๐ Peach Jam Recipe ๐
Introduction:
Indulge in the luscious taste of homemade Peach Jam with this simple yet delightful recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or gifting to loved ones, this jam captures the essence of ripe peaches in every spoonful. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to preserve the bounty of your peach tree when it’s in full fruit-bearing glory! ๐ณ๐
- Preparation Time: 0 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 pints
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ripe peaches
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 cups sugar
Instructions:
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Prepare the Peaches: Begin by washing and removing the pits from the peaches. You can peel them if desired, although it’s not necessary for this recipe. Then, chop the peaches into small chunks.
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Cook Peaches and Water: In a large saucepot, combine the chopped peaches with water. Allow them to simmer gently over medium heat for about 10 minutes. This step helps to soften the peaches and extract their natural flavors.
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Incorporate Sugar: After the peaches have cooked down slightly, add the sugar to the pot. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved into the mixture. The sugar not only sweetens the jam but also aids in the gelling process.
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Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat slightly and bring the peach and sugar mixture to a slow boil. Stirring occasionally, allow the mixture to bubble gently.
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Cook to Gelling Point: Once the mixture reaches a boil, continue cooking it rapidly until it reaches the gelling point. This usually takes around 15 minutes. You’ll notice the jam thickening as it cooks.
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Prevent Sticking: To prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot, be sure to stir it frequently, especially as it thickens.
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Remove from Heat: Once the jam has reached the desired consistency and gelling point, remove the pot from the heat.
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Skim Foam: If there’s any foam that has accumulated on the surface of the jam, skim it off with a spoon. This step helps to ensure a smooth texture.
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Fill Jars: While the jam is still hot, carefully ladle it into hot, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top of each jar. This headspace allows room for expansion during the canning process.
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Cap the Jars: Place two-piece caps on each jar, ensuring they’re tightly sealed but not overly tightened.
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Process in Canner: Using a boiling-water canner, process the filled jars of jam for 15 minutes. This step helps to seal the jars and preserve the jam for long-term storage.
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Cool and Seal: After processing, carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a clean, dry towel. Allow the jars to cool completely. As they cool, you’ll hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids sealing, indicating that the jars are properly sealed.
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Enjoy Your Homemade Peach Jam: Once cooled, your peach jam is ready to enjoy! Store any unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate the jam and consume it within a few weeks for the best flavor and quality.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 323.4
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 83.1g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 82.1g
- Protein: 0.8g
Conclusion:
With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a batch of delicious Peach Jam that’s bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned jam maker or trying your hand at canning for the first time, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round with this delightful homemade treat! ๐โจ
