Peach Jam

There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from making homemade jams—a delightful blend of creativity, tradition, and the pure joy of preserving nature’s bounty. The sweet aroma of fruits simmering on the stove, the vibrant colors that fill the jars, and the anticipation of tasting that first spoonful of fresh jam evoke memories of sunny afternoons and family gatherings. As summer draws near, the season brings a plethora of ripe and juicy fruits, and none are more iconic than the peach.

Capture the essence of summer with this delightful Sweet Summer Peach Jam! Made with just a handful of ingredients, including ripe peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of cinnamon, this homemade jam is bursting with flavor. Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over pancakes, or topping desserts, it's a simple treat that makes six half-pint jars. Enjoy the taste of fresh peaches all year long! Get your jars ready and savor every spoonful.

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Ingredients

4 cups ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped

2 cups granulated sugar

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 pouch (1.75 oz) fruit pectin

Instructions

Prepare the Peaches: Start by washing the peaches thoroughly. Peel, pit, and chop them into small pieces, yielding about 4 cups of chopped peaches.

Macerate the Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped peaches with sugar. Stir well, and let sit for 30 minutes to allow the peaches to release their juices.

Cook the Mixture: In a large pot, add the macerated peaches along with lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

Add Pectin: Once boiling, add the fruit pectin to the pot. Continue to stir and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture returns to a full rolling boil.

Check for Consistency: Keep boiling for about 10 minutes or until the jam thickens. To test the consistency, place a spoonful of the jam on a plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and wrinkles, it's ready.

Jar the Jam: Remove the pot from heat and carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue before sealing with lids.

Process the Jars (Optional): If you canning the jam for preservation, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before storing.

Cool & Enjoy: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Your sweet summer peach jam is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve on toast, pancakes, or as a delightful topping for desserts.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: About 6 half-pint jars