Description
Savory Pioneer Woman Peach Preserves showcase summer’s sweetest harvest in a delightful spread perfect for morning toast or afternoon scones. Home cooks can easily craft this luscious preserve with ripe peaches, creating a delectable taste of seasonal comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
main ingredients:
- 11 lbs peaches, rinsed (about 5 kg)
fruits:
- 3 ½ to 4 cups white sugar (840–960 ml)
- Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons or 30 ml)
equipment:
- 5–6 pint-sized jars with lids
Instructions
- Prepare a large soup pot by filling two-thirds with water and bringing it to a rolling boil. Gently lower the peaches into the boiling water for 30-45 seconds, using a slotted spoon to prevent damage.
- Immediately transfer the peaches to an ice bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color. Allow them to cool completely for 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully peel the skin from the peaches, which should now slip off easily. Slice each peach into quarters and remove the central pit, creating clean, uniform pieces.
- Transfer the peach quarters to the large soup pot. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fruit to enhance preservation and prevent browning.
- Gradually sprinkle granulated sugar over the peaches, gently tossing to ensure even coating. The sugar quantity can be adjusted based on the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Let the sugared peaches rest at room temperature for 45 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and draw out the fruit’s natural juices, creating a rich, syrupy base.
- Place the pot over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to maintain a low, steady bubble.
- Continue cooking for 2-2.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the preserves reach a thick, jam-like consistency. The mixture should coat the back of a spoon smoothly.
- Sterilize glass jars by placing them on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 215°F (102°C) for 20 minutes. Simultaneously, boil the lids for 5 minutes to ensure complete sanitization.
- Using a funnel and measuring cup, carefully pour the hot preserves into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch (1.27 centimeters) of headspace at the top.
- Remove any trapped air bubbles by running a clean knife along the jar’s interior. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a proper seal.
- Secure the sterilized lids, tightening the bands until finger-tight. Carefully lower the jars into a canning pot filled with water, ensuring they are covered by 1-2 inches.
- Bring the water to a full boil and process the jars for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the jars to sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the jars using a jar lifter, placing them on a towel in a draft-free area. Let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours, then check the seals by pressing the lid centers.
- Store the sealed preserves in a cool, dark pantry. Properly sealed jars will keep for up to 12 months.
Notes
- Seal jars completely to prevent air and bacteria from spoiling the preserves quickly.
- Check lid’s center after sealing to confirm proper vacuum and storage safety.
- Clean glass containers thoroughly using hot water and sterilization techniques.
- Prevent moisture buildup by drying jars in warm oven before filling.
- Adjust sugar quantities based on peaches’ natural sweetness levels.
- Cook mixture slowly to develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
- Select perfectly ripe peaches with vibrant color and soft texture.
- Add fresh lemon juice for balanced tartness and better preservation.
- Experiment with serving preserves beyond traditional bread spreading.
- Store unsealed jars in refrigerator and consume within recommended timeframe.
- Use clean utensils when transferring preserves to avoid contamination.
- Consider pairing preserves with savory dishes for unexpected flavor combinations.
- Allow cooling time before sealing to ensure proper consistency.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent burning and ensure even texture.
- Test preserve thickness by placing small amount on chilled plate.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 386
- Sugar: 85 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 101 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg