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Peach Preserves

Homemade peach preserves capture the essence of summer by transforming fresh peaches and sugar into a delicious spread.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 pints
Course: Condiment, Spread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 55
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 6 pounds fresh peaches ripe but not mushy
  • 4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon butter optional
  • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Large stainless steel pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Peeler or paring knife
  • Candy or jam thermometer
  • Mason jars
  • Lids and screw bands
  • Large bowl of ice water
  • Canning pot or large water bath pot
  • Jar lifter
  • Slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
  2. Place 3 to 4 peaches at a time into the boiling water for 30 to 45 seconds.
  3. Remove the peaches with a slotted spoon and place them into a bowl of ice water.
  4. Once cooled, peel the skins off the peaches.
  5. Cut each peach in half along the natural seam and remove the pit.
  6. Roughly chop the peach flesh into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch pieces.
  7. Pour the chopped peaches into a large stainless steel pot.
  8. Add sugar, lemon juice, butter, and salt; stir gently until the sugar begins to dissolve.
  9. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes.
  10. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a steady, rolling boil.
  11. Let it boil for 30 to 45 minutes without stirring constantly.
  12. Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer aiming for 220 degrees Fahrenheit.
  13. Drop a spoonful of hot preserves onto a cold plate to test for set.
  14. While the preserves cook, sterilize your mason jars and lids.
  15. Remove from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
  16. Ladle the hot preserves into the sterilized jars leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
  17. Screw on the hot lids and boil the jars for 10 minutes in a water bath.
  18. Remove jars and let cool overnight.

Notes

Peach preserves shine on warm buttered toast, in yogurt, or as a glaze for roasted chicken.