If you enjoy a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, you are going to love this Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe. It’s a vibrant burst of fresh peaches paired with the zing of jalapenos that creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The jam is wonderfully versatile, bright orange with flecks of green heat, and it shines whether spread on a crispy toast or served alongside your favorite cheeses. Making this jam at home is incredibly rewarding and surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to capture the essence of summer in a jar to enjoy year-round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Each component plays a vital role: the sweetness of peaches, the moderate fire from jalapenos, and the perfectly balanced acidity and spice that come together to make this jam irresistible.
- 4 cups peeled and chopped peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and texture in your jam.
- 1-2 jalapenos, finely chopped: Adjust the quantity depending on your preference for spice—remember, a little heat goes a long way.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps preserve the jam’s vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a subtle warmth that complements both the peach and jalapeno.
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: Essential for setting the jam and achieving the perfect spreadable consistency.
- 5 cups granulated sugar: Balances the heat and acidity with its sweet richness.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and aids in cooking the fruit down smoothly.
How to Make Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Jars
Before you start cooking, sterilize your canning jars and lids by sizzling them in hot water or running them through a dishwasher cycle. This step is crucial to ensure your jars are clean and ready to safely preserve your delicious jam.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
In a large pot, gently mix together the peeled, chopped peaches, jalapenos, fresh lemon juice, and ground ginger. This combination is already a flavor powerhouse, setting the stage for your Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe’s signature taste.
Step 3: Simmer to Soften
Heat the pot over medium-high and let it come to a simmer. Cook it for about 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften fully and release their sweet juices. This is where the jam starts to come alive with natural flavors melding beautifully.
Step 4: Add Fruit Pectin
Sprinkle in the fruit pectin and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Pectin is the magic ingredient that helps your jam thicken to that perfect, spreadable texture without losing the vibrant fruity taste.
Step 5: Sugar and Boil
Slowly pour in the granulated sugar, stirring constantly to avoid burning or sticking. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, crank up the heat to bring the mix to a rolling boil. Keep cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. To test, place a small spoonful on a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, your jam is ready!
Step 6: Jar the Jam
Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into your sterilized jars. Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. This step requires some patience but seeing your beautiful jam go into the jars is incredibly satisfying.
Step 7: Seal and Process
Seal the jars tightly with their sterilized lids. Then, process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to secure an airtight seal that ensures your jam stays fresh and tasty for the months ahead.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Allow your jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, store them in a dark, cool place to preserve that fresh peach and jalapeno flavor. After opening, keep the jam refrigerated and enjoy within three weeks.
How to Serve Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A small dollop of this vibrant jam makes an excellent garnish for goat cheese or cream cheese spreads. Its texture and flavor add color and excitement to simple appetizers, making your presentation pop and your guests ask for more.
Side Dishes
Sweet and spicy, this jam pairs beautifully with grilled meats, especially pork and chicken. It also adds a unique twist to charcuterie boards by balancing savory and heat with fruity sweetness, inviting your palate to experience new levels of deliciousness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, swirl the Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe into plain yogurt or cream cheese for a quick dip. Use it as a glaze during the last few minutes of roasting vegetables to impart a luscious shine and subtle zing. The possibilities for elevating your meals are endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, make sure to keep your Peach Jalapeno Jam refrigerated. Properly stored, it will maintain its freshness and vibrant flavor for up to three weeks—perfect for those who want to savor a little bit at a time.
Freezing
If you find yourself with extra jars or prefer to stash it for longer periods, freezing small portions is a fantastic option. Use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace for expansion. When thawed, your jam will still have that wonderful taste and texture ready for use.
Reheating
To loosen the jam for spreading or cooking, gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid overheating to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color—just enough warmth to make it spreadable and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pepper instead of jalapenos?
Absolutely! While jalapenos provide a perfect balance of heat and flavor, you can experiment with other peppers like serranos or even milder bell peppers depending on your spice preference. Just adjust the quantity since some peppers can be hotter.
Is it necessary to use fruit pectin?
Using fruit pectin is highly recommended for achieving that ideal jam consistency. Without it, your jam might turn out runny or take much longer to set. Pectin also helps ensure your jam spreads nicely without being overly sticky.
How spicy will the jam be with 2 jalapenos?
Two jalapenos will give your Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe a noticeable kick that lingers pleasantly but shouldn’t overwhelm the sweetness. If you prefer mild heat, stick to one jalapeno or remove the seeds before chopping.
Can I make this jam without canning it?
Yes! If you plan to consume the jam quickly, you can simply store it in sterilized jars in the refrigerator. Just be sure to consume it within three weeks, as the shelf life won’t be extended without the proper canning process.
What dishes pair best with this jam?
This jam is fantastic on toasted breads and biscuits but also shines when paired with cheeses like brie or cheddar. It complements grilled meats wonderfully, adds zest to sandwiches, or serves as a unique topping for desserts like vanilla ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Making your own Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe is such a joyful experience that brings a fresh, bold burst of flavor to your kitchen. It’s an easy recipe that offers rewarding results, combining sweet peaches with lively heat that will delight your taste buds and impress friends and family alike. Give it a whirl—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without this sunny, spicy jam in your pantry.
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Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peach Jalapeno Jam combines the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches with the spicy kick of jalapenos, balanced by tangy lemon juice and warming ginger. Perfectly thickened and preserved, this jam is ideal for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or adding a unique twist to your dishes.
Ingredients
Jam Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and chopped peaches (about 4 large peaches)
- 1–2 jalapenos, finely chopped (depending on desired spice level)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare jars: Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them in hot water or using the dishwasher. Set aside to dry completely to prevent contamination.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pot, add the peeled and chopped peaches, finely chopped jalapenos, fresh lemon juice, and ground ginger. Stir everything together evenly.
- Simmer fruit mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the peaches soften and release their natural juices, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add fruit pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin until fully dissolved into the peach mixture to help the jam set properly.
- Incorporate sugar and boil: Gradually add the granulated sugar to the pot while stirring constantly to dissolve it completely. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. Test the consistency by placing a spoonful on a cold plate; it should wrinkle when pushed gently with your finger.
- Fill jars: Remove the pot from heat and carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
- Seal and process jars: Wipe jar rims clean, seal with sterilized lids, and process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Cool and store: Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeno amount based on your preferred spice level; removing seeds will reduce heat.
- Use ripe, but firm peaches for best texture and flavor.
- Ensure jars and lids are fully sterilized to avoid spoilage.
- Check jam consistency using the cold plate test before removing from heat.
- Use within the recommended time frame to maintain freshness and safety.
