Guava Jam

1 . Stage

Cut each guava into 8 pieces. Place in a pot and fill with water until guavas are just covered; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until fruit is very soft, about 1 hour. Remove from the heal and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.

2 . Stage

Strain contents of the pot through a fine mesh sieve into a 1-quart liquid measure, using a spatula to push fruit through the sieve so only seeds and skins remain. Take note, you should get about 4 cups fruit. Clean the pot and pour the fruit back in.

3 . Stage

For every cup of fruit, add 1 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Stirring constantly, bring to a simmer and continue to cook until sugar is dissolved and jam has thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. If the jam thickens on its own and drips very slowly off a spoon, do not add pectin. However, if it does not thicken up enough, add liquid pectin and simmer for 1 minute longer. Pull off the heat.

4 . Stage

While jam is cooking, inspect six 1/2-pint jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.

5 . Stage

Fill hot, sterilized jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars to remove any air bubbles. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.

6 . Stage

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.

7 . Stage

Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool, dark area.