Go Back
+ servings
Overhead view of fresh bright yellow lemon wedges, sugar, and mason jars preparing for Italian Lemon Jam.
FL Recipes

Vibrant Authentic Italian Lemon Jam Recipe

This SEO-optimized Italian Lemon Jam features translucent bright yellow jam, candied cooked lemon peel slivers, and a glossy spread, perfectly served over golden toasted crusty artisan bread for a vibrant breakfast.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Breakfast, Condiment
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

Jam Ingredients
  • 2 lbs fresh lemons 900g. Organic, unwaxed.
  • 3 cups granulated sugar 600g.
  • 1 cup water 240ml. Filtered.
  • 1/8 tsp kosher salt 0.5g.
For Serving
  • 4 slices crusty artisan bread 120g. Toasted until golden.
  • 1 tsp fresh yellow lemon zest 2g. Finely grated.
  • 4 wedges fresh yellow lemons For garnish.

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan Essential for preventing scorching.
  • 1 Candy Thermometer Used to ensure the jam reaches exactly 220°F (105°C).
  • 2 Rustic Clear Glass Mason Jars For storing the glossy lemon jam.

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Wash your lemons thoroughly under warm water to remove any surface dirt. Using a sharp vegetable peeler, carefully peel the bright yellow rind off the lemons, leaving the thick white pith behind. Use a chef's knife to cut the peels into very fine, thin matchsticks.
  2. Place your thin slivers into a small saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat and let them boil for exactly 5 minutes. Drain the water completely.
  3. Take your peeled lemons and use a knife to cut away and discard all the remaining fluffy white pith. Chop the bare lemon flesh, collecting all the juices in a bowl, and pick out every single seed. Wrap the seeds tightly in a small piece of cheesecloth tied with kitchen twine.
  4. In your heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the blanched peel slivers, chopped lemon flesh, collected juices, 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar, 1 cup (240ml) water, and the cheesecloth seed bundle. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves.
  5. Allow the jam to bubble vigorously, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the thermometer reads exactly 220°F (105°C) and the liquid transforms into a vibrant translucent bright yellow lemon jam. Turn off the heat immediately and use tongs to carefully remove and discard the cheesecloth seed bundle.
  6. Toast a thick slice of golden toasted crusty artisan bread until beautifully browned and warm. Smear the bread generously with the jam, top with finely grated fresh yellow lemon zest, and serve alongside fresh yellow lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Calories: 145kcalFiber: 1g

Notes

Tip 1: Avoid the white pith at all costs. It will make your jam incredibly bitter and cloudy.
Tip 2: Do not squeeze the cheesecloth bag when removing the seeds, as it will release cloudy pectin into your translucent jam.
Keyword Italian Lemon Jam,lemon preserves,marmellata di limoni

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe