Sunshine in a Jar: Homemade Pineapple Peach Jam Recipe
Imagine the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple blended perfectly with the juicy, summery flavor of peaches. That’s exactly what you get with this homemade Pineapple Peach Jam! This recipe is a delightful way to preserve the tastes of summer and enjoy them year-round. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a glaze for meats, this jam is a versatile and delicious addition to your pantry.
This recipe is designed to be easily followed, even for beginner jam makers. We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the fruit to achieving the perfect set. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of tropical fruit and create a jam that your friends and family will rave about!
## Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Peach Jam
* **Unique Flavor Combination:** The tropical tang of pineapple complements the sweet, floral notes of peach in a way that’s both refreshing and comforting. It’s a flavor profile that stands out from your typical fruit jams.
* **Homemade Goodness:** Nothing beats the taste of homemade jam. You control the ingredients, the sweetness, and the texture, ensuring a product that’s far superior to anything you can buy in a store.
* **Perfect for Gifting:** This jam makes a thoughtful and appreciated gift for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Package it in a pretty jar with a ribbon, and you’ve got a charming, homemade present.
* **Versatile Uses:** Beyond spreading it on toast, this jam can be used in countless ways. Add it to baked goods, use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork, stir it into oatmeal, or pair it with cheese and crackers.
* **Preserves Summer Flavors:** Capture the essence of summer and enjoy it throughout the year. This jam allows you to savor the flavors of fresh pineapple and peaches long after the season has ended.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **4 cups (about 2 pounds) chopped fresh pineapple:** Choose a ripe, juicy pineapple for the best flavor. Look for one that has a fragrant aroma and yields slightly to pressure.
* **4 cups (about 2 pounds) peeled and chopped fresh peaches:** Use ripe, but firm peaches. Overripe peaches will become too mushy during cooking. Freestone peaches are easier to pit and chop.
* **4 cups granulated sugar:** Sugar is essential for preserving the fruit and creating the characteristic jam texture. Adjust the amount slightly to your preference, but be aware that too little sugar can affect the set.
* **1/4 cup bottled lemon juice:** Lemon juice provides acidity, which is crucial for activating the pectin and helping the jam set properly. Bottled lemon juice is recommended for consistency.
* **1 teaspoon butter (optional):** A small amount of butter can help reduce foaming during cooking, resulting in a clearer jam.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven:** A heavy-bottomed pot will distribute heat evenly and prevent scorching.
* **Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula:** For stirring the jam and scraping the bottom of the pot.
* **Canning jars with lids and bands:** Use proper canning jars that are designed for heat processing. Make sure the lids and bands are new and in good condition.
* **Jar lifter:** For safely removing hot jars from the boiling water bath.
* **Lid lifter (optional):** A magnetic lid lifter can help you safely remove sterilized lids from hot water.
* **Wide-mouth funnel (optional):** For easy filling of the jars.
* **Boiling water bath canner or large pot with a rack:** For safely processing the jars and ensuring a proper seal.
* **Candy thermometer (optional):** A candy thermometer can help you monitor the temperature of the jam and ensure it reaches the setting point.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare the Fruit
* **Pineapple:** Cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice off the outer skin, following the curve of the fruit. Remove any remaining “eyes” with a paring knife. Chop the pineapple into small, even pieces, about 1/2 inch in size. You should have about 4 cups of chopped pineapple.
* **Peaches:** To easily peel the peaches, blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Then, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. The skins should slip off easily. Pit the peaches and chop them into small, even pieces, about 1/2 inch in size. You should have about 4 cups of chopped peaches. Alternatively, you can leave the skins on for added texture and nutrients, but be sure to wash the peaches thoroughly before chopping.
### 2. Combine Ingredients
* In your large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped pineapple, chopped peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
* If using, add the butter. The butter helps to reduce foaming during the cooking process, resulting in a clearer jam. However, it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you prefer.
### 3. Cook the Jam
* Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and scorching. A full rolling boil means that the mixture continues to boil vigorously even when stirred.
* Continue to cook the jam, stirring frequently, until it reaches the setting point. This can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the heat and the moisture content of the fruit.
### 4. Test for Setting Point
There are several ways to test if the jam has reached the setting point:
* **Temperature Test:** Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the jam. The setting point for most jams is 220°F (104°C) at sea level. If you are at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the temperature slightly. Subtract 2°F for every 1,000 feet above sea level.
* **Cold Plate Test:** Place a small plate in the freezer before you start making the jam. To test the setting point, remove the plate from the freezer and drop a spoonful of hot jam onto it. Return the plate to the freezer for 1-2 minutes. Then, push the jam with your finger. If it wrinkles and forms a skin, it has reached the setting point. If it remains runny, continue to cook the jam for a few more minutes and test again.
* **Spoon Test:** Dip a cold metal spoon into the boiling jam. Lift the spoon and let the jam drip off the side. If the drips merge together and form a sheet, the jam has reached the setting point. If the drips are separate and runny, continue to cook the jam for a few more minutes and test again.
### 5. Prepare the Jars
* While the jam is cooking, prepare your canning jars. Wash the jars, lids, and bands thoroughly in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and sterilize them.
* **Sterilize the Jars:** There are several ways to sterilize canning jars:
* **Boiling Water Bath:** Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner or a large pot with a rack. Fill the jars with water and bring the water to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the water and let them air dry on a clean towel.
* **Dishwasher:** Wash the jars in the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle.
* **Oven:** Place the clean jars on a baking sheet and heat them in a 200°F (93°C) oven for 10 minutes.
* **Sterilize the Lids:** Place the lids in a small saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a simmer (do not boil) and keep the lids hot until you are ready to use them.
### 6. Fill the Jars
* Once the jam has reached the setting point and the jars are sterilized, remove the jam from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface of the jam using a spoon.
* Using a wide-mouth funnel (optional), carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Headspace is the space between the top of the jam and the lid.
* Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills or drips. This will ensure a proper seal.
* Place a sterilized lid on each jar and screw on the band finger-tight. Do not overtighten the bands, as this can prevent the jars from sealing properly.
### 7. Process the Jars
* Place the filled jars in a boiling water bath canner or a large pot with a rack. Make sure the jars are completely covered with water. There should be at least 1-2 inches of water above the tops of the jars.
* Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes. Adjust the processing time for altitude:
* 0-1,000 feet: 10 minutes
* 1,001-6,000 feet: 15 minutes
* Above 6,000 feet: 20 minutes
* Turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes. This helps to prevent siphoning, which is when the jam leaks out of the jars during cooling.
### 8. Cool and Store the Jars
* Carefully remove the jars from the water bath using a jar lifter and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool. Leave at least 1 inch of space between the jars.
* Let the jars cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. This indicates that a vacuum has formed inside the jar, preserving the jam.
* After 12-24 hours, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid does not flex or move, it is properly sealed. If the lid flexes or moves, the jar is not properly sealed and should be reprocessed with a new lid or stored in the refrigerator and used within a few weeks.
* Remove the bands from the sealed jars and wash and dry them. This will prevent the bands from rusting and sticking to the jars.
* Label the jars with the date and the contents. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to 1 year.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Ripe, but Firm Fruit:** The best jam is made with ripe, but firm fruit. Overripe fruit will become too mushy during cooking, while unripe fruit will lack flavor.
* **Chop the Fruit Evenly:** Chopping the fruit into small, even pieces will ensure that it cooks evenly and results in a consistent texture.
* **Stir Frequently:** Stirring the jam frequently will prevent it from sticking and scorching. Pay close attention to the bottom of the pot, as this is where the jam is most likely to burn.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the jam can result in a tough, rubbery texture. Be sure to test for the setting point regularly and remove the jam from the heat as soon as it is ready.
* **Adjust Sugar to Taste:** You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, but be aware that too little sugar can affect the set. Sugar is essential for preserving the fruit, so don’t reduce the amount too drastically.
* **Use Bottled Lemon Juice:** Bottled lemon juice is recommended for consistency, as the acidity of fresh lemons can vary. The acidity is crucial for activating the pectin and helping the jam set properly.
* **Ensure Proper Sealing:** Proper sealing is essential for preserving the jam and preventing spoilage. Follow the instructions for processing the jars carefully and check the seals after the jars have cooled.
## Variations and Additions
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of ground ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the jam for a warm, spicy flavor.
* **Add Some Heat:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small, finely chopped jalapeño pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.
* **Infuse with Vanilla:** Add a vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the jam during cooking for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the jam after it has reached the setting point for added texture and flavor.
* **Use Different Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits, such as nectarines, plums, or apricots, to create your own unique jam combinations.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Spread it on Toast or Biscuits:** The most classic way to enjoy this jam is on a slice of warm toast or a freshly baked biscuit.
* **Swirl it into Yogurt or Oatmeal:** Add a spoonful of jam to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor.
* **Use it as a Glaze for Meats:** Brush the jam onto grilled chicken, pork, or ham during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet and tangy glaze.
* **Serve it with Cheese and Crackers:** Pair the jam with cheese and crackers for a delicious appetizer or snack.
* **Use it as a Filling for Baked Goods:** Use the jam as a filling for pies, tarts, or cookies.
* **Add it to a Smoothie:** Blend a spoonful of jam into your favorite smoothie for a touch of sweetness and flavor.
## Conclusion
This Pineapple Peach Jam recipe is a delightful way to capture the flavors of summer and enjoy them all year round. With its unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to create a jam that’s bursting with sunshine in every jar!