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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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