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Peach Jam

Photo Credit
Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
The Editors
Yield
Yield: about 4 pints.
Category
Pickles and Preserves
Course
Side Dishes
Preparation Method
Simmer
Sources
More Great New England Recipes
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When you think of jam, it is probably strawberries or blueberries that come to mind. But homemade Peach Jam is an outstanding sweet treat! This simple jam can be made even easier by using a food mill.

We love all peaches, but homegrown peaches are especially delicious. Learn how to plant, grow, and care for peach trees.

Ingredients
10 to 15 large peaches (to make 5 cups of puree)
6 cups sugar
Juice and rind of 1 lemon
1/2 teaspoon cloves (optional)
1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)
Instructions
  1. Remove pits and imperfect parts from peaches. In a large saucepan, simmer peaches with just enough water to keep them from burning. When peaches are softened, put them through a food mill or puree with a hand-held or stick blender. Add sugar, lemon juice and rind, and spices, and cook slowly on medium-high heat until thickened, stirring to prevent sticking or scorching.  
  2. To test your jam to see if it’s done, dip a cold metal spoon into the boiling jam. Over a plate, turn the spoon on its side so the liquid runs off the side. The jam is done when it forms two drops that flow together and sheet or hang off the edge of the spoon.
  3. Prepare boiling water canner and heat jars in simmering water until ready to use. Wash lids in warm, soapy water and set aside.
  4. Remove jam from heat and skim off any foam. Ladle hot jam into hot jars leaving a ¼ inch of headspace. Clean rims of jars before putting on jar lids. Screw the metal bands on finger tight and place in boiling-water bath canner. Process for 10 minutes. Learn how to properly water-bath can your jam.
  5. Turn off heat and take off lid. After 10 minutes, remove jars and place on a rack or kitchen towel on the counter.  Allow jars of jams to cool down without moving. You may hear pinging…the jars have sealed! After 24 hours, remove the screw bands and test the seal by pressing gently on the lid. Store for up to a year in a cool, dry place.
About The Author

The Old Farmer's Almanac Editors

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Comments

Laura (not verified)

2 years 4 months ago

I am about to prove that I am a newbe! Strawberry jam recipe says to lightly mash the berries. Do I measure the strawberries before or after I mash them?

Teresa (not verified)

6 years 3 months ago

Brought up by other people...Dont you take the skins off of the peaches before making jam with them. It's NOT in your posted peach jam recipe.

Hi, Teresa. Thanks for your question. To peel or not to peel-we leave that up to the chef! There are some people who like the texture with bits of peel. Feel free to peel the peaches if you’d like. Enjoy!

joan (not verified)

6 years 3 months ago

I have at least a dozen juicy peaches swimming in 750ml of bourbon marinating in the fridge.Can I still make a jam? I don't have a food mill..but a vitamix is the same?

Joanne Roth (not verified)

6 years 3 months ago

How long will half pint jars of jam (proceeded in hot water bath as directed) last? I am wondering if I can put them up now and give as Christmas gifts. Thank you.

Hi, Joanne. That is a lovely idea. Food that is processed correctly and stored properly should be safe for up to 18 months.

Christine (not verified)

8 years 3 months ago

add 8 table spoons of pectin to that for longer shelf life and no need to add water or long cooking time that takes away from the amount of fruit used and dont use a processor if you want jam, just mash it with a potato masher.

deborahmetalf (not verified)

9 years 4 months ago

why use a food mill for peach jam if you want pieces of the fruit in jar? wouldn't the mill grind all of the fruit out and then you would only have liquid? I can see using it for blackberries since I do not like seeds in my jam.
thanks,
Debrah