There’s something incredibly satisfying about capturing the essence of summer in a jar. Those long, sun-drenched days just beg to be preserved, and what better way to do it than with a batch of homemade Rosemary Peach Preserves? The sweet, juicy peaches combined with the aromatic hint of rosemary is like bottling sunshine. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a memory in the making.
I remember one summer, my grandma had an orchard bursting with peaches. She’d spend days making preserves, and the whole house would smell heavenly. She always added a secret ingredient – a sprig of rosemary from her garden. I've tweaked her original recipe just a bit, and every time I open a jar, I am transported back to those carefree summer days in my grandma's kitchen. This recipe isn't just about following steps; it's about creating an experience, a connection to those cherished memories. The rosemary adds a savory touch that balances the sweetness of the peaches, making it absolutely divine on toast, scones, or even as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork. So, why not give it a try and create some sweet memories of your own?
Let's be real for a sec, canning might seem a little daunting at first, kinda like trying to assemble Ikea furniture without the instructions. But trust me, it's totally worth it! Once you get the hang of it, you'll be whipping up batches of homemade goodness in no time. The flavor, the satisfaction of knowing exactly what went into your food, the bragging rights – it’s all part of the experience. I even got my friend Sarah hooked on canning last summer. She was so proud of her first batch of strawberry jam, she gave jars to everyone she knew! And you know what? They loved it. Just remember to follow safety guidelines for canning to avoid any mishaps. So, gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and let’s get preserving!
Required Equipments
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and rings
- Jar lifter
- Bubble remover/headspace tool
- Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Kitchen scale
- Wooden spoon
Rosemary Peach Preserves: A Taste of Summer Sunshine: Frequently Asked Questions
Rosemary Peach Preserves: A Taste of Summer Sunshine
Capture the taste of summer with homemade Rosemary Peach Preserves! This easy recipe combines sweet peaches with aromatic rosemary for a delightful spread that's perfect on toast or as a glaze.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 (8-ounce) jars servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare your canning equipment: Wash canning jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to fill.
- Prepare the peaches: Wash the peaches thoroughly. If you prefer to peel them (optional), blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily. If not, give them a lil scrub. Pit the peaches and chop them into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In a large, non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enamel-coated), combine the chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and rosemary sprigs. Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
- Cook the mixture: Place the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a steady simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 20-30 minutes, or until the preserves thicken and reach a jam-like consistency.
- Test for gel: To check if the preserves are ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it sit for a minute, then push it with your finger. If it wrinkles slightly, it's ready. If it's still runny, continue cooking for a few more minutes and test again.
- Remove rosemary sprigs: Once the preserves have reached the desired consistency, remove and discard the rosemary sprigs. If you want a stronger rosemary flavor, you can leave them in longer, but remember to take them out before canning.
- Fill the jars: Using a ladle, carefully fill the hot, sterilized jars with the hot preserves, leaving 1/4-inch of headspace at the top. Use a bubble remover or a clean chopstick to gently release any trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth.
- Seal the jars: Place the sterilized lids on the jars, then screw on the rings until they are fingertip-tight (not too tight, not too loose).
- Process in a water bath: Carefully lower the filled jars into the boiling water bath using a jar lifter. Make sure the jars are completely submerged and covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water back to a rolling boil, then process for 10 minutes (adjust processing time based on altitude; consult a canning guide for specific recommendations).
- Cool and check for seal: Turn off the heat and carefully remove the jars from the water bath using the jar lifter. Place them on a towel-lined surface to cool completely. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Let the jars cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
- Check the seals: After the jars have cooled completely, check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex or make a popping sound, the jar is sealed. If a jar didn't seal properly, you can either reprocess it with a new lid (within 24 hours) or store it in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.
- Store and enjoy: Store the sealed jars of Rosemary Peach Preserves in a cool, dark place. Properly canned preserves can last for at least a year. Once opened, refrigerate and enjoy!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 2mg
