Description
This Spicy Peach Jam is the ultimate summer preserve, combining the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches with a subtle fiery kick from pequin chiles. Balanced with citrus and naturally thickened with apples, it’s perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or glazing grilled meats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 pounds ripe peaches – peeled and sliced
- 1 1/2 cups sugar – sweetener and natural preservative
- 1/2 cup orange juice – adds bright citrus flavor
- 1/2 cup water – helps dissolve sugar and loosen fruit juices
- 7 dried pequin chile peppers – brings heat and unique depth (or substitute crushed red pepper flakes)
- 3 Granny Smith apples (quartered) – natural source of pectin and tartness
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – balances sweetness and enhances preservation
- Zest from 1 small lemon – for extra zing and aroma
Optional Add-Ons:
- Chopped fresh mint – stirred in at the end for a cool twist
- Cinnamon or other warm spices – adds a cozy note if desired
Substitutions: Apple juice or vinegar can replace orange juice. Store-bought pectin may be used instead of apples for quicker prep.
Instructions
- Peel the Peaches: Score the bottoms with an X, boil for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Slip off the skins.
- Slice and Layer: Halve, pit, and slice peaches. In a large bowl, layer them with sugar. Add orange juice, water, and dried chiles. Mix gently.
- Macerate: Cover and refrigerate for 48 hours to allow flavors to meld and juices to release.
- Strain and Cook Syrup: Drain peaches through a colander, collecting juice. In a large pan, combine juice with lemon juice and apples. Boil until thick and syrupy, then remove apples.
- Simmer the Jam: Return peach slices and juices to the syrup. Add lemon zest. Simmer until thickened and bubbly.
- Can the Jam: Sterilize jars. Fill with jam, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, wipe rims, seal, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Let cool for 24 hours. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.
Notes
- Texture Tip: For a smoother consistency, mash the fruit slightly as it simmers.
- Flavor Adjustments: Control heat by reducing or increasing the amount of chile.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with cheese boards, toast, biscuits, grilled pork or chicken.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Jam, Preserves
- Method: Stovetop + Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: spicy peach jam, homemade jam with chiles, fruit preserves, summer jam, peach jam with heat