Old Fashioned Peach Jam
The availability of good peaches is starting to wane…but not completely. Summer’s not quite over yet in California. To buy fruit for canning (or anything, really), my new trick is to go to the farmer’s market around 12:30. This is the magic time when vendors start putting things on sale. I love supporting local farmers, but I also love saving a few bucks.
So this jam was my first do-it-myself batch. You may remember I wrote about a jamming class I took last month where we made a wonderful strawberry jam, but we did it in a class environment with an instructor readily available for each question on consistency, timing, and processing. This afternoon, it was just me and Oprah. But I set out confidently–in fact, I broke the first cardinal rule that Jordan Champagne told us that night in class: as a beginner, never mess with the recipe. There are important PH considerations with canning, and usually with jams you’re o.k., but you need to understand the necessary proportions of sugar to fruit before you start playing around.
But every recipe I found had equal amounts fruit to sugar, and I hate overly sweet jam. But I also hate sugar substitutes and am really attracted to jams that don’t use pectin. There’s something about the old fashioned ‘simmer and stir’ method that just feels right. So I researched numerous recipes, and decided to take down the sugar content and increase the amount of lemon juice…and voila: a chunky, delicious peach jam.
I should tell you that, in general, sugar acts largely as a preserver in jam and has a lot to do with the color. Because I used less sugar than is found in supermarket brands, the jam isn’t a brilliant shade of orange. It’s a lovely muted peach color, but if you’re going for “shock and awe” orange, this may not be the recipe for you. Otherwise, it’s a gratifying way to celebrate the waning days of summer.
Old Fashioned Peach Jam
- Prep time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Cook time: 45 mins
- Total time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
Instructions
Peel and slice peaches. For a peeling trick, place peaches in boiling water for 15-30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and dunk in cool water. Gently rub to loosen the skins from the fruit (I use a paper towel). Place slices in a large non-reactive pan. Sprinkle the sugar and lemon juice over the top of the fruit. Don’t stir–just let the sugar sit and seep into the peaches. It will help release the natural juices of the fruit. Allow to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
Place pot on stove and bring to a vigorous boil. Using a potato masher or other handy kitchen tool, begin to mash down the peaches. Then using a wooden spoon or stick, continue stirring the peaches as they cook down, 25-30 minutes, or until they reach the gelling state. Read about the “cold plate” trick (scroll down to italicized directions) if you’re unfamiliar with how to tell if your jam has reached the gelling state. Using a funnel, pour the hot mixture into clean, dry class jars leaving about 1/4 inch at the top. Cap and screw on lids, leaving them rather loose. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes. If you’re unfamiliar with hot water bath canning, read this. Enjoy with scones, buckwheat pancakes, as a filling for a homemade cake (I have some plans to use it in an olive oil layer cake)–or however you like.
Megan's book! 
Healthy Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn't heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I'd start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we'd never travel internationally again or have a sit-down meal in our dining room. Would I ever eat a cardamom bun in Sweden? Soak in Iceland? I loved the heck out of our tiny Oliver, but man what had we done?! Friends would swoop in and reassure us that this was just a season, a blip in the big picture of it all. They promised we'd likely not even remember walking around the house in circles singing made-up songs while eating freezer burritos at odd hours of the day (or night). And it's true.
Oliver is turning two next month, and those all-encompassing baby days feel like a different time, a different Us. In many ways, dare I say it, Toddlerhood actually feels a bit harder. Lately Oliver has become extremely opinionated about what he will and will not wear -- and he enforces these opinions with fervor. Don't get near the kid with a button-down shirt. This week at least. He's obsessed with his rain boots and if it were up to him, he'd keep them on at all times, especially during meals. He insists on ketchup with everything (I created a damn monster), has learned the word "trash" and insists on throwing found items away on his own that really, truly are not trash. I came to pick him up from daycare the other day and he was randomly wearing a bike helmet -- his teacher mentioned he'd had it on most of the day and really, really didn't want to take it off. The kid has FEELINGS. I love that about him, and wouldn't want it any other way. But, man it's also exhausting.
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I just finished washing out Oliver's lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable dance party or band practice that precedes the bedtime routine lately. Before becoming pregnant for the second time, I'd have had a glass of wine with the back door propped open right about now -- these days though, I have sparkling water or occasionally take a sip from one of Sam's hard ciders. Except now the back door's closed and we even turned on the heat for the first time yesterday. The racing to water the lawn and clean the grill have been replaced by cozier dinners at home and longer baths in the evening. You blink and it's the first day of fall.
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I'd heard from many friends that buying a house wasn't for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I've started (and stopped) writing this post a good fifteen times which may indicate something. BUT! First thing's first: we bought a house! I think! I'm pretty sure! We're still waiting for some tax transcripts to come through and barring any hiccough with that, we'll be moving out of our beloved craftsman in a few weeks and down the block to a great, brick Tudor house that we wanted the second we laid eyes on it. The only problem: it seemed everyone else in Seattle had also laid eyes on it, and wanted it equally as much. I'm not really sure why the homeowner chose us in the end. Our offer actually wasn't the highest, but apparently there were some issues with a few of them. We wrote a letter introducing ourselves and describing why we'd be the best candidates and why we were so drawn to the house; we have a really wonderful broker who pulled out all the stops, and after sifting through 10 offers and spending a number of hours deliberating, they ended up going with ours. We were at a friend's book event at the time when Sam showed me the text from our broker and I kind of just collapsed into his arms. We were both in ecstatic denial (wait, is this real?! Did we just buy a house?) and celebrated by getting chicken salad and potato salad from the neighborhood grocery store and eating it, dazed, on our living room floor. Potato salad never tasted so good.
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If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn't our most inspired in terms of cooking. We're all suffering from the post-election blues -- the sole upside being Oliver's decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he's trying to tell us that pulling the covers over our heads and hibernating for awhile is ok. It's half-convincing. For much of the week, instead of cooking, there'd been takeout pizza and canned soup before, at week's end, I decided it was time to pour a glass of wine and get back into the kitchen. I was craving something hearty and comforting that we could eat for a few days. Something that wouldn't remind me too much of Thanksgiving because, frankly, I can't quite gather the steam to start planning for that yet. It was time for a big bowl of chili.
To Talk Porridge
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it's true. It doesn't have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn't have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn't crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery shards like a well-made croissant. But when you wake up and it's 17 degrees outside (as it has been, give or take a few, for the last week), there's nothing that satisfies like a bowl of porridge or oatmeal. It's warm and hearty and can be made sweet or savory with any number of toppings. The problem? Over the years, it's gotten a bad rap as gluey or gummy or just downright boring or dutiful -- and it's because not everyone knows the secrets to making a great pot of warm morning cereal. So let's talk porridge (also: my cookbook comes out this month! So let's take a peek inside, shall we?)
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
I think the colour is the best thing about this jam. Beautiful!
Paul
Try with peel on peaches. Gives it a little texture and more color. I have did this for years. turns out beautiful every time.
megang
Thanks, Paul!
Teddy
Can this jam be frozen
megang
I haven't tried it, Teddy, so I'm not sure to be honest.
Jen Oliver
I like smooth jam so I blend the peaches with the skins on, then cook it.
Pretty and yummy!
Jen
This is my go too jam recipe for years! I love added spicy chilis to the jam for a Texas twist
megang
Yum, Jen!
Megan Gordon
Thanks, Sarah!
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite
Good for you - I am afraid of jam making!
pityenlacocina
what a wonderful way of using up your peaches! it really looks yummy! very well done,
cheers from london,
pity
Happy cook
I woud love to have that marmalade on toast every morning.
Simply Life
Oh wow, that looks great! Your blog is adorable!
Megan Gordon
Thank you all! I have so many jars--if you were closer (this definitely rules you out, Pity) I'd drop one by! I'm sure I'll manage though :)
alice
I've been making jam all summer but I never got around to peach!?! Thanks for the reminder its still not too late.
Megan Gordon
I've seen your beautiful jam posts, Alice. You should try this peach--no pectin. Easy. I love the vibrant, grainy pics you have up of your berry jam. Looks lovely.
Marilyn
How many pint jars does this recipe make?
megang
Hi, Marilyn. It's been so long since I've made this. Can anyone else help with quantities here??? So sorry I can't be of more help on the precise amount.
Kay
This recipe made exactly 24oz of jam for me, so that would be about a pint and a half.
megang
Thank you, Kay!
Lady Leet, a Starry-Eyed Foodie
ooh olive oil layer cake? do reveal the recipe, please. :)
Megan Gordon
Ah yes, the olive oil cake. I'll dig up the recipe and try to get it up soon-ish. I did a stupid thing and packed all of my cookbooks in anticipation of moving soon....turns out the move wasn't as soon as I thought and now I'm without some of my favorites!
Anonymous
This looks delicious--thank you for posting it. I am making the recipe right now, but am wondering when does the lemon juice get added in?
Megan Gordon
Wow--I've never had a comment mid-recipe before. Hopefully it's not too late, but you want to add the lemon juice with the sugar...they all kind of hang out together before you cook it on the stove. Good luck--let me know how it turns out!
Julie Harborth
when you bring it to a vigorous boil. do you leave it at that for the 20 to 30 min.?
megang
Hi Julie! Yep! You don't want it to be too vigorous, but you're standing there stirring away so it should be kind of like a slow, rollicking party. It's a good arm workout. Good luck! Let me know how it turns out.
Barbara Bakes
I made this jam and blogged about it today. Delicious! Thanks for sharing!
megang
Fabulous, Barbara. So glad that you liked it!
holloway55
what is the shelf life, when it is canned. love that it is all natural
megang
People generally say to keep jams 6 months to a year (unless they have preservatives like some of the store bought jams). I've kept a few jars of this for 4-5 months and they've been perfect.
Julia Magnusson @ It's Not Like a Cat
Thank you!
I made a big batch of peach jam from some farmstand peaches and had a total pectin disaster (misread 3 teaspoons as 3 TABLESPOONS--you can slice it with a knife!). So we got more peaches from our farm share today and I found your recipe and just made a lovely batch of jam with no pectin. Unfortunately, it only made 2 jars b/c I only had 2 pounds of peaches, but that's fine. It's the jam I've been wanting. :)
And please tell more about the olive oil layer cake!
megang
I'm so glad you liked the recipe, Julia! Not sure there's anything quite as wonderful as summer peach jam in the morning ... glad you stumbled across the site. Enjoy! ~m
Gretchen
could this recipe be done as a freezer jam instead of canning/boiling? It sounds delicious and would love to try it, especially since I have a big bag of peaches waiting!
thanks.
megang
YES, Gretchen! Absolutely. I actually did a similar batch earlier this summer as a freezer jam (that's pretty much all I make these days). Good luck + happy Sunday, ~m
picaboo
You had what I was looking for-my mom old way peach jam. Back home (Tel-Aviv) I raised with a very beautiful peach tree in our back yard. In blossom's season it was covered with beautiful, rich white color flowers. (kinda, like cherry tree) and the fruits were on the pale white color. very sweet and juicy. (My father used to covered --each fruit-- with a paper bag ! )
As strange has it sound I loved this tree very much. I was sad to find out my parents cut it down because of "an old age" . That what they told me. (left home long time ago)
So...I have always had "soft spot"for peaches :-))) and here I am about your peach jam.
A few minutes ago I fished the jam. It was easy thou, I took a short way by not waiting for sugar + fruit to work together just went for the heat. Came out great and yum. Sealed the jars. Put them upside-down (lids down) to cool on a rack. Everyone around my kitchen are like,like "bees". They all over the tablespoon (I mixed with) the glass plate and the pot...lol
Thanks for this great recipe.
I will come visit you often.
Linda
So..... Am in the middle of making the peach jam. Smells fantastic!! Did you ever post te olive oil cake??? Many thanks-Linda
megang
Great, Linda! I hope it turned out well for you. I haven't done a straight olive oil cake on the blog, but there are a few good rustic cakes -- searchable under "Cakes" or "Desserts." Good luck + thanks for stopping by! ~m
Cee
what is the 1/4 cup lemon juice for?
Cee
nevermind guess i should have just read the comments, my jam turned out great regardless of the fact that i added the lemon juice while it was already boiling..
great recipe
Thank you
Shannon
May I just say what a relief to uncover an individual who genuinely understands what they're discussing on the net. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. A lot more people really need to read this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you're not more popular given that you certainly possess the gift.
everybodylovechocolates
This a great recipe without using pectin
Jennifer Hunter
Just wondering, hou many jars did you get from your 4 pounds of peaches and what size jars did you use?
megang
Hi, Jennifer: I believe I used 6-ounce jars (it's been awhile since I made the jam!) and I recall having about 8 jars total. It's silly that's not in the directions -- I should remake this during the summer and rewrite the recipe a bit to reflect that. Thanks for the reminder and enjoy the jam!
Kelly Irby
I just finished canning a bushel of peaches using this recipe and I have to say it was WONDERFUL! For half the bushel (40 cups) diced peaches, I used the masher and love the texture of the finished product. For the other half I used my emulsion blender and that one turned out very well also however it was a smoother consistency which my husband enjoyed more. The amount of sugar in your recipe is PERFECT! Most recipes call for 5 cups fruit 7 cups of sugar and we just think that is sickening sweet. I am saving this recipe in my family cookbook to pass down for generations!
Dee
Great looking recipe! I was hoping for a peach jam recipe without pectin to make this weekend and I will be trying this out. Thanks!
Jennifer
I just made this jam and it is DELICIOUS!!! And EASY!!!! I was able to get 2 mason jars 3/4 of the way full with this. Now I want to do strawberry and maybe apple!!!!! Thank you!!
megang
Great! So glad, Jennifer. Happy summer canning!
Becky B
So glad I found this, made peach jam last night w/pectin so sweet I know I won't eat but Hubby will. He sd be good over ice cream. Going to look for raspberry/strawberry recipe now. Mine didn't set.
Donna
we have 2 peach tree and i feel so bad because the peaches are just falling off :-( i'm so glad i found your recipe,, i will do this today,,, thank you :-)
Fernie
How do you do the freeze version of this recipe? Do you still have to put them in glass jars? Thanks
megang
Hi Fernie-
I put them in tupperware. If you use glass jars, use the straight ones, not the curved ones with lips (the jam can expand and cause these to crack). Good luck and enjoy!
Kristal
Hello,
I just finished a batch of your jelly, I must says its the best . It made three 12oz jars, I used Red Haven peaches I picked at a local Orchard and will make more to give away in the Christmas baskets. Thank you very much for sharing a great recipe.
megang
Kristal-I'm so, so glad you enjoyed the recipe. I haven't made a batch yet this summer ... I've got to get on it! Happy canning to you. ~Megan
steppinout
You have lemon juice in the recipe...two people wrote in asking when you add the lemon and you haven't acknowledged them or corrected your instructions. I love the "idea" of this but it's incomplete. The blog "style" is beautiful.
megang
Hi there-
I'm so very sorry about the confusion re: the lemon juice. I truthfully hadn't noticed other commenters having similar confusion but I have updated the recipe now thanks to your keen eye. I apologize for the inconvenience and am glad you're enjoying the site. Happy canning! ~Megan
Kelly Irby
I used this same recipe for pears, blackberries and strawberries, no pectin in any of the ones I made. But I think I like the old fashioned version better anyway not as jellied.
Virginia
Megan - this is a wonderful jam!! My cousin gave me a bunch of mason jars she found in her parents basement - the only appropriate gesture is to return some full!! She likes a tart fruit jam with out so much sugar - and this fit the bill. One change I made, based on the comments about it being a little bit pale, I put some of the carefully washed skins in a collander and "boiled" them with the jam so the color of the skins would get into the jam, but not the chewiness. About to make another batch today. Many thanks for a great recipie
megang
What a great idea, Virginia! Thank you for the tip. We're actually making a batch this weekend so I'll give it a go. Thank you for taking the time to say hello here, and glad you're enjoying the site. ~Megan
randy schinkel
exelent recipie to use up my peaches. followed the recipe closely and it works.like the 8cups sliced peaches,2cups sugar ,quarter cup lemon juice. thankyou for now.
Kim
I just made a double patch of this jam. I spiced it with a bit of Pumpkin Pie Spice. Very yummy! I plan on selling it at our Pumpkin Patch in October! Thanks for the great easy recipe.
megang
Great, Kim! So glad you're enjoying the jam!
Lori
I had a few old peaches that didn't look too hot and thought I'd look for a simple recipe that would let me make preserves without too much trouble.
Turned out nearly half the peach flesh was like styrofoam...almost like they were not yet ripe though they were wrinkly and obviously old.
I salvaged what I could, eyeballed the amounts and cooked it down, even though I wasn't terribly attentive it cooked down beautifully. The four or five peaches I had, after waste and cooking down, made about a half pint. I split it and put half in the fridge and half in the freezer.
Thanks for the wonderful directions and explanations...I ended up with something scrumptious instead of throwing out my arm tossing old fruit into the woods! lol
I am no longer afraid of giving something a try because of not having previous experience.
megang
Hooray! I'm so glad, Lori. Enjoy the jam -- and I hope you find another recipe or two you like on the site. All my best,
Megan
Cadie McCarthy
Megan, thanks for your recipe for the jam. I was given a lot of small peaches and asked to do something with them. Many peaches smaller than golf balls. I have not canned for many years. I'm sort remembering the intricacies with ph and wondering what would happen if I left skin on or is it about texture. It was suggested that i could run it all through a food mill. But i still picture skin on the end of my tongue and in my teeth.
Looking forward to reading more of your posts. Thank you
megang
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Cadie. There's a new book you want like: Preserving by the Pint. It's all small batch canning and has some great recipes. Thanks so much for the comment ~Megan
Audrey
This is great with jalapeños added for some kick. Good on chicken and pork or just on your toast with eggs
megang
Yum, Audrey! Thank you for sharing!
Kathy
I am preparing to make this now. Do you use bottled lemon juice or fresh lemon juice, or does it matter?
megang
Hi, Kathy: I've done it both ways. I don't think it matters a great deal. Enjoy!
Cecilia
Can not find the "cold plate" method.
megang
Hi, Cecilia:
This should help: http://www.portlandpreserve.com/TestingTheJellyPoint.pdf
Have fun!
Alissa
Thank you so much for posting this- my kids and I went peach-picking this morning, and now I'm canning this as we speak :) Looks great!
Debbie
I have been looking for more fruit, less sugar jam recipes as the idea of putting 5 1/2 cups of sugar in 4 cups of fruit is a bit disgusting. Do you have any more recipes like this one?
Thank you!
megang
Hi, Debbie! I know - it's tough. A lot of times the sugar is important to help the jam set so you can't always futz with it too much. Lately I've been experimenting more with natural sugars in jam (versus white sugar). Do you have Preserving by the Pint yet? It's my friend Marisa's newest cookbook and she does some great stuff with honey and other natural sweeteners - I think you may like it. Enjoy! ~Megan
mattie thompson
why do u leave the top loose on the jars want water get in the jars.
megang
Hi, Mattie-
No, you don't want the tops to be literally loose or unscrewed, but just not super tight. I believe this is to allow for any expansion during the canning process. Best of luck!
Doug
The reason not to be super tight is you want it tight enough to not let water in but loose enough that the air can escape as pressure builds inside the jars. That is how it develops a vacuum to seal the jars.
megang
Thanks so much, Doug!
Marisa | Marisa's Morsels
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe. I bought the best peaches I could find and followed the recipe but had to cook the jam down a little longer. I am very happy with the results! It's the perfect balance of peach flavor, sweetness and tartness.
susan Martin
Followed directions, so disappointed. Never did thicken, lots of jars of pancake topping I guess.
megang
Hi, Susan-
I'm so sorry to hear this. I've only received really positive feedback and comments from this recipe -- in fact, it's one of the most popular recipe on the site. Happy to try and trouble shoot it with you, but do know that it's set just fine for others. Regardless, so sorry to hear that you had a frustrating experience with it. ~Megan
Debbie
Just made this peach jam. It looks so pretty. It taste just like fresh peaches. I got seven 6 oz. jars out of this recipe. Thanks for this recipe !!
Purdy
Hi, I'm in SA and we have 4 x gorgeous peach trees which have just yielded the most abundant fruit ever! I've made your peach jam, stunning! we can't get pectin here so thankfully your website came up when i searched on google! fabulous.
Do you have any peach chutney recipes?
I will go look again but i'm running out of things to make.........:0
Great site...have an excellent festive season xxx
Happy peach'n
Purdy in SA
megang
Hi, Purdy-
So glad you're enjoying the recipe. Sadly I don't have a peach chutney recipe but perhaps Food 52 or The Kitchn might be able to help out there. Good luck! ~Megan
Purdy
I also forgot to ask if the peaches in your recipe (cups) quantity was measured after chopping them up? What kind of sugar do you use for this?
I kinda guessed the quantity of peaches so i cut up about 40 medium to small peaches and used 3 cups of normal selati white sugar and put in about 200ml lemon juice.
I've just put it all in a pot to leave for 1-2hours before i boil it. wish me luck!
I hope my measurements are close?!?!?
Purdy in SA
Matt
I made this and now mix it in with homemade yogurt.
Fran
I canned six pints of peach preserves this year using liquid pectin. Didn't set as well as last years(used powered). I've been reading up on pectin and not a fan of it. Hope to use your recipe soon. My blueberry preserves set well without pectin.....had a great laugh about Julie's description of melt down with pectin! Hang in there Julie. Mine will be used as a topping for ice cream! LOL
Megan Emmerich
Is it possible to blend the peaches? I don't like a chunky jam, but I am new to this, so I am scared to tweak the recipe :)
megang
Hi, Megan- You know honestly I haven't tried it and in truth I don't make jams enough to be able to advise much on adapting it. So sorry I can't be of more help! Do you know the blog Food in Jars? Marisa is a canning / jamming pro and might have some guidance/ tips on the topic. Good luck! ~mg
Erin
Just made this jam for the second year in a row. Last year I only bought enough peaches to make 3 jars, and I had to parcel the jam out through the winter. This year I bought Lots of peaches. So far I've made 14 jars, and I've still got some peaches left over. Thank you so much for this delicious recipe. The jam helps keep me sane in the winter months. :)
megang
So glad it's become your standby, Erin! It's such a great recipe -- sadly, I didn't get around to making any this year. Next year! ~Megan
Joy
Would it be fine to use frozen peaches?
megang
Joy- Honestly, I really don't know. I imagine that the moisture would be off, actually. I wonder if someone else has written something on using frozen fruit in canning recipes? ~Megan
Alethea
I read this recipe and new I had to try it. I've only made jam one other time and it was with the pectin. I had a really hard time getting this jam to gel or set. Any advice? I had about 16 cups of fruit, so I used 4 cups of sugar. Do you think I needed to add more sugar?
megang
Hmm, Alethea that's a good question. It sounds like if it wasn't setting for you it's possible there was a problem with the sugar ratio. I've had a lot of positive feedback with this recipe and rarely hear complaints, so it's difficult to say. I'm sorry you had trouble getting it to set - I hope a bit more sugar will do the trick next time. ~Megan
Nan Rasor
I saved the peach pit and some of the skins and tied it in a cheesecloth and placed it in the pot with the jam. It adds natural pectin. Also you might want to try that trick with sliced apples tied in a cheesecloth and placed in the pot. More sugar and longer cooking time might could also help!
Kathi
I made this jam tonight with the red flesh peaches from my backyard tree. I've got 4 pints of a rich cranberry colored jam bursting with peach flavor! Thank you for sharing what turned out to be the exact recipe for jam I was looking for!
megang
SO GLAD, Kathi. While the photos aren't the most beautiful, this is the most popular post I have on the blog for sure. People love this recipe. I'm so glad you enjoyed it as well.
Jessica
Just made my first ever batch of peach jam using this recipe (as inspiration)... I didn't want to use pectin so thank you for confirming that it isn't necessary. I used 15 peaches (about 5lbs), 2.5 c organic sugar, 3 tablespoons of Sicilian Lemon Balsamic vinegar and put it all in the slow cooker for 10 hours. Used an immersion blender to get it smooth and then jarred. Am wondering however if the darker color I got on my jam is due to the long cooking time. It isn't nearly as light and lovely as yours. I think the next batch will be stovetop to see what a difference it makes.
megang
Hmm, really good question, Jessica. And I'd have to guess that that's exactly what's going on here. I truthfully haven't made this recipe in quite some time, but it's one of the most popular posts here and people generally love it -- I'm guessing the longer cook time affected the color. I hope it tastes delicious!
Jerry
I made a small batch---two cups---just to see if we liked the recipe. I like the idea of a lesser amount of sugar so that you get more of the fruit flavor. I deviated from the recipe slightly by adding a dash of cinnamon and a splash of peach brandy before cooking. It's cooling on the stove top now so tried a small taste---oh so good! Tomorrow morning it gets a real test with my breakfast muffins.
megang
Sounds WONDERFUL, Jerry!
mehroon
Hi Megan,
i made the peach jam last night and it turned out soooo yummy, we ate some while it was warm with a piece of cake:-) and mint tea.
i have made other jams, peach is my first time. i love spices so i added a bit of ginger and fresh thyme towards the end, without ruining the peach taste. it is lovely and beautiful color. will try to send you a photo. i estimated 4# as 12 peaches and that worked with the amount of sugar.
thank you so much
nicole
hi! love your recipe! what is the shelf life of the jam once hot bath sealed?
and do you know if substituting honey for sugar if that would affect the shelf life?
megang
Hi, Nicole! Thank you! Gosh ... this is SUCH a popular recipe on the site; I get questions about it every summer and, in truth, I haven't made it in a few years (need to fix that), so I always have a slightly tricky time answering specifics. The shelf life should be much like any other jam that's processed with a hot water bath although exact shelf life does depend on the sugar to fruit ratio (more sugar acts as a preservative). It's safe to assume this jam would have at least a six month shelf life (I'd put my bets on the fact that you could stretch this a bit). As far as honey, I love the idea, but a liquid sweetener will affect the recipe a bit. Have you heard of the book by Marissa McClellan called Naturally Sweet Food in Jars? This is the whole topic of her book, and I think you may find it interesting. Good luck! I hope that was a little helpful, and hope you enjoy the jam!
Ray Brown
Hi Megan
I grew up in an era of no electricity and if you didn't can or smoke it you didn't eat. We ate very well because of my grandmothers. One used mostly honey while the other used either a light or medium sargarum to sweeten what was being canned (not having access to these i use locally grown white sugar). Both of theirs were so good. What they taught me and what i've learned over the last 60 years is: use only firm ripe fruit. For fruit that has already started to soften use a 4-2 ratio of firm to soften discarding any brown spots. To peal stone fruits (apricots, peaches and plums) cut in half, remove pit,dip cut part in a solution of 1 cup water- 3 tablespoons lemon juice, place cut side up on a cookie sheet and freeze overnight. Rinse under hot tap water and the skins will slide off . SAVE SKINS for making softened jelly (seems now this called peach honey) Apricots are so-so and plums are no way.. Chop frozen fruit into small pieces and place 3 cups in the bottom of a 10 qt stainless pot and add 1 cup sugar. repeat as often as desired but no more than 8 quarts. Leacer at room temp for 3 hours and refridge overnight, let stand for 2 hours and cook over low heat fir 2 hours. smash, stir and cook over medium heat until thicken stiring with a metel pancake turner to keep the bottom of the pot from sticking. This can take from 30 min to no more than 4 hours. I have tried fresh and frozen peaches side by side and if the above is followed for frozen fruit; bot came out the same.Kept in in a cold, total darkness i,ve had jams that were 5+ years old as good as the day they were canned.
megang
Hi, Ray! How incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for the wonderful, detailed response. I haven't yet made any peach jam this year and am itching to ... time to get into the kitchen! I do love sorghum and have never used it in canning or jamming; I think it would be delicious with peaches. Thank you again for sharing your expertise!
Susan
I love the ratio of fruit to sugar.......it is delish!!!
megang
So glad, Susan!!!
Angela
I used 10 cups of cooked / depitted / peeled peaches with two cups of organic sugar and lemon juice. The soaking of the peaches really made them sweeter! The jam itself was very good all the way around ... color, texture & sweetness.
Thanks for the recipe and for all the information !
megang
Awesome, Angela! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Eileen
Just made this jam and it's AWESOME! Why have I been wasting my time on using pectin recipes and not being happy with the results?!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe!
megang
So glad you enjoyed it, Eileen!!!
Patrick McNally
You don't use any water to boil it in? I'm confused?
Monica
My dad planted a peach tree for my daughter, I found your recipe, thank you for making it simple. Amazing.. my jam is called George's Peach 2017.
megang
Oh that makes my day, Monica. So glad you all enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment. Enjoy the week!
Anita Bhatia
Hi, your peach ham is the best I have ever had!!! I ended up making a second batch because the first one was so good!! ( but I added some cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the second batch). Can you do this recipe with nectarines? I just got a huge box of BC nectarines yesterday. Thx.
megang
Awesome, Anita. So glad to hear it! I've never tried the recipe with nectarines, but I really don't see why not. Best of luck to you and let us know!
Brigitte
CAN you keep the skin ? I like skin on fruits , I like the crunchiness .
Thanks
megang
I think so, Brigitte. I haven't tried it but I don't see why it's ultimately affect the jam. Enjoy!
Olivia
I've made peach jam with the skins on, and I did not prefer it. The color is off, and it ends up tasting like you have tiny bits of paper pulp in the jam. My sister doesn't mind it, but to me, it's worth the extra step of peeling the peaches.
megang
Thank you, Olivia! Absolutely - to each their own :) Enjoy!
The Scribe
Hey, just wondering, is there any way to make this recipe without Lemon Juice? You see, I am making a peach coffee cake for mothers day, but there is one problem: My Mother is allergic to Citric Acid.
Thanks,
The Scribe.
megang
Hi, there. You know, I honestly don't know. I don't make a ton of jams on my own and this recipe I've only made with lemon juice, so I can't really speak to substitutions unfortunately. Do you know the blog Food in Jars? She lives and breathes canning and I bet you may be able to find a response over there. Best of luck to you!
Becky Mock
can you make this an put in freezer containers instead of water bath?
megang
Absolutely, Becky!
Kiki
Was really excited about this recipe. Turned out runny. Very disappointing.
Great flavor, not too sweet and you really taste the peaches.
Too bad it can't be spread on bread. I don't eat much ice cream so these jars are now pretty useless. So much effort wasted.
megang
Oh I'm so sorry to hear that. As you can tell by the comments, dozens and dozens of people have made and love this recipe (actually the most popular recipe on the site), but of course it's always a huge bummer to waste time and ingredients so I'm so sorry that it didn't work out for you.
Susan Bishop
You could spread your jam on toast, French toast, pancakes or waffles if you still have it?
megang
Absolutely!
Rita McElwaney
Can always use in a delicious barbecue sauce when turns out to loose. Also,glazing for meats, poultry, just add flavorings to suit
Kathy O
Made this yesterday and it’s delicious. Started with 8+ cups of peaches and the yield was four half pint jars. I was a little surprised to not get more, but maybe this was due to needing to boil the jam for 30-35 minutes to get to a gelling stage? I added a bit more sugar and lemon juice to accommodate the extra peaches and 1 tsp. of cinnamon. Taste and texture are excellent. Debating whether to make another batch in the brutal heat and humidity.
megang
Sounds delicious, Kathy! Thank you for sharing (I'm jealous; I haven't made any yet this summer!)
Jay Simon
I live in China now, teaching. For a Country as old as this one, they don't have a clue about canning or what fruit jam is. I was craving for a good ole apple pie and dug out my grandma's recipe, yummy! While I was at it I decided to make up a bunch of freezer jam, no such thing as canning jars here! Came across your recipe and made a batch, my Chinese wife couldn't wait for it to cool down before she began eating it!
megang
That's so great, Jay. I'm really happy to hear it! Enjoy.
Carolyn
Guss I had that vigorous boil too long, it is delicious but much of it boiled away.
Brigitte
If it's too hard to use as jam you can always use it to make tarts; or warm and put a dollop on your pancakes. It could also use it to make a barbeque sauce! Enjoy!
megang
Mmmm, yes Brigitte!
Christine
Thank you for a wonderful recipe that does not have a ton of sugar!
megang
You're very welcome! Enjoy, Christine.
Karl
I've made the jam, and it turned out pretty well. Looking over the introduction to this recipe, I noticed you wrote about the pH level being very important to the jam. I'm wondering if you tested the pH level of this recipe. Is it safe to just use the water canner or do I need a pressure canner?
megang
Hi, Karl. I haven't personally tested it, no. From what I know this is safe to make using the hot water canning method; I don't know as much about pressure canning. I hope that helps a bit. Thanks so much.
Katie Sickler
OMG this is the best peach jam l have ever made. I make many many jellies especially chokecherry jelly. We used the peach jam on ice cream. Delicious!!! And less sugar than other recipes. I use my jams et jellies for gifts all year long. Thank you so much. Katie
megang
SO HAPPY you loved it, Katie! It's a keeper of a recipe!
Sandra
totally yummy tasting and beautiful in color. but . . . did not jell. it's more like peach applesauce. not sure what i did wrong. followed time wise, checked on freezer plate, etc. sigh... only thing i can think is i used my wand processor to chop up - maybe next time i'll just use my hand mixer. since it is for a holiday gift, i may reheat and add pectin. any idea how much i should add? so far it's good on toast and in yogurt. too loose for a pb&j sandwich. but still, totally yummy tasting and beautiful in color.
megang
Hi, Sandra- Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. So many folks have made and loved this recipe, so I'm not sure what went wrong either but regardless, that's frustrating! I actually don't work with pectin much so I can't advise on quantities. Maybe someone else here can advise? Would be good on plain yogurt, cake filling ....
Sandra
not to worry. the Peach Truck is coming to our area again on july 27, so i'll try again. maybe not pureeing the peaches. and it was good on yogurt for breakfast!
megang
Great!
Melinda
Hi Sandra, I know this is late but I just ran across this blog. :) sounds like you made peach butter, but it may not have gelled if more of your fruit was leaning to over ripe. The more ripe the less natural pectin. What I have done in the past when the decision is made to reheat a jam in order to add pectin start with a tbsp or 2 and work up from there, I haven't used pectin in a long time but when I did that was what I would do if something wasn't gelling the way I had hoped. Also, if you want you could try again with a grated or finely chopped peeled granny smith apple, that should have the additional pectin without using the commercial stuff. Good luck :)
Bill
why no pectin?
megang
Hi, Bill. This recipe is nice because it's thickened with just sugar. Enjoy!
izzi
Could this same recipe be used for other fruits like strawberries, or stone fruits like cherries?
megang
Hi, Izzi. Great question. I haven't tried it with other fruits and because each has varying levels of sugar / natural pectin, I'm really not certain. Sorry I can't be of more help on this one!
Caroline
I was searching for a pectin free recipe with lower sugar amounts. I found your blog and decided to give the recipe a try. Was so happy that I made a batch on Saturday and another one on Sunday. i did add a pinch of cinnamon at the end. Very happy with the results. It made about 6 1/2 pints each batch. I love putting jam in a smaller container so the whole is used up before it has a chance of going bad. Thank you for your recipe.
megang
So glad, Caroline! Enjoy it!
Janice
I haven’t made peach jam before but this recipe is a true winner. Thank goodness it’s peach season!
megang
Thank you, Janice!
Crystal Emerick
Amazing recipe that will be added to my collection, Thank you so much! I got 6 8oz jars of perfect, beautifully colored jam. 😌 I will be adding a jar of this to my jelly/jam basket for the local fair.
megang
I'm so glad, Crystal!! Enjoy!
Lu Bennett
I wanted a peach jam recipe without pectin and the copious amounts of sugar that many recipes use. The taste is wonderful, I used peaches from the farmers market. Through a search on Pinterest, I found this recipe and have just discovered your lovely website.
I used 4.25 lbs of peaches and the yield was 5 half pints (jelly jars).
megang
So glad, Lu!