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 jam is made from all-natural ingredients without artificial pectin, ensuring a rich flavor and perfect consistency. Whether you’re spreading it on toast for breakfast or using it as a topping for desserts, this peach jam will elevate any occasion. Its simplicity and deliciousness make it a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Natural Ingredients: Made with fresh peaches and sugar, this jam is free from artificial additives.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, making jam has never been simpler.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it on bread, pancakes, or as a filling in pastries.
• Perfect for Gifting: Homemade peach jam makes an excellent gift for friends and family.
• Preserves Summer Flavor: Enjoy the taste of summer all year round with this easy recipe.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your French peach jam, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. A few essential items will help you achieve that perfect set.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large jam pan
• Hand blender
• Measuring cups
• Clean jars with lids
• Ice-cold plate (for testing)

Importance of Each Tool

• Large jam pan: Provides ample space for boiling your ingredients without spilling over.
• Hand blender: Easily blends the mixture to your desired consistency without transferring to another container.
• Clean jars with lids: Ensures your jam stays fresh while preventing contamination.

Ingredients

To create my mum’s French peach jam, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Jam

• 2.2 Pounds Peach (fresh or frozen)
• 3⅓ Cups Sugar
• 1 Lemon (juice it and keep lemon halves, see Notes)

How to Make French Peach Jam Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peaches

1. Rinse peaches thoroughly and pat them dry.
2. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit.
3. Further cut into quarters and peel the peaches.

Step 2: Weigh Your Peaches

1. After peeling, weigh the peaches to ensure you have enough for the recipe.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Place peeled peaches into a large jam pan.
2. Add sugar, lemon juice, and the squeezed lemon halves to the pan.
3. Stir everything together well.

Step 4: Boil the Mixture

1. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer for at least 40–50 minutes until fruits appear glossy and translucent.

Step 5: Blend the Jam

1. Remove the lemon halves from the mixture and discard them.
2. Use a hand blender to blend your jam until reaching your desired consistency.

Step 6: Test for Setting Point

1. Keep simmering until set; test by placing hot jam on an ice-cold plate.
2. If it runs when tilted, cook further and repeat until satisfied with consistency.

Step 7: Prepare Jars

1. Before filling jars, add a drop of alcohol-free vanilla extract into each lid to inhibit germ growth.

Step 8: Fill Jars with Jam

1. Carefully fill clean jars with hot peach jam.
2. Seal tightly with lids and turn jars upside down.

Step 9: Store Properly

1. Leave jars upside down for several hours to ensure sealing.
2. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or refrigerate in humid climates.

Enjoy your homemade French peach jam on everything from toast to yogurt!

How to Serve French Peach Jam Recipe

French peach jam is a delightful addition to many meals and snacks. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious homemade treat.

On Toast

• Spread a generous layer of French peach jam on warm, toasted bread for a simple but satisfying breakfast.

With Cheese

• Pair the jam with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer that balances sweetness and creaminess.

In Yogurt

• Stir a spoonful of peach jam into your morning yogurt for added flavor and natural sweetness.

As a Glaze

• Use the jam as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork, enhancing the dish with a fruity touch that complements savory flavors.

In Desserts

• Drizzle French peach jam over vanilla ice cream or pancakes for a delightful dessert topping that brings summer vibes to any dish.

With Crackers

• Serve the jam with whole grain crackers for a quick and healthy snack that’s both sweet and crunchy.

How to Perfect French Peach Jam Recipe

To ensure your French peach jam turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe peaches: The best flavor comes from ripe, juicy peaches. They will ensure your jam is sweet and fragrant.

• Use fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds acidity, which helps balance the sweetness of the sugar and enhances flavor.

• Monitor the heat: Keep an eye on your boiling mixture; too high of heat can burn the fruit while too low may not achieve the desired consistency.

• Test for doneness: Use the cold plate test to check if your jam is set. It should hold its shape when cooled.

• Sterilize jars properly: Clean jars help prevent spoilage. Boil them in water before filling them with hot jam to ensure they are germ-free.

• Store correctly: Keep your jars upside down for several hours to create a vacuum seal, then store in a cool place away from sunlight.

Best Side Dishes for French Peach Jam Recipe

French peach jam pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Fresh Baguette: A crusty baguette slices easily and serves as an excellent vehicle for spreading peach jam, enhancing any breakfast spread.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Add a layer of peach jam inside your grilled cheese sandwich for a unique twist that combines savory and sweet flavors.

3. Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with French peach jam make a delightful brunch option that everyone will love.

4. Oatmeal: Stirring in some peach jam into warm oatmeal creates a deliciously sweet breakfast option packed with flavor.

5. Fruit Salad: Serve alongside mixed seasonal fruits; the sweetness of the jam can act as a dressing over fresh fruit medley.

6. Savory Scones: Pairing scones with peach jam provides an unexpected but tasty contrast that elevates your tea time experience.

7. Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses on your platter along with peach jam; this combination will impress guests at any gathering or party.

8. Rice Pudding: Top creamy rice pudding with a dollop of French peach jam for an indulgent dessert that’s comforting and sweet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making French peach jam can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can ruin the process. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using unripe peaches: Unripe peaches don’t have enough natural sugars, which can result in a less flavorful jam. Always choose ripe, sweet peaches for the best results.
• Not measuring accurately: Failing to measure your ingredients can lead to improper consistency. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for the peaches and sugar.
• Ignoring the boiling stage: Skipping or shortening the boiling time can prevent the jam from setting properly. Ensure you reach a rolling boil and maintain it for the recommended time.
• Neglecting jar sterilization: Using unsterilized jars can lead to spoilage. Always sterilize your jars before filling them with hot jam to ensure longevity.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Overcooking makes jam too thick, while undercooking leaves it runny. Perform the cold plate test to check if your jam is set correctly.
• Skipping flavor enhancements: Not adding complementary flavors like vanilla or spices can make your jam bland. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors that pair well with peaches.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Jam will last up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Peach Jam Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers.
• Properly stored, it can last up to a year in the freezer.

Reheating French Peach Jam Recipe

• Oven: Place sealed jars in a warm oven (200°F) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring between each burst until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently heat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about this French peach jam recipe.

How long does homemade French Peach Jam last?

Homemade French peach jam lasts about 3 weeks when refrigerated and up to a year when frozen.

Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?

Yes! Frozen peaches work well for this French peach jam recipe. Just thaw them before use.

What should I do if my jam doesn’t set?

If your jam doesn’t set, continue cooking and test again using the cold plate method until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I modify this French Peach Jam Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor or mix in other fruits.

Is there an alternative sweetener I can use?

You may use honey or agave syrup as alternatives, but be aware that they may affect the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

This French peach jam recipe is not just delicious; it’s also versatile. You can enjoy it on toast, yogurt, or even as a topping for desserts. Feel free to customize with spices or additional fruits based on your preference. Try making it today and savor summer’s sweetness all year round!