Makes about 7-8 4 oz jars
Ingredients
2 lbs peaches or nectarines, pitted
and sliced
1 and 1/2 lbs sugar
5 oz fresh lemon juice (important
to use for better preservation)
Peaches: Use freestone to easily
remove pit. Good types are yellow
and variegated (different colors).
White peaches are too watery.
Lemon: do not use Meyer lemons
(not acidic enough)
Directions
Preparing fruit:
Pick unblemished, not overly ripe, high quality fruit and
remove any bruises. Use roughly 2 parts fruit to 1 part sugar
by weight. Bathe fruit in water (don’t spray). Best for long-
term preservation: low moisture, high sugar, high acidity.
Place fruit in a large bowl and cover with sugar and juice (can
add an infusion if using). Toss lightly, cover, and place in the
refrigerator overnight (more flavor from infusion) or use
immediately.
Preparing and processing jars: see recipe for strawberry or
blueberry preserves
Cooking the Jam
Place the fruit in the large pot heating on medium high until it
begins to boil. Stir occasionally. Turn the heat down as the jam
begins to thicken, stirring consistently after 10 minutes. cut-up
strawberries (or blueberries), sugar, and lemon juice in the
large copper or other pot (at least 12 quarts). Cook over
medium heat until it begins to simmer and foam. Size of fruit
pieces will determine chunkiness of jam.
Testing for Doneness
Spoon test: Pick up about ½ teaspoon of the liquid and roll it
around the spoon to cool. Hold the spoon perpendicular at a
slight vertical angle. If separate syrups drips form, it’s not done.
If the drops run along the bottom edge of the spoon and collect
into one big drop, it’s done.
Plate test: Put a few drops on a cold plate. Run your finger
through it and If it builds up like a wall, it’s set. If it runs in front
of you and you can write with it, it’s not set.
Implements
-Wide pot (copper is best [cools
quickly] or coated cast iron with
enamel, or heavy stainless steel,
non-reactive); suggested
measurements are 11 inches at
base, 15 inches at the rim, 5 inches
high.
-Tall Pot for boiling jars (water
level should be at least 3 inches
taller than the tops of the jars)
-Canning jar lifting tongs
-Metal scoop (eg, ¼ cup)
Comments
Comments:
Good peaches in LA: Tenerelli Orchards (peaches.la); can
order online
Mirabelles: dkarp@ucr.edu (pre-order for Santa Monica Farmer's Market)
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