4, 1 quart glass canning jars + lids (make sure jars have been sanitized)
26 cups Apricots, washed, halved, and pits removed
7 cups Water
2 cups Raw Cane Sugar
4 tablespoons Lemon Juice
Instructions
Fill a large canning pot ⅔ of the way full with hot water. Cover and bring to a boil while you make the nectar.
Place apricots and water in a large stock pot. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium. Let simmer for ½ hour, or until the apricots are super soft and completely broken down.
Run the apricot/water mixture through a sieve, pushing the apricots through with a spoon, collecting the puree and liquid in a large bowl. Keep pushing the apricots through the sieve until they are no longer glossy and wet looking (puree will stop dropping from the sieve as you stir). You don't want to push the apricots through once it stops coming through easily - too much puree will cause your nectar to look brownish. Whisk until smooth.
Line up your canning jars and fill each jar with ½ cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
Fill each jar full to the bottom of the neck with the apricot/water mixture. Stir each jar until sugar is dissolved.
Wipe the rims of the jars to make sure there is no residue( if there is, the jars will be hard to open once processed). Place lids on the jars and screw on very tightly.
Once the water in the canning pot is boiling, place the jars of nectar in the pot and let boil for 20 minutes (make sure the jars are FULLY submerged in the water).
Remove the jars carefully from the boiling water and place on a towel on the counter. Let cool completely. You may hear a 'pop' as the lids seal. Once the jars are completely cool, press down on the lids to make sure they have sealed properly. You should not be able to press the lids in at all. If you can, this means the jar did not seal properly and will need to be placed in the fridge and used right away.
You can put away your jars of nectar - they should keep at room temperature for at least 6 months. Or, if you're like us, start drinking! Apricot nectar doesn't last long around here!
We like to pour our nectar over a large glass of ice and let it sit for about 10 minutes before drinking. You can drink it as is, or add water to thin it out.
Recipe by The Kitchen McCabe at https://www.thekitchenmccabe.com/2016/08/02/apricot-nectar-recipe-tutorial/