Peach Preserves

Recipe View Gather all ingredients and ensure your canning equipment is sterilized. (5 minutes)

Recipe View In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, crush 1 cup of the chopped peaches to release their juices. Add the remaining chopped peaches to the pan and set over medium-low heat. (2 minutes)

Recipe View Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the peaches to soften and release more of their natural liquid. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peaches become quite liquid, with just a few small pieces of fruit remaining. (Approximately 20 minutes)

Recipe View Transfer the cooked peaches to a large bowl. Measure exactly 6 cups of the peach mixture back into the saucepan. (3 minutes)

Recipe View Add the sugar to the measured peaches in the pan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Gradually stir in the dry pectin, ensuring it is fully incorporated. Continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring vigorously. (1 minute)

Recipe View Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Use a clean knife or thin spatula to gently run around the inside of each jar, releasing any trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully lower the filled jars into the boiling water using a jar lifter, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. Add more boiling water, if necessary, to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. (5 minutes)

Recipe View Return the water to a rolling boil, then cover the pot. Process the jars for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing. (10 minutes)

Recipe View Carefully remove the jars from the stockpot using the jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool completely. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. (30-60 minutes cooling)

Recipe View Once the jars are completely cool, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex, the jar is properly sealed. Store sealed jars on a shelf in a cool, dark place. (5 minutes)