Peach Freezer Jam

Enjoy the taste of juicy Southern peaches this winter by making this easy Peach Freezer Jam recipe this summer! This delightful spread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a gift. With its fresh flavor and simple preparation, you can savor the essence of summer all year round. Plus, turning it into a Peach Marmalade is as easy as adding orange peel strips!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: No complicated canning process is needed—just mix and freeze!
• Fresh Flavor: Capture the vibrant taste of ripe peaches at their peak.
• Versatile Uses: Perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over desserts, or adding to recipes.
• Long-lasting Delight: Store in the freezer for up to a year; enjoy a taste of summer anytime!
• Customizable: Add orange peel for a marmalade twist or experiment with spices to suit your palate.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your jam-making experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mason jars or freezer-safe containers
• Potato masher or food processor
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mason jars or freezer-safe containers: These are essential for storing your Peach Freezer Jam securely.
• Potato masher or food processor: Helps achieve the perfect texture for your jam, whether you prefer it chunky or smooth.
• Small saucepan: Necessary for cooking the pectin and water mixture, ensuring it thickens properly.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create your delicious Peach Freezer Jam:

For the Jam

• 3 cups chopped or mashed peaches (about 4 large peaches or 2 pounds)
• 4 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 1.59-ounce pouch powdered fruit pectin (Sure-Jell original)
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (bottled is best here)

Optional for Peach Marmalade

• One quarter of a small naval orange

How to Make Peach Freezer Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Peaches

1. Peel peaches if desired (see note below on how to blanch peaches for easier peeling).
2. Remove the pit from each peach. Finely chop them or mash with a potato masher.

Step 2: Optional Orange Addition

1. If making Peach Marmalade, remove seeds from the orange.
2. Slice the orange into thin strips or triangles.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped peaches with orange pieces (if using), lemon juice, and sugar.
2. Let this mixture stand for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Prepare Pectin Mixture

1. In a small saucepan, add powdered pectin and water.
2. Stir constantly while bringing it to a boil over medium heat; let it boil for 1 minute.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

1. Gradually add the hot pectin mixture to the peach mixture while stirring well.
2. Continue stirring gently for about 3 minutes until most sugar has dissolved.

Step 6: Jar It Up

1. Spoon the peach mixture into plastic or glass one-cup freezer jars.
2. Wipe down the rims and cover with lids tightly.

Step 7: Final Steps

1. Let your jars stand at room temperature overnight to set.
2. Store in the freezer for up to one year; thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Peach Freezer Jam

Peach freezer jam is a delightful addition to many meals and snacks. Its sweet, fruity flavor pairs well with various dishes, making it a versatile condiment in your kitchen.

On Toast or Biscuits

• Toast – Spread peach freezer jam on warm, toasted bread for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
• Biscuits – Enjoy it atop freshly baked biscuits for a classic Southern treat.

In Yogurt or Oatmeal

• Yogurt – Mix peach jam into your morning yogurt for added sweetness and fruitiness.
• Oatmeal – Stir some jam into your oatmeal for a burst of flavor and extra nutrients.

As a Glaze for Meats

• Chicken – Brush peach jam onto grilled chicken breasts for a sweet and savory finish.
• Pork – Use it as a glaze while roasting pork to enhance the meat’s flavor with fruity notes.

In Smoothies

• Smoothies – Blend peach freezer jam into smoothies for natural sweetness and an extra serving of fruit.

With Cheese

• Cheese Board – Pair peach jam with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese board for an elegant appetizer.

For Dessert Topping

• Ice Cream – Drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a refreshing summer dessert.
• Pancakes or Waffles – Top pancakes or waffles with peach jam instead of syrup for a fruity twist.

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How to Perfect Peach Freezer Jam

Creating the perfect peach freezer jam requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your jam turns out wonderfully every time.

• Choose ripe peaches – Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor and sweetness in your freezer jam.
• Measure accurately – Ensure you measure your ingredients precisely to achieve the right consistency and taste.
• Use Sure-Jell pectin – This specific pectin works well with freezer jams, providing excellent results without needing cooking.
• Stir well – Make sure to stir your mixture thoroughly after adding pectin to help dissolve the sugar completely.
• Let it rest – Allow the jam to sit at room temperature overnight before freezing, ensuring it sets properly.
• Label containers – Always label your jars with the date so you can keep track of freshness when stored in the freezer.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Freezer Jam

Peach freezer jam complements various side dishes beautifully. Here are some tasty options that pair well with this sweet treat:

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – The combination of gooey cheese and sweet peach jam makes for a delicious contrast.
2. Savory Scones – Lightly flavored scones serve as a perfect base for spreading on peach jam.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad can be enhanced with a drizzle of peach jam over the top.
4. Coleslaw – Add a spoonful of peach freezer jam to coleslaw dressing for an unexpected twist on this classic side.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A touch of peach jam can elevate roasted sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness.
6. Cucumber Sandwiches – The lightness of cucumber sandwiches pairs wonderfully with sweet peach flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making peach freezer jam can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Using unripe peaches: Unripe peaches have less sugar and flavor. Always choose ripe peaches for the best taste in your jam.
• Skipping the pectin: Pectin is crucial for setting the jam. Make sure to use the right amount as specified in your recipe.
• Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements ensure balanced flavors and proper texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to avoid issues.
• Ignoring resting time: Allowing the mixture to sit before freezing helps flavors meld together. Don’t rush this step!
• Improper storage containers: Using non-freezer-safe containers can cause leaks or spoilage. Opt for glass jars or approved plastic containers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store peach freezer jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks after thawing.
• Use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent odors from affecting the jam.

Freezing Peach Freezer Jam

• You can freeze peach freezer jam for up to 1 year.
• Use plastic or glass freezer jars with tight-fitting lids to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Peach Freezer Jam

• Oven: For even heating, place jam in an oven-safe dish at low temperature until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (15-20 seconds) until desired warmth, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a saucepan, stirring constantly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and storing peach freezer jam.

Can I use frozen peaches for Peach Freezer Jam?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure they’re thawed and drained before using them in your recipe.

How long does Peach Freezer Jam last?

Peach freezer jam lasts up to 1 year in the freezer and about 3 weeks once thawed in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute other fruits?

Absolutely! You can mix peaches with other fruits like strawberries or blueberries for unique flavors.

What if my freezer jam doesn’t set?

If your peach freezer jam doesn’t set, you may need to add more pectin. Follow instructions on pectin packages for adjustments.

Is Peach Freezer Jam safe to eat after a year?

Yes, if stored properly, it remains safe to eat after a year but may lose flavor and texture over time.

Final Thoughts

Peach freezer jam is not only delicious but also versatile. It captures the essence of summer and allows you to enjoy it all winter long. Feel free to customize it by adding spices or mixing with other fruits for unique variations. Try making this delightful treat today!