Description
This recipe guides you through making the perfect peach preserves at home. With a balance of sweetness and a hint of tartness, these preserves are a delightful addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peaches: Peel, pit, and chop the peaches into small pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cinnamon (if using).
- Cook the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Test for Doneness: To test if the preserves are ready, place a small plate in the freezer. Drop a spoonful of the hot mixture onto the cold plate. Let it cool for a minute. If the mixture wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready.
- Sterilize Jars: While the preserves are cooking, sterilize your jars and lids. You can do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a dishwasher’s sanitizing cycle.
- Can the Preserves: Carefully ladle the hot preserves into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean. Place the lids and rings on the jars, tightening the rings to fingertip tightness.
- Process the Jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove the jars and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface. You should hear the lids pop as they seal.
- Check the Seal: After 24 hours, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, it’s sealed. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Refrigerate any unsealed jars.
Notes
- For a smoother preserve, you can use a food mill or immersion blender to partially puree the peaches after cooking.
- If you prefer a less sweet preserve, reduce the sugar to 3 cups.
- Always use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a vanilla bean while cooking.
- Prep Time: PT30M
- Cook Time: PT30M
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g