As the sun dipped below the horizon on a warm summer evening, I found myself in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, surrounded by jars of vibrant fruit preserves that sparkled like jewels. The air was filled with the sweet and tangy aroma of citrus, reminding me of the best moments spent with her, crafting delicious memories. Inspired by those treasured times, I decided to create a preserve that captures the essence of summer in a jar—Sunset Citrus Preserves. This recipe combines the zesty brightness of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits with a hint of ginger, creating a delightful spread that brightens up any breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
4 large oranges
2 large lemons
1 large grapefruit
1 cup ginger, peeled and minced
5 cups granulated sugar
4 cups water
1 packet pectin (1.75 oz.)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh vanilla extract
Instructions
Begin by thoroughly washing the citrus fruits to remove any wax or residue. Zest the oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, being careful to avoid the white pith, and set the zest aside. Next, slice the fruits in half and juice them, discarding any seeds you may find. You should have about 2 cups of juice when you’re done.
In a large pot, combine the citrus juice, zest, minced ginger, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the ginger to infuse its warmth into the mixture.
After the simmering time, add the granulated sugar to the pot and stir until it is fully dissolved. Raise the heat back to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the pectin and salt, continuing to boil for an additional 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. To test the consistency, place a spoonful of the preserves on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it’s ready!
Once the preserves have reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth and richness.
Carefully ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue, then seal them tightly with lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
Allow the jars to cool to room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place. As the seasons change, you’ll find joy in opening a jar of your Sunset Citrus Preserves, a reminder of summer and a taste of sunshine, no matter the weather outside.