Ingredients
Servings:
4
Ingredients
- peaches
- 8.9% approx
- 3,4 - 3,5 For this pH we will need to add between 1-2 grams of citric acid per kg of clean fruit. We consider that 1 gram of citric acid is equivalent to about 15 ml of lemon juice.
- Corn - approx 0.5%
Ingredients
- 55 57%
- 2,300 g (3 kg gross)
- 250 ml250 ml
- 1.43 g1.540 grams
- 3.73 3.840
- 2.98 3.072
- 205 g205 grams
- 1.63 1.745
- 54 56.8%
- 11 g12 g (0.6% of total weight sugars)
- 52 ml52 ml (2.2% of total net fruit weight)
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories
11 kcal
Protein
0 g
Fat
0 g
Carbohydrates
3 g
Disclaimer: These values are estimates based on ingredient types and may not be precise.
Step-by-step Guide
Preparation
- Rinse the peaches well under running water. Remove any bruised or damaged parts with a knife.
- Carefully remove the pits and set them aside for the next step.
- Weigh the peaches once they are cleaned and pitted. Write down the exact weight on a piece of paper for future calculations.
- Calculate the amount of sugar to add based on the desired final sugar level of the jam. It is generally recommended to use between 60% and 70% of the peaches' weight in sugar.
- Divide the sugar to be added into three equal parts.
- Approximately half of the sugar.
- Approximately the other half of the sugar.
- Boil the pits alone in 1/2 liter of water for 20 minutes to extract the flavor.
- When the water and pits begin to boil, add the first half of the sugar while stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
- When it returns to a boil, let it cook over moderate heat for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Skim the surface to remove the impurities that form.
- After this time, add the other half of the remaining sugar while stirring. Continue stirring.
- When it returns to a boil, let it cook over moderate heat for another 5 or 6 minutes, stirring often.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until the desired texture is achieved.
- From this point, monitor the temperature. Let it boil until it reaches at least 102ºC (if preparing the jam at sea level). In high-altitude places like Cerdanya, adjust as necessary.
- Ideally, for an optimal concentration of 32-34 degrees Baumé, it is advisable to reach higher temperatures, although excessive cooking can overly caramelize the fruit.
- Blend again to finish adjusting the texture to taste.
- Let it boil for 4 more minutes so that the pectin integrates well into the mixture.
- Add the lemon juice, stir well, and let it cook for 1 more minute.
- Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove.
- Skim for the last time to remove any remaining foam.
- Fill the jars with the hot jam using a funnel to prevent spills.
- If planning to use the inversion method, fill the jars as much as possible to avoid leaving space for air. The jam must be at a minimum of 85ºC. Seal each jar as it's filled and turn it upside down.
- If planning to pasteurize the jars, fill them leaving a bit of space at the top for the subsequent sealing process.
- Allow one minute for the heat to distribute before sealing the jars hermetically.
Recommendations & Tricks
- When washing the peaches, make sure to remove all damaged parts and take out the pits to avoid a bitter taste in the jam; expect a 20% reduction in the initial weight of the fruit.
- Protect the stovetop with aluminum foil because the jam might spill over during cooking, which will make cleaning up easier.
- Keep in mind that peaches have a natural sugar content of about 8.9%, which will affect the final sweetness of the product.
- Measure the pH of the fruit; it should be between 3.4 and 3.5. Add 1-2 grams of citric acid per kg of cleaned fruit to balance the acidity.
- Remember that 1 gram of citric acid is equivalent to about 15 ml of lemon juice, which might be more accessible at home.
- The natural pectin level of peaches is moderate, approximately 0.5%, so you might not need to add extra pectin for good gelling.
- To make 14 jars of jam, each weighing 240 grams, calculate your ingredient quantities appropriately, considering the net weight of the peaches after the reduction.
- Ensure that the desired sugar percentage in the final jam is between 55% and 57% to achieve an adequate balance of sweetness and preservation.