French Peach Jam Recipe

My mum’s French Peach Jam Recipe is a delightful way to capture the essence of summer in a jar. This homemade jam, made without artificial pectin, offers a beautiful set that highlights the natural sweetness of peaches. Perfect for breakfast on toast or as a sweet condiment for desserts, this jam brings joy to any occasion. With its vibrant flavor and easy preparation, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Natural Ingredients: This jam uses all-natural ingredients without any artificial additives, making it a healthier choice.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal equipment, you can create this delicious jam with ease.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on toast, in desserts, or even as a topping for yogurt; the options are endless!
• Seasonal Delight: Capture the freshness of summer peaches and enjoy it year-round.
• Gift-Worthy: Homemade jams make thoughtful gifts for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your French Peach Jam, it’s essential to have the right tools ready. Having the right equipment will streamline the process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large jam pan
• Measuring cups
• Kitchen scale
• Hand blender
• Clean jam jars with lids

Importance of Each Tool

• Large jam pan: A spacious pan allows for even cooking and prevents spills during boiling.
• Kitchen scale: Ensures accurate measurements for perfect consistency in your jam.
• Hand blender: Helps achieve your desired texture without transferring hot ingredients to another container.

Ingredients

To make my mum’s French peach jam, gather these simple ingredients:

For the Jam

• 2.2 Pounds Peach (fresh or frozen)
• 3⅓ Cups Sugar
• 1 Lemon (juice it and keep lemon halves)

How to Make French Peach Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Rinse the peaches thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Cut each peach in half, removing the pit. Then cut them into quarters and peel off the skin.

Step 2: Measure Ingredients

1. Weigh out 2.2 pounds of peeled peaches for precise measurement.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Place the prepared peaches into a large jam pan.
2. Add 3⅓ cups of sugar along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the used lemon halves.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture

1. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients.
2. Bring it to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for at least 40–50 minutes until the fruits look glossy and translucent.

Step 5: Blend and Test Consistency

1. Remove and discard the lemon halves from the mixture.
2. Using a hand blender, blend your jam until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Continue simmering until it’s set; test by dropping some hot jam on an ice-cold plate to see if it’s running.

Step 6: Prepare Jars

1. Before filling jars with hot peach jam, add a drop of alcohol-free vanilla extract into each lid for preservation purposes.

Step 7: Fill Jars

1. Carefully fill clean jars with hot peach jam while ensuring they are sealed tightly with lids.

Step 8: Store Properly

1. Turn jars upside down for a few hours to create a vacuum seal.
2. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. In humid climates, refrigerate after sealing.

Enjoy every spoonful of your homemade French Peach Jam!

How to Serve French Peach Jam Recipe

French peach jam is a delightful treat that can elevate many dishes. It adds sweetness and flavor, making it perfect for breakfast or snacks. Here are some serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious jam.

On Toast

• Spread a generous layer of French peach jam on toasted bread or croissants for a simple yet tasty breakfast.

With Yogurt

• Stir a spoonful of peach jam into your morning yogurt for added sweetness and a fruity twist.

In Smoothies

• Blend peach jam with your favorite fruits and yogurt for a refreshing smoothie.

As a Dessert Topping

• Use the jam as a topping for ice cream or cheesecake to add a burst of fruity flavor.

In Savory Dishes

• Pair peach jam with grilled chicken or pork (use chicken or turkey instead) as a glaze for added sweetness.

With Cheese

• Serve peach jam alongside soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer.

How to Perfect French Peach Jam Recipe

Achieving the perfect French peach jam requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your jam turns out wonderfully every time.

• Choose ripe peaches: Use only ripe, fresh peaches for the best flavor and texture in your jam.

• Measure accurately: Ensure you weigh your peaches and sugar accurately to achieve the right consistency.

• Test for doneness: Use the plate test method to check if your jam has set properly before transferring it to jars.

• Store properly: Keep the jars upside down for a few hours after filling them. This helps create a vacuum seal.

• Avoid humidity: If you live in a humid area, consider refrigerating the jam after opening to prevent spoilage.

Best Side Dishes for French Peach Jam Recipe

French peach jam pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet flavor. Here are some great options:

1. Pancakes: Top fluffy pancakes with peach jam instead of syrup for an extra fruity kick.

2. Oatmeal: Stir in peach jam into your morning oatmeal for natural sweetness and flavor.

3. Granola: Mix granola with yogurt and add a layer of peach jam for added texture and taste.

4. Scones: Serve warm scones with butter and a dollop of peach jam for a delightful afternoon tea treat.

5. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses on your cheese platter along with peach jam for an impressive appetizer spread.

6. Fruit Salad: Drizzle some peach jam over fresh fruit salad to enhance its flavors and add sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peach jam can be delightful, but avoiding common mistakes is essential for success.

• Boldly skip the peeling: Not peeling the peaches can result in a gritty texture. Always peel your peaches for a smooth jam.
• Boldly ignore the lemon juice: Lemon juice helps to balance sweetness and aids in setting. Never skip this crucial ingredient.
• Boldly rush the cooking time: Cooking the jam too quickly can prevent it from setting properly. Allow enough time for simmering until the right consistency is achieved.
• Boldly use unsterilized jars: Using dirty jars can spoil your jam. Always ensure your containers are clean and sterilized before filling them.
• Boldly overlook storage conditions: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Store your jam in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight jars for up to 3 weeks.
• Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing French Peach Jam Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 year.
• Leave some space at the top of jars or containers as the jam will expand when frozen.

Reheating French Peach Jam Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat jam in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring between intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making a French Peach Jam recipe.

How do I know if my French Peach Jam Recipe has set?

Testing on a cold plate helps determine if the jam has set. If it runs, continue cooking and retest.

Can I use frozen peaches in my French Peach Jam Recipe?

Yes! Frozen peaches work well, just ensure they are thawed before using them in the recipe.

What can I substitute for sugar in my French Peach Jam Recipe?

You can use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, but taste and adjust accordingly.

How long does homemade peach jam last?

Homemade peach jam lasts up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or up to 1 year if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

This French Peach Jam recipe captures summer’s essence and allows you to enjoy delicious flavors all year round. Feel free to customize it with spices like cinnamon or ginger for a unique twist!