Description
Sweet summer peaches shine in this homemade peach jam, delivering pure sunshine on a spoon. Rustic charm meets delightful flavor, inviting you to savor each spoonful of seasonal goodness crafted with love and simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) peeled, pitted, and diced fresh peaches (about 6–8 medium peaches)
Sugars:
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50 grams) additional sugar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract (optional)
Thickening Agent:
- 1 packet (1.75 ounces / 49 grams) powdered fruit pectin
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash fresh, ripe peaches under cool running water to remove any surface dirt or residue.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully slice the peaches in half and gently twist to separate the halves.
- Remove the pit from each peach half by scooping it out with a spoon or cutting around it.
- Slice the peach halves into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Transfer the diced peaches to a large, heavy-bottomed pot, taking care to capture any released juices.
- Gently crush the peach pieces with a potato masher or briefly pulse in a food processor to break down the fruit and create a slightly smoother consistency.
- Add sugar and lemon juice to the pot, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat, continuously stirring to prevent the mixture from sticking or burning.
- Bring the peach mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer.
- Cook the jam, stirring frequently, until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let the jam cool slightly before transferring to sterilized glass jars.
- Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
Notes
- Choose ripe, fragrant peaches at peak season for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness.
- Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to enhance the jam’s complexity and depth.
- Consider leaving some peach chunks for a rustic, textured jam that adds delightful bite and visual appeal.
- For a lower sugar version, use pectin designed for reduced-sugar recipes or substitute some sugar with honey for a more nuanced sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Desserts
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg