Sunshine in a Jar: Easy Kumquat Jam Recipe with No Pectin ☀️

🍊🍯 This Kumquat Jam is the Star of Breakfast and Beyond!

mason jars of kumquat jam

When you crave a bright, citrusy spread without the fuss, this Kumquat Jam Recipe delivers!

Tart and tangy kumquats transform into a vibrant jam in just about 30 minutes of cooking time.

This easy recipe uses no added pectin and requires minimal prep, making it perfect for beginners or busy kitchens.

Kumquats are unique because their peel is sweet and their pulp is tart, which creates a beautifully balanced flavor in the jam. It truly is like sunshine in a jar!

Skip the usual store-bought stuff and enjoy the magic of fresh kumquats.

Spread it on toast, dollop on yogurt, or gift a jar for homemade goodness!

Kumquat Prep and Natural Pectin 🔪🍊

Kumquats are the star ingredient, providing all the flavor and the natural pectin needed to set the jam.

Preparing the Fruit

Keep the Peel: The kumquat peel is sweet, which perfectly balances the tartness of the pulp. Unlike some citrus, the entire fruit is used.
Seed Removal: Start by rinsing and patting the kumquats dry. Chop them into small bits, making sure to remove any seeds you find during this process.

No Added Pectin

This recipe relies on the natural pectin found in citrus rinds (the kumquats and a little extra lemon juice) to thicken the jam.

This keeps the ingredient list minimal and the cooking process simple, so no need to worry about purchasing or measuring pectin powder.

Testing for Jam Thickness: The Spoon Test 🌡️

Since this recipe doesn’t rely on pectin, you’ll need to use a simple method to check for the proper set.

The Spoon Test is the easiest way to determine if your jam has thickened sufficiently.

Step-by-Step Spoon Test

Chill the Spoon: Before you start cooking, grab a clean spoon and chill it in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. This simulates the jam being stored.
Dip and Drip: Dip the chilled spoon into the hot jam and hold it up for a few seconds, letting the excess drip off.
Check the Drops:
- Steady Stream: Your jam needs more time. Keep cooking.
- Individual Drops: You’re getting closer!
- Clump of Drops (Sheet or Gel-like): Jackpot! The jam is perfectly set and ready to be removed from the heat and jarred.

☀️ Easy Kumquat Jam Recipe (No Pectin)

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 30 Minutes | Yield: 4 1/2 Pint Jars

🥣 Ingredients

4 cups chopped Kumquats (seeds removed)
3 cups Sugar 🍚
1/2 cup Water
2 T Lemon Juice 🍋

🥄 Supplies

Nonreactive Saucepan (Stainless Steel recommended)
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Stainless Steel Spoon (for stirring and testing)
Mason Jars or Other Airtight Container

📝 Instructions

Prep Fruit: Rinse the kumquats, pat them dry, and chop them into small bits, removing any seeds.
Boil: Add the kumquats, lemon juice, sugar, and water to a stainless steel pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
Cook: Reduce the heat to a medium boil and cook for about another 20 to 25 minutes, stirring often. Keep a close eye on it to prevent boiling over.
Test and Jar: Test the thickness using the Spoon Test (see above). When the jam has thickened, remove it from the heat and ladle it into mason jars.
Cool and Store: Let the jam cool completely, then cover and store it in the refrigerator.

Ready to Create This Citrusy Spread? ⬇️

This Kumquat Jam offers a bright, tart-sweet flavor that is perfect for spreading on morning toast or gifting to a friend.