Homemade Mandarin Jam

Ingredients

• 4 cups of mandarin oranges, peeled and segmented (about 12-15 mandarin oranges)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mandarins: Start by washing the mandarin oranges thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Peel them carefully, remove any seeds you encounter, and segment the fruit into smaller pieces. You should have about 4 cups of prepared fruit.
2. Cook the Fruit: In a large pot, combine the mandarin segments, lemon juice, and half of the sugar (1 cup). Stir well and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
3. Add Pectin: After the fruits have macerated, sprinkle the pectin evenly over the mixture. Stir well and place the pot over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to boil.
4. Boil the Jam: Once boiling, add the remaining sugar (1 cup) all at once. Stir constantly until the mixture returns to a full rolling boil. Boil vigorously for 1-2 minutes.
5. Test for Thickness: To check if your jam is ready, place a spoonful on a chilled plate. If it holds its shape, it’s ready for canning.
6. Prepare the Jars: While the jam is cooking, sterilize your canning jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
7. Fill the Jars: Once the jam has reached the desired thickness, remove it from heat. Ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
8. Seal and Process: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth. Seal with the lids tightly and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
9. Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean towel to cool completely. Once cooled, check the seals.