How do I make peach jelly? If you’re a fan of homemade preserves and looking to experiment with a deliciously sweet and tangy flavor, peach jelly is a fantastic choice. Made from fresh peaches, this jelly is perfect for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or even using as a base for other recipes. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to create your own peach jelly at home.
Peaches are a delightful fruit that, when preserved, can be enjoyed year-round. The process of making peach jelly involves cooking the fruit down to create a thick, glossy spread. The key to a successful batch lies in selecting ripe, juicy peaches and following a balanced recipe. Let’s dive into the details of how to make peach jelly, from selecting the fruit to bottling the final product.
First, gather your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need fresh peaches, lemon juice, sugar, and a preserving pan. Additionally, you’ll require jars, lids, a funnel, and a ladle for bottling. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 4 pounds of fresh, ripe peaches
– 1/2 cup of lemon juice
– 4 cups of sugar
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peaches: Wash the peaches and remove the pits. Slice the peaches into small pieces, then chop them into a fine dice.
2. Cook the Peaches: In a preserving pan, combine the peach pieces and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the peaches are soft and have released their juices.
3. Add Sugar: Once the peaches are cooked, stir in the sugar. Continue to cook the mixture until the sugar is dissolved and the peaches have broken down into a pulp.
4. Skim the Surface: Use a spoon to skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
5. Test for Doneness: To test if the peach jelly is ready, place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Then, drizzle a little jelly onto the plate. If it sets and holds its shape, the jelly is done.
6. Bottle the Jelly: Remove the jars from the canner and fill them with the hot jelly using a funnel. Leave a 1/4-inch headspace at the top of each jar.
7. Seal the Jars: Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth, then place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until finger-tight.
8. Process the Jars: Place the sealed jars back into the canner and process for 10 minutes at a rolling boil. This will ensure the jars are properly sealed.
9. Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool on a wire rack for 12-24 hours. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing on the center of the lids. If they don’t move, the jars are sealed and ready to be stored.
Now that you know how to make peach jelly, you can enjoy this delightful spread all year long. Experiment with different recipes and flavor combinations to find your perfect peach jelly recipe. Happy canning!
