Description
Hearty peach preserves from the Pioneer Woman showcase summer’s sweet bounty with simple ingredients and classic country charm. Home cooks can easily craft these delightful preserves to enjoy ripe peach flavors throughout cold months.
Ingredients
Scale
- 11 lbs (5 kg) peaches, rinsed
- 3 ½ to 4 cups (840–960 ml) white sugar
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice, from 1 medium lemon
- 5–6 pint-sized jars with lids
Instructions
- Blanching: Bring water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Submerge peaches for 30-45 seconds using a slotted spoon, then transfer immediately to an ice bath to halt cooking and maintain color.
- Peach Preparation: Gently peel skin from cooled peaches. Quarter and remove pits, creating uniform fruit pieces. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over peaches to prevent browning.
- Sugar Infusion: Sprinkle granulated sugar over peaches, allowing them to rest at room temperature for 45 minutes. The sugar will dissolve and extract natural fruit juices, creating a rich syrupy base.
- Cooking Preserves: Position pot over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Simmer gently for 2-2.5 hours until the mixture reaches a thick, jam-like consistency that smoothly coats a spoon.
- Sterilization Process: Sanitize glass jars by baking at 215°F (102°C) for 20 minutes. Simultaneously boil lids for 5 minutes to ensure complete cleanliness.
- Jarring and Sealing: Use a funnel to pour hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe jar rims, and secure lids until finger-tight.
- Canning Method: Submerge sealed jars in a water-filled canning pot, covering by 1-2 inches. Boil for 15 minutes, then let sit in hot water for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cooling and Storage: Remove jars carefully and place on a towel in a draft-free area. Allow to cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Verify seal integrity by pressing lid centers. Store sealed preserves in a cool, dark pantry for up to 12 months.
Notes
- Blanch with Precision: Boil peaches exactly 30-45 seconds to loosen skin without cooking fruit, ensuring perfect texture for preserves.
- Sugar Works Magic: Allow sugared peaches to rest 45 minutes, helping natural juices emerge and creating a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
- Watch Consistency Closely: Simmer preserves until mixture coats spoon smoothly, indicating perfect jam-like thickness without burning.
- Seal for Success: Check jar lids after 24 hours – a properly sealed lid won’t flex when pressed, guaranteeing safe, long-lasting preserves.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg