Peach jam

Captivating Peach Jam Recipe

If you're looking for a peach jam recipe that will delight your taste buds and bring a touch of sunshine to your mornings, you've come to the right place! Peach jam is a versatile treat, perfect for accompanying fluffy pancakes, fine pastries, or enjoying alongside a warm cup of milk at breakfast. So, let's discover together how to prepare this simple yet flavorful recipe.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6 jars of 400 g

Ingredients:
- 2 kg ripe peaches (ideally well-ripened for a flavorful jam)
- 1 - 1.2 kg sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- Juice of one lemon (about 50 ml, to enhance the flavor)

Brief history of peach jam:
Peach jam has been a beloved preparation in many cultures over time, due to its sweet taste and enticing aroma. Making jams is an ancient tradition, using natural ingredients to preserve seasonal fruits. Peach jam is not just a way to preserve fruits, but also an art that requires patience and attention to detail.

Step by step for perfect jam:

1. Preparing the peaches:
- Wash the peaches thoroughly under cold running water. It's essential to remove any impurities.
- To remove the fuzz, use a rough towel and gently rub each peach.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. If you prefer a jam with larger fruit pieces, you can cut the peaches into thicker slices.

2. Maceration:
- Place the sliced peaches in a bowl and sprinkle the sugar over them. This step is crucial, as the sugar will help extract the juice from the peaches.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours. It's ideal to let the peaches macerate overnight.

3. Cooking the jam:
- Transfer the peaches and the juice formed into a large pot.
- Turn the heat to medium. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- During cooking, foam will appear on the surface. Use a skimmer or a spoon to remove it, ensuring that the jam remains clear.

4. Adding lemon:
- When the jam is almost ready (about 50-60 minutes of cooking), add the lemon juice. This will not only add a special flavor but will also help preserve the color and aromas.

5. Jam test:
- Take a spoonful of jam and place it on a plate. Let it sit for a few seconds, then tilt the plate. If the jam does not flow, it's ready! If it's too runny, let it cook for a few more minutes.

6. Preservation:
- Prepare the sterilized jars: wash them well and then boil them for a few minutes in water.
- Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving a small space at the top.
- Screw on the lid and wrap the jars in a thick blanket to cool slowly. This way, the jam will preserve better.

7. Storage:
- Once completely cooled, store the jars in a cool, dark place. Ideally, a cellar or a dark cupboard.

Useful tips:
- If you don't want to wait until the next day to start the preparation process, you can use a sugar syrup made from 400 ml of water and 1 kg of sugar. Boil them together until they thicken, then add the peaches.
- Instead of sugar, you can use 300 g of natural sweetener, such as Green Sugar, for a healthier option.
- Experiment with adding other flavors, such as a pinch of cinnamon or a few mint leaves, to give the jam an interesting twist.

Frequently asked questions:
- *How long does peach jam last?*
If stored properly, the jam can last up to a year.

- *Is it necessary to use lemon?*
Yes, lemon juice helps stabilize the color and flavor of the jam.

- *How can I use peach jam?*
It's delicious on toast, pancakes, in pie fillings, or even as a topping for yogurt.

Serving and combinations:
Enjoy peach jam alongside fluffy pancakes, sprinkled with a bit of grated coconut for added texture! It also pairs wonderfully with cottage cheese or as a filling for a vanilla cake. A cup of fruit tea or fresh lemonade would perfectly complement a meal with this delicious jam.

Keep this recipe handy and enjoy the taste of summer all year round! Peach jam is not just a dish, but a sweet memory of warm days, a symbol of nature's generosity, and a celebration for the senses. Don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones to bring joy into their homes!