Description
This recipe guides you through making delicious homemade peach jam using a stovetop and canner, perfect for preserving the sweet taste of summer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups peeled, pitted, and finely chopped peaches (about 4 pounds)
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 box (1.75 ounces) powdered fruit pectin
Instructions
- Prepare your canning jars and lids by sterilizing them. Keep them hot until ready to fill.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped peaches and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar and pectin. This prevents the pectin from clumping.
- Once the peaches are simmering, gradually add the sugar-pectin mixture to the pot, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil vigorously for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface of the jam.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
- Process the filled jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary).
- Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a wire rack to cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
- Check the seals after 24 hours. Lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Notes
- Use ripe, but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not reduce the amount of sugar, as it is crucial for proper gelling and preservation.
- Adjust processing time for altitude: add 1 minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, you can mash the peaches slightly before cooking or use an immersion blender briefly after cooking.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop, Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 50-60
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Sodium: 0-5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13-16g
- Fiber: 0-1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg