Peach Jelly: A Deliciously Fruity Treat for Your Pantry
Peach jelly is a delightful summer treat that captures the essence of fresh peaches in a sweet and tangy form. Canning peach jelly allows you to enjoy this taste of sunshine throughout the year. Here are some tips and recipes for making delicious peach jelly at home.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Peaches: Choose ripe, firm peaches for the best flavor. You can use either freestone or clingstone peaches, but freestone varieties are easier to work with.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is the standard choice for jelly making.
- Pectin: Pectin is a natural gelling agent that helps your jelly set. There are two main types of pectin: liquid and powdered.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds acidity to the jelly, which helps it set and enhances the flavor.
Tips for Making Perfect Peach Jelly
- Prepare your peaches: Wash and peel the peaches. Remove the pits and chop the fruit into small pieces.
- Extraction: To extract the most flavor from your peaches, you can use a few methods:
- Boiling: Gently boil the chopped peaches in a small amount of water until softened.
- Steaming: Steam the peaches until softened.
- Mashing: Mash the peaches thoroughly to release their juices.
- Strain the juice: Strain the peach pulp to remove any solids, ensuring a clear, smooth jelly.
- Measure accurately: Use a liquid measuring cup to accurately measure the juice and sugar.
- Properly prepare your jars: Sterilize the jars, lids, and bands to prevent spoilage.
- Follow the pectin instructions: Each pectin type will have specific instructions regarding the amount to use and the boiling time.
- Test the setting point: Use a chilled spoon to test the jelly's consistency. If it gels quickly, it's ready.
- Store properly: Store your canned jelly in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Peach Jelly Recipes
Here are two recipes for delicious peach jelly:
Traditional Peach Jelly
Yields: About 6 half-pint jars Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peach juice
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pouch (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
Instructions:
- Prepare the juice: Wash, peel, and pit the peaches. Boil the chopped peaches in a small amount of water until softened. Strain the juice and discard the solids.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the peach juice, sugar, and pectin. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook: Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
- Pour into jars: Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars and seal with sterilized lids and bands.
- Process: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove from the bath and let cool completely.
Spiced Peach Jelly
Yields: About 6 half-pint jars Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups peach juice
- 6 cups granulated sugar
- 1 pouch (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Prepare the juice: Wash, peel, and pit the peaches. Boil the chopped peaches in a small amount of water until softened. Strain the juice and discard the solids.
- Combine ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the peach juice, sugar, pectin, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
- Cook: Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
- Pour into jars: Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars and seal with sterilized lids and bands.
- Process: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove from the bath and let cool completely.
Enjoy your homemade peach jelly on toast, biscuits, or crackers!
