Fresh, sweet, and beautifully golden, homemade Fresh Peach Jam captures the essence of summer in every jar. This delightful jam is perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or simply enjoying straight from the jar. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious treat that will remind you of those lazy summer days spent picking peaches at the orchard.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 cups
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 110
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 1mg
Why Make This Fresh Peach Jam
Making Fresh Peach Jam at home not only fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of sweet peaches and sugar but also gives you complete control over the ingredients. Unlike store-bought versions, this jam has no preservatives, allowing the natural flavor of the peaches to shine through. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to preserve seasonal peaches, so you can enjoy that fresh taste year-round. Make a batch to share with family and friends or keep it all to yourself; either way, it’s a satisfying way to celebrate summertime.
How to Make Fresh Peach Jam
Creating your own Fresh Peach Jam is remarkably straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a perfect, sweet concoction that sings with peachy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped peaches, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are mixed together thoroughly.
Step 2: Mixing
Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes. This waiting period helps the sugar to dissolve and gives the peaches time to release their natural juices, setting the stage for delicious jam.
Step 3: Cooking
Over medium heat, bring the peach mixture to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once it reaches a full boil, stir in the fruit pectin. Bring the mixture back to a boil for 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir until it thickens.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the jam from heat and ladle it into sterilized jars. Be sure to leave some space at the top of each jar. Seal the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper sealing. Allow jars to cool at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Jam
Fresh Peach Jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it generously on toast or biscuits for breakfast, swirl it into yogurt for a delightful treat, or use it as a filling for pastries. For a fun twist, serve it alongside cheese boards or as a topping for vanilla ice cream to bring out its fruity nuances.
How to Store Fresh Peach Jam
Store your homemade Fresh Peach Jam in a cool, dark place, where it should last for up to a year if properly sealed. Once opened, the jam can be refrigerated for about a month. Always make sure to use clean utensils to keep the jam fresh and free from contamination.
Expert Tips for Perfect Fresh Peach Jam
- Peach Quality: Select ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe peaches may yield too much liquid, while underripe peaches could be too firm.
- Sterilizing Jars: Before storing your jam, sterilize jars in a boiling water bath or the dishwasher on the hot cycle to prevent spoilage.
- Taste Testing: If you prefer your jam sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking. Just keep in mind that more sugar can lead to a thicker consistency.
- No Pectin Version: For a more natural approach, you can omit pectin but be aware that the jam may take longer to thicken and could have a different texture.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Peach Jam: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cinnamon for a spicy kick.
- Lavender Peach Jam: Infuse your jam with lavender flowers for a floral twist that complements the flavors of peach beautifully.
- Mixed Fruit Jam: Combine peaches with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a unique flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if my jam doesn’t thicken?
If your jam doesn’t thicken, it could be due to undercooking or not enough pectin. Return it to the stove, bring it back to a boil, and add more pectin as needed. - Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Frozen peaches work, but they should be thawed and drained properly to avoid excess liquid. - How long does homemade jam last?
Properly sealed, homemade jam can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume within a month. - Is it necessary to water bath the jars?
Yes, water bathing ensures that your jam is sealed correctly and can help prevent spoilage. It’s an important step for food safety. - Can I can the jam without pectin?
Yes, you can make peach jam without pectin, but it may take longer to set and result in a different consistency. Use extra sugar and ensure you cook it long enough for thickening.
Conclusion
Making your own Fresh Peach Jam is an easy and rewarding kitchen project that allows you to enjoy the sweet taste of summer any time of the year. With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you’ll have jars of jam that overflow with flavor. Whether you keep it for yourself or share it with loved ones, this memorable treat will surely brighten anyone’s day. So grab your peaches, and let’s get cooking!
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Fresh Peach Jam
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Fresh Peach Jam captures the essence of summer with fresh peaches and just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped peaches, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well.
- Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes.
- Over medium heat, bring the peach mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, stir in the fruit pectin and boil for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and ladle into sterilized jars. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. Let jars cool before storing.
Notes
Select ripe peaches for the best flavor. Sterilize jars to prevent spoilage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
