Jar of homemade peach jam made with fresh peaches

why make this recipe

Homemade peach jam is a delightful way to enjoy the sweet flavor of peaches year-round. Making jam at home allows you to control the ingredients and use fresh fruits, ensuring that your jam tastes great without any preservatives. Plus, it’s a rewarding experience to spread your own homemade jam on toast or mix it into yogurt.

how to make Homemade Peach Jam

Making homemade peach jam is simple and fun. Here’s how you can do it at home.

Ingredients

5 cups peeled and chopped peaches
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 package fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
6 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Directions

Prepare jars and lids for canning.
In a large pot, combine peaches and lemon juice.
Add fruit pectin to the fruit mixture and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
Once boiling, add sugar gradually and stir until dissolved.
Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat, skim off foam if necessary.
Pour jam into sterilized jars, leaving some headspace.
Seal jars with lids and process in a water bath for 10 minutes.
Let cool completely and store in a cool, dark place.

how to serve Homemade Peach Jam

You can serve homemade peach jam in many delicious ways! It’s perfect on toast, pancakes, or waffles. You can also use it as a topping for ice cream or mix it into yogurt. Additionally, it can be used to flavor baked goods, like muffins and cakes.

how to store Homemade Peach Jam

Store your homemade peach jam in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks. Unopened jars can last up to a year if stored properly.

tips to make Homemade Peach Jam

Make sure your jars are clean and sterilized to avoid spoilage.
Use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
If you want a smoother texture, blend the peaches before cooking.
You can experiment with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor.

variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other fruits like strawberries or blueberries to your peach jam for a mixed flavor. You can find a recipe for this in this mixed berry jam recipe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.

How can I tell if my jam has set?
You can do the “wrinkle test” by placing a spoonful of hot jam on a plate and putting it in the freezer for a few minutes. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s set.

What can I do if my jam is too runny?
If your jam doesn’t set properly, you can add a bit more fruit pectin and reboil it. Follow the instructions on the pectin package for adjustments.