Orange Jalapeño Sunshine Jam – Spicy‑Sweet Citrus Goodness at Home Recipe

Introduction

Orange Jalapeño Sunshine Jam offers a delightful balance of spicy heat and sweet citrus flavors. This vibrant homemade jam brightens any breakfast or snack with its unique, zesty kick. Perfect for those who enjoy a little warmth in their preserves.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 3 jalapeños, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 pinch salt
• 1.75 oz fruit pectin (1 packet Sure-Jell)
• 2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Juice enough oranges to yield 2 cups of fresh juice and zest one orange before juicing. Set the zest aside.
2. Step 2: Finely mince the jalapeños, removing the seeds if you prefer less heat.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, lime juice, jalapeños, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the fruit pectin into the mixture, stirring constantly over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Step 5: Stir in all the sugar at once. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 1 minute while stirring continuously.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
7. Step 7: Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace at the top.
8. Step 8: Seal the jars with lids and process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.
9. Step 9: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours before storing.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the jalapeño quantity to control the heat—use fewer for a milder jam or include seeds for extra spice.
• For a smoother texture, strain the jam lightly after cooking to remove jalapeño bits.
• Try substituting some orange juice with grapefruit juice for a different citrus twist.

Storage

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and use within 3 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if you prefer a warm spread.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?

While fresh orange juice gives the best flavor, you can use bottled juice if it is 100% pure with no added preservatives or sweeteners. The jam’s texture and taste may vary slightly.

How can I reduce the spiciness if I find it too hot?

Remove the jalapeño seeds before mincing, or reduce the number of peppers used. Adding extra sugar can also help balance the heat.

Orange Jalapeño Sunshine Jam – Spicy‑Sweet Citrus Goodness at Home Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 53 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 3 half-pint (8 oz) jars 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Orange Jalapeño Sunshine Jam is a delightful blend of spicy and sweet citrus flavors, combining fresh orange juice, zesty citrus elements, and a kick of minced jalapeños for a unique homemade preserve. Perfect for adding a vibrant, fiery twist to your breakfast spreads or as a flavorful condiment.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit & Juice

• 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4–5 oranges)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice

Spices & Seasonings

• 3 jalapeños, finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 pinch salt

Preserving Agents

• 1.75 oz fruit pectin (1 packet Sure-Jell)
• 2 cups granulated sugar

---

Instructions

1. Prepare Citrus Ingredients: Juice enough oranges to yield 2 cups of fresh juice and zest one orange before juicing. Set the zest aside for later use.
2. Mix Ingredients in Saucepan: Finely mince the jalapeños, removing seeds for less heat if desired. In a saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, minced jalapeños, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
3. Add and Cook with Pectin: Sprinkle the fruit pectin evenly into the mixture. Stir constantly over medium heat while bringing the mixture to a boil.
4. Add Sugar and Boil: Once boiling, stir in all the granulated sugar at once. Return the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
5. Jar and Process the Jam: Remove the pan from heat and skim off any foam that has formed. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Seal the jars with lids and process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to ensure preservation.
6. Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place or refrigerate after opening.

Notes

• Removing seeds from jalapeños reduces heat for a milder jam; keep seeds for extra spiciness.
• Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling to prevent contamination.
• The hot water bath processing step is critical for safe preservation and shelf stability.
• Use fresh citrus juice and zest for the best bright and vibrant flavors.
• Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: orange jam, jalapeño jam, spicy sweet jam, citrus preserves, homemade jam, orange jalapeño spread