This recipe makes a small batch of easy peach jam. It uses simple ingredients and a straightforward method, perfect for beginners or when you have just a few peaches.
Author:Chloe Thompson
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:About 2 cups
Category:Preserves
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped (about 4-5 medium peaches)
2 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon butter (optional, to reduce foam)
Instructions
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped peaches, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out some of the peach juices.
Place the pot over medium-high heat. Add the butter, if using. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens to your desired consistency. This can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes. To test for doneness, place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When you think the jam is ready, spoon a small amount onto the cold plate, wait 30 seconds, then push it with your finger. If the surface wrinkles, it’s ready.
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims clean.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust time for altitude if necessary). Alternatively, if not canning, store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Notes
Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor.
Adjust sugar to your preference, but keep in mind sugar acts as a preservative.
For a smoother jam, you can mash the peaches slightly with a potato masher as they cook.
Sterilize jars and lids by washing them in hot, soapy water and then boiling them for 10 minutes, or running them through a hot sanitize cycle in a dishwasher.