Description
This homemade no-pectin peach jam is a delightful and easy-to-make preserve that captures the fresh, sweet flavor of ripe peaches. Using simple ingredients like fresh peaches, sugar, and lemon zest and juice, this recipe requires just stovetop cooking with no added pectin, making it a natural and wholesome option for spreading on toast or adding to your favorite desserts.
Ingredients
Peach Jam Ingredients
- 5 large fresh peaches (about 6 cups chopped)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches: Peel, pit, and chop the peaches until you have about 6 cups of chopped fruit ready for cooking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large 4-quart pot, mix the chopped peaches with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest thoroughly.
- Rest the mixture: Allow the peach mixture to sit for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, so the sugar dissolves and draws out the peach juices.
- Cook the jam: Place the pot over medium heat and slowly bring the peach mixture to a boil, stirring often to prevent sticking and scorching. If the mixture begins to boil vigorously, reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle boil.
- Thicken the jam: Continue cooking the mixture with occasional stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency, which usually takes about 1 hour.
- Mash and blend: Use a potato masher to break down larger peach chunks. For a smoother texture, use a hand blender directly in the pot to blend the jam evenly.
- Store the jam: Once thickened and blended, transfer the jam to an airtight container and refrigerate. Keep chilled and use within a few weeks for the best flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the peach mixture to sit for several hours or overnight helps to extract maximum flavor and juice from the fruit.
- Stirring frequently during cooking prevents the jam from burning or sticking to the pot.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on how thick you like your jam; longer cooking results in thicker jam.
- For a chunkier jam, mash the peaches minimally. For a smoother spread, blend thoroughly.
- This jam does not use commercial pectin, so expect a softer set compared to store-bought varieties.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 weeks for best quality and safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Jam & Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
