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 all-natural jam, made without artificial pectin, offers a rich blend of flavors that can elevate your breakfast or serve as a perfect condiment for various dishes. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, adding it to desserts, or giving it as a gift, this peach jam is versatile and sure to impress at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation — This recipe uses straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, making it easy for anyone to follow.
• Delicious Flavor — The natural sweetness of ripe peaches combined with fresh lemon juice creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Uses — Perfect for breakfast spreads, dessert toppings, or even as a flavorful ingredient in cooking.
• No Artificial Additives — Enjoy peace of mind knowing this jam is made with all-natural ingredients and no artificial preservatives.
• Great for Gifting — Homemade jam makes for a thoughtful and personal gift that friends and family will appreciate.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your French Peach Jam, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large jam pan — Provides ample space for cooking the peaches and sugar together without overflowing.
• Hand blender — Allows you to achieve your desired consistency easily by blending the mixture right in the pot.
• Measuring cups — Ensures accurate portions of sugar and lemon juice, which are crucial for achieving the right balance in flavor.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious French Peach Jam Recipe:

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 peaches thoroughly under cool water and pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit.
3. Further cut the peaches into quarters, and peel off the skin.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Weigh your prepared peaches to ensure you have the correct amount.
2. Place the peeled peaches into a large jam pan.
3. Add sugar, fresh lemon juice, and the squeezed lemon halves into the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Mixture

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

Step 4: Blend the Jam

1. Remove and discard the lemon halves from the mixture after cooking.
2. Use a hand blender to blend your jam until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Test for Setting Point

1. Allow the jam to simmer further while testing its setting point.
2. Drop a spoonful of hot jam onto an ice-cold plate; tilt to see if it runs. If it does, continue cooking until set.

Step 6: Jar Your Jam

1. Before filling jars, add a few drops of alcohol-free vanilla extract into each lid to help preserve freshness.
2. Fill clean jars with hot peach jam while it’s still warm; seal tightly with lids.
3. Turn jars upside down for several hours to create a vacuum seal before storing them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Enjoy your homemade French Peach Jam on toast or use it as an ingredient in various dishes!

How to Serve French Peach Jam Recipe

Serving French peach jam can elevate any meal or snack. Its sweet and fruity flavor pairs wonderfully with various dishes, making it a versatile condiment in your kitchen.

On Toast

• Spread a generous layer of peach jam on warm, freshly toasted bread for a delightful breakfast treat.

With Cheese

• Pair the jam with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer or snack.

In Yogurt

• Stir peach jam into plain yogurt for a refreshing and naturally sweetened dessert or breakfast option.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle the jam over pancakes or waffles for a fruity twist that enhances your morning routine.

As a Glaze

• Use peach jam as a glaze for roasted chicken or turkey to add a touch of sweetness and shine to your main dish.

In Desserts

• Incorporate the jam into desserts like tarts or cakes for added flavor and moisture.

How to Perfect French Peach Jam Recipe

Creating the perfect French peach jam is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your jam turns out beautifully every time.

• Choose ripe peaches: The best flavor comes from fully ripe peaches. They will naturally be sweeter and juicier, enhancing your jam’s taste.

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps balance the sweetness of the sugar.

• Monitor temperature: Keep an eye on the cooking temperature while simmering. A rolling boil will help set the jam properly.

• Test for doneness: Use the cold plate method to test if your jam has set. This ensures you achieve the desired consistency before jarring.

• Sterilize jars: Make sure your jars are thoroughly sterilized before filling them with hot jam. This helps prevent spoilage and extends shelf life.

• Store properly: Store your sealed jars upside down after filling. This creates a vacuum seal that helps preserve freshness.

Best Side Dishes for French Peach Jam Recipe

French peach jam pairs beautifully with various side dishes, adding a unique flavor profile to complement your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Savory Scones: Serve warm, herb-infused scones alongside peach jam for a delightful contrast of flavors.

2. Cheese Platter: Create a cheese platter featuring assorted cheeses, nuts, and fruits that pair well with the sweetness of the jam.

3. Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted carrots or sweet potatoes drizzled with olive oil and spices to contrast with the sweet notes of peach.

4. Mixed Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens with nuts, cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side that balances sweetness.

5. Grilled Chicken Salad: Incorporate grilled chicken pieces in a salad topped with peach jam dressing for an exciting twist on traditional salads.

6. Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare quinoa pilaf with herbs and vegetables; serve it alongside peach jam as an unexpected topping.

7. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Enjoy stuffed bell peppers filled with grains and veggies as they pair nicely when served with a side of sweet peach jam.

8. Crispy Flatbreads: Offer crispy flatbreads seasoned with spices to dip into peach jam, creating an easy yet flavorful appetizer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peach jam can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not weighing your peaches accurately can affect the jam’s consistency. Always use a kitchen scale for precision.

• Bold ignoring lemon juice: Skipping the lemon juice may lead to a lack of flavor and preservation. The acidity helps balance sweetness and aids in setting.

• Bold improper boiling: Failing to reach a rolling boil can result in runny jam. Ensure you bring the mixture to a full boil before reducing heat.

• Bold not testing for doneness: Neglecting the set test might leave you with runny jam. Always check if the jam has set by using the cold plate method.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in clean, airtight jars.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks after opening.

Freezing French Peach Jam Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or jars.
• The jam can be frozen for up to 1 year.

Reheating French Peach Jam Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the jam in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
• Microwave: Place jam in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring between each until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring regularly until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious French Peach Jam Recipe.

How do I know when my French Peach Jam is set?

You can test for set by dropping hot jam on an ice-cold plate. If it holds its shape, it’s ready!

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes, frozen peaches work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in your jam.

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

You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but adjust according to taste since they may vary in sweetness.

How long does French Peach Jam last?

Unopened jars stored properly can last up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3 weeks for best quality.

Final Thoughts

This French Peach Jam Recipe captures summer’s essence in every jar. It’s versatile enough for breakfast spreads or as a topping on desserts. Feel free to customize it with spices or other fruits for unique flavors!