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 all-natural jam, made without any artificial pectin, sets beautifully and highlights the sweet flavor of ripe peaches. Perfect for breakfast spreads, dessert toppings, or a unique gift, this peach jam will become a staple in your pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All-Natural Ingredients: Enjoy the pure taste of peaches without preservatives or artificial additives.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can create delicious homemade jam in no time.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for breakfast on toast, as a topping for desserts, or even paired with cheese.
• Great for Gifting: A lovely homemade treat that friends and family will appreciate.
• Seasonal Delight: Capture the flavors of summer at its peak and enjoy them year-round.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your French peach jam, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large jam pan: Provides enough space for boiling the fruit and sugar mixture without spilling over.
• Hand blender: Allows you to achieve your desired consistency easily without transferring hot ingredients to another container.
• Clean jam jars with lids: Essential for storing your jam safely while preventing spoilage.

Ingredients

To make this simple yet delicious French Peach Jam, you will need:

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 under cold water and pat them dry.
2. Cut each peach in half and remove the pit.
3. Cut the peaches into quarters and peel off the skin.

Step 2: Measure Your Ingredients

1. Weigh the peeled peaches to ensure you have the correct amount.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Place the peeled peaches into a large jam pan.
2. Add sugar, lemon juice, and squeezed-out lemon halves to the pan.

Step 4: Cook the Mixture

1. Stir everything together until well combined.
2. Bring to a rolling boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce heat to simmer for at least 40–50 minutes until fruits are glossy and translucent.

Step 5: Blend Your Jam

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

Step 6: Test for Setting

1. Continue simmering until the jam has set.
2. To test, drop hot jam onto an ice-cold plate; if it runs when moved, cook further until set.

Step 7: Prepare Jars for Storage

1. Before filling jars with hot peach jam, drop some alcohol-free vanilla extract into each lid to help prevent germ growth.

Step 8: Fill Your Jars

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

Step 9: Store Your Jam

1. Keep jars upside down for a few hours before storing them in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
2. If living in a humid tropical climate, store your jam in the fridge for best results.

This French Peach Jam recipe brings together simplicity and flavor, making it an essential addition to your culinary repertoire! Enjoy every spoonful of summer’s sweetest moments all year round!

How to Serve French Peach Jam Recipe

French peach jam is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your homemade jam.

On Toast

• Spread a generous layer of peach jam on warm toast for a sweet breakfast treat. Pair it with butter for added richness.

With Yogurt

• Stir a spoonful of peach jam into your favorite yogurt. It adds a fruity twist and enhances the flavor of plain yogurt.

In Desserts

• Use the jam as a filling for pastries or tarts. Its natural sweetness complements baked goods beautifully.

As a Glaze

• Brush peach jam over grilled chicken or turkey for a sweet and tangy glaze. It adds a unique flavor profile that enhances savory dishes.

With Cheese

• Serve peach jam alongside cheese platters. It pairs especially well with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast.

In Smoothies

• Add a spoonful of peach jam to your smoothie for extra sweetness. It blends well with fruits like bananas and berries.

How to Perfect French Peach Jam Recipe

To ensure your French peach jam turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Choose ripe peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness in your jam.
• Use the right sugar: Granulated sugar helps achieve the desired consistency; avoid using substitutes that may alter the texture.
• Test the consistency: Always check if your jam has set properly by using the cold plate test before storing it.
• Store properly: Ensure jars are clean and sterilized before filling them with hot jam to prevent spoilage.
• Avoid humidity: Store your jars in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to maintain quality over time.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick!

Best Side Dishes for French Peach Jam Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your French peach jam can enhance its flavors and create delicious combinations. Here are some great options.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth texture of mashed potatoes balances well with sweet peach jam, making it an unexpected but delightful pairing.

2. Grilled Chicken Salad: Toss together grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a drizzle of peach jam vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

3. Cheese Board: Create an elegant cheese board featuring various cheeses, crackers, nuts, and a jar of peach jam for guests to enjoy.

4. Savory Oatmeal: Add a dollop of peach jam on top of savory oatmeal for a sweet contrast that elevates breakfast.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle roasted vegetables like carrots or squash with peach jam for added sweetness and depth of flavor.

6. Pancakes or Waffles: Serve warm pancakes or waffles topped with peach jam instead of syrup for a fruity twist on breakfast classics.

7. Rice Pilaf: Mix in some peach jam with rice pilaf to create a subtly sweet side dish that complements savory entrees perfectly.

8. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use leftover cooked rice mixed with vegetables and top stuffed bell peppers with peach jam before baking for added sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peach jam can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold preparation: Not prepping the peaches correctly can lead to uneven cooking. Always rinse, peel, and cut them evenly for the best texture.
• Bold sugar amount: Using too little sugar can prevent the jam from setting properly. Stick to the recommended amount for a perfect consistency.
• Bold lemon juice: Forgetting to add lemon juice can result in a jam that lacks flavor and preservation qualities. Always include it for balance and shelf stability.
• Bold testing for doneness: Skipping the set test can lead to runny jam. Use an ice-cold plate to check if your jam has reached the right consistency before jar filling.
• Bold jar preparation: Failing to sterilize jars properly can lead to spoilage. Always clean your jars thoroughly before filling them with hot jam.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight jars in the fridge.
• Consume within 3 weeks for optimal freshness.

Freezing French Peach Jam Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer-safe jars.
• Best used within 6 months for peak flavor.

Reheating French Peach Jam Recipe

• Bold stovetop: Gently reheat on low heat while stirring until warm.
• Bold microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
• Bold oven: Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at low temperature until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have more questions about this delicious French Peach Jam Recipe, here are some answers!

How long does homemade peach jam last?

Homemade peach jam lasts about 3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months when frozen.

Can I use frozen peaches for this French Peach Jam Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just thaw them completely before starting your recipe.

What if my peach jam doesn’t thicken?

If your jam doesn’t thicken, continue simmering it and perform the set test again using an ice-cold plate.

Can I adjust the sweetness of my peach jam?

Absolutely! You can reduce or increase the sugar according to your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

This simple yet delicious French Peach Jam Recipe captures the essence of summer in every jar. Its natural ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions make it a delightful kitchen project. Feel free to customize by adding spices or other fruits for a unique twist!