Easy Peach Jam Without Pectin
A simple, small-batch peach jam recipe that uses natural fruit pectin and lemon juice to achieve a perfect spreadable texture without any added pectin packets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 2 half-pint (250 ml) jars 1x
- Category: Preserves
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 1 kg or 2.2 lbs) fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1 cup (200 g or 7 oz) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
Instructions
- Peel peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water to slip off skins easily. Pit and chop into roughly 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to mix.
- Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring frequently, for 35-45 minutes until peaches break down and liquid thickens.
- Test jam consistency by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; after a minute, run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds, jam is ready. If not, continue simmering and test every 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Spoon into sterilized jars leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Seal and refrigerate once cooled. Jam will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
[‘Stir often near the end to prevent sticking and burning.’, ‘If jam is too runny after cooling, simmer longer or mash some fruit chunks to release more natural pectin.’, ‘Lemon juice is essential for flavor balance and natural gelling.’, ‘Use medium heat to avoid burning or overly long cooking times.’, ‘Test jam consistency frequently using the wrinkle test on a chilled plate.’, ‘Store jam refrigerated and consume within 2-3 weeks; freeze for longer storage.’, ‘Variations include adding cinnamon, vanilla, or mixing in other berries.’, ‘Frozen peaches can be used if thawed and drained well.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20 g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0.5
Keywords: peach jam, homemade jam, no pectin jam, easy peach jam, small batch jam, fruit preserves, natural pectin, lemon juice jam