There’s something incredibly joyful about making homemade jams, isn’t there? The sweet aroma of ripe peaches bubbling away on the stove is a scent that takes me back to summer afternoons spent with my grandmother. We’d pick fresh peaches from her garden and whip up jars of peach jam sweetened with honey, which adds a lovely, natural sweetness that just can’t be beat. This honey sweetened peach jam is not only delicious but also a reminder of those cherished moments. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a summer tradition too!
Ingredients for Honey Sweetened Peach Jam
To whip up this delightful honey sweetened peach jam, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor! Gather:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, chopped (make sure they’re ripe for the best taste!)
- 1 cup honey (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (this brightens up the flavors beautifully)
- 1 packet pectin (this helps your jam set perfectly)
That’s it! These ingredients come together to create a jam that’s not only tasty but also brings back wonderful memories of summer.
How to Prepare Honey Sweetened Peach Jam
Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of preparing your honey sweetened peach jam! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how rewarding it is to see those jars filled with golden goodness.
Step 1: Prepare Your Jars
First things first, you need to prepare your jars and lids for canning. Start by washing them in hot, soapy water, then rinse thoroughly. To sterilize, you can place the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes or run them through the dishwasher on the hottest setting. Don’t forget to keep the lids in a pot of simmering water until you’re ready to use them—this helps them seal properly!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Next, grab your large pot and combine the chopped peaches, honey, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and turn the heat to medium. You’ll want to cook this mixture until the peaches soften, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Just make sure to keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 3: Add Pectin
Once your peaches are nice and soft, it’s time to add the pectin. Sprinkle it in while stirring continuously to ensure it dissolves completely. This is crucial, as the pectin helps your jam set properly. Keep stirring for a minute or two to make sure everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Boil and Cook
Now comes the exciting part! Bring your mixture to a rapid boil, and let it cook for 1-2 minutes. You’ll want to see some bubbling action happening here! This step is important because it activates the pectin. The texture should start to thicken a bit, and it’ll look glossy and inviting.
Step 5: Jar the Jam
Carefully ladle the hot jam into your prepared jars, but don’t fill them all the way to the top. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace to allow for expansion as it cools. It’s a small but important detail to get right!
Step 6: Process in Water Bath
After filling the jars, secure the lids on tightly. Now, let’s process them! Place the jars in a boiling water bath and make sure they’re fully submerged. Let them process for 10 minutes to ensure a good seal. This step is vital for preserving your jam!
Step 7: Cooling and Storing
Once the time is up, carefully remove the jars from the water bath and set them on a clean towel to cool completely. You’ll hear those delightful “pops” as the jars seal! Once they’re cooled, store your jam in a cool, dark place. Properly sealed, this jam can last up to a year, but trust me, you’ll want to enjoy it long before then!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This honey sweetened peach jam is a delight for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll want to make it a staple in your kitchen:
- It’s a delicious way to preserve the taste of fresh summer peaches.
- Using honey adds a unique, natural sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
- It’s super easy to make, even for canning beginners.
- This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, topping yogurt, or even as a filling for desserts.
- It makes a thoughtful homemade gift that everyone will love!
Tips for Success
To make sure your honey sweetened peach jam turns out perfectly, here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way. First, always use ripe, fresh peaches—this makes a huge difference in flavor! If they’re a bit overripe, don’t worry; they can still work well in your jam. Also, be sure to measure your honey carefully; adjusting it to your taste is key! And when it comes to pectin, follow the package instructions closely for the best results. Lastly, don’t rush the boiling process—let it bubble away for that perfect jam consistency!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note: the nutritional information provided for this honey sweetened peach jam is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. It’s always a good idea to check labels and adjust according to your preferences. So, while I strive for accuracy, keep in mind that your numbers may differ slightly!
FAQ About Honey Sweetened Peach Jam
Got questions about making this honey sweetened peach jam? Here are some common ones I hear:
Can I use frozen peaches?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain them before using. They’ll work great in your jam.
How do I know if my jam is set?
The jam should be thick and glossy. You can do the spoon test: dip a spoon in, and if it coats the back without running off, you’re good to go!
Can I substitute sugar for honey?
Yes, but remember, it’ll change the flavor. Honey provides a unique sweetness that’s hard to replicate!
How long does the jam last?
When properly sealed, your honey sweetened peach jam can last up to a year. But I doubt it’ll last that long once you taste it!
Serving Suggestions
This honey sweetened peach jam is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect for spreading on warm, buttery toast or flaky biscuits for a delightful breakfast. You can also swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet twist. Try it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or even as a filling for pastries. The possibilities are endless—get creative and enjoy!
For more information on canning and preserving, you can visit Purdue Extension for detailed guidelines.
Print
Honey Sweetened Peach Jam: 7 Easy Steps to Joyful Jars
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and flavorful jam made from fresh peaches and honey.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh peaches, chopped
- 1 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 packet pectin
Instructions
- Prepare jars and lids for canning.
- In a large pot, combine peaches, honey, and lemon juice.
- Heat mixture over medium heat until peaches soften.
- Add pectin and stir well.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour hot jam into jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
- Seal jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Let jars cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for best flavor.
- Adjust honey to taste.
- This jam can last up to a year when properly sealed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: honey sweetened peach jam, peach jam, homemade jam
