups Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
Bring the nectarines and sugar to a gentle boil over medium high heat.
Once the nectarines have come to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium low stirring occasionally.
Give the nectarines a good mash down with a potato masher. This step is optional but it does help break down the nectarines faster.
Cook for about 20-30 minutes or until the nectarine jam starts to look thick. It will look foamy on top while cooking.
Now remove from the heat and skim off any foam from the top and discard being careful as the mixture is very hot.
Scoop jam into a small pint jar or container and let cool on the counter without any lid on top.
Once cool, cover and refrigerate to set up.

Notes

How long will jam last in the refrigerator?

This nectarine jam will last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

How to freeze the jam:

If you are not going to use all of this jam right away, you can freeze it in freezer proof bag for up to 3 months. To thaw, just place in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutrition