How to Make Peach Jelly Recipe?
Peach jelly is a popular summer spread that’s perfect for toast, scones, and even using as a topping for yogurt or ice cream. Making peach jelly from scratch is a relatively simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some patience. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a delicious and tangy peach jelly recipe.
Basic Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s review the basic ingredients and equipment you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of fresh or frozen peaches, sliced
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 package of powdered pectin
Equipment:
- Large pot with a heavy bottom (stainless steel or enameled cast iron)
- Strainer or food mill
- Glass jars with lids and bands for storing the jelly
- Optional: candy thermometer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
Important: Use fresh or frozen peaches that are ripe and sweet. If using frozen peaches, thaw them first and pat dry with a paper towel before slicing.
- Slice the peaches into small pieces and place them in a large pot.
- Add the granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the mixture has thickened.
Step 2: Extract the Peach Juice
- Use a strainer or food mill to extract the juice from the peaches. You can also blend the mixture in a blender and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- Discard the solids and reserve the juice.
Step 3: Cook the Peach Juice
- Combine the peach juice and powdered pectin in the same pot used earlier.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the jelly has thickened and passed the water test (see below).
What is the Water Test?
To check if the jelly is ready, take a small spoonful of the mixture and drip it back into the pot. If the droplets form a sheet that holds its shape, the jelly is ready. If not, continue simmering and testing until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 4: Fill and Seal the Jars
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the jelly cool slightly.
- Ladle the jelly into clean, sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Use a clean utensil to remove any air bubbles and ensure the jelly is evenly distributed.
- Wipe the rims with a clean, damp cloth and apply the lids and bands.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure the jelly is properly sterilized and sealed.
Step 5: Store the Jarrow
- Let the jars cool to room temperature, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours.
- Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 12 months.
- Once opened, store the jelly in the refrigerator and consume within 6 months.
Tips and Variations
- Use different types of peaches: While peach jelly is typically made with sweet Georgia peaches, you can also experiment with other varieties like white peaches or nectarines.
- Add flavorings: Try adding a few cinnamon sticks, a pinch of nutmeg, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to give your peach jelly a unique flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give your peach jelly a spicy kick.
- Use other pectin sources: If you prefer not to use commercial pectin, you can try using green apple pectin (see below) or elderberry pectin instead.
What is Green Apple Pectin?
Green apple pectin is a natural pectin source that can be used as an alternative to commercial pectin. It’s made by cooking apple cores and peels with sugar and water, then straining and concentrating the mixture. Green apple pectin has a slightly sweet, slightly tart flavor and can be used in the same ratio as commercial pectin.
Conclusion
Making peach jelly is a fun and rewarding process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic equipment. With these step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and tangy peach jelly recipe that’s perfect for snacking, gift-giving, or sharing with friends and family. Happy jamming!