Orange Jalapeño Sunshine Jam

Instructions

1. Prepare the citrus: Juice enough oranges to yield 2 full cups of fresh juice. For best results, strain the juice to remove pulp and seeds, ensuring a smooth texture in the final jam. Zest one of the oranges before juicing, setting the zest aside.
2. Combine the juices: In a medium saucepan, combine the strained orange juice, orange zest, lemon juice, and lime juice. These additional acids help brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness, while also aiding in preservation.
3. Add the jalapeños: Finely mince the jalapeños, adjusting the quantity of seeds based on your desired heat level. Stir them into the juice mixture. Removing all seeds will produce a milder jam, while including some will bring a pleasant burn.
4. Add sugar and stir: Pour in the granulated sugar and stir until fully dissolved. This will create a vibrant, syrupy mixture that thickens as it cooks.
5. Cook the jam: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or scorching. Continue cooking at a low boil for 20–30 minutes, or until the mixture reduces and thickens noticeably. The jam should coat the back of a spoon and drip slowly when ready.