Preserving Summer's Sweetness: A Guide to Homemade Peach Jelly
Preserving the bountiful flavors of fresh peaches is a delightful and rewarding endeavor.
In this article, I will share my exciting journey of canning peach jelly, a delicious and versatile treat that captures the essence of ripe peaches. Join me as we explore the step-by-step process of creating homemade peach jelly, using every last bit of fruit to ensure nothing goes to waste. Get ready to savor the sweetness of summer in every jar!
Recipe: Homemade Peach Jelly
Ingredients:
- - Peach skins (from previously canned peaches)
- - Water
- - 3 1/2 cups peach juice
- - One box of Sure-Jell pectin
- - 1/2 tsp butter
- - 4 1/2 cups sugar
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Peach Juice:
Thaw the peach skins that were previously frozen. Place them in a large pot with water and simmer over low heat. Use a potato masher to extract as much peach flavor as possible from the skins.
2. Straining the Peach Juice:
Cut three layers of cheesecloth and create two sacks. Pour the peach water mixture into the sacks, allowing the juice to drip into a bowl. Suspend the sacks using a coat hanger and clothespins from a cabinet knob to extract every last drop of juice. Use gloves to squeeze the sacks and obtain all the juice possible.
3. Preparing the Jars and Water Bath Canner:
Wash half-pint jars in hot soapy water, rinse them well, and suspend them over a water bath canner with boiling water. Wash the lids and rings, rinse them, and place them in a pot with hot water.
4. Making the Peach Jelly:
In a large pot, combine 3 1/2 cups of peach juice, the box of Sure-Jell pectin, and 1/2 teaspoon of butter. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, which is a boil that cannot be stirred down.
5. Adding Sugar and Boiling:
Slowly add 4 1/2 cups of sugar to the boiling peach juice mixture, stirring constantly. Once it returns to a full rolling boil, continue boiling for one minute.
6. Canning the Peach Jelly:
Remove the pot from the stove and carefully pour the hot jelly into the prepared jars. Place the filled jars back into the water bath canner, ensuring they are suspended on the rack above the boiling water. Once all the jelly is in the jars, lower them into the boiling water.
7. Processing and Sealing:
Set a 5-minute timer once the water returns to a full boil. After 5 minutes, remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel, away from drafts. Allow the lids to seal and the jelly to cool and set.
8. Storing the Peach Jelly:
The next day, remove the rings from the jars, wash the jars, and store them in a cool, dry place. Your beautifully crafted peach jelly is now ready to be enjoyed!
Canning homemade peach jelly is a wonderful way to preserve the essence of fresh peaches and create a delectable treat that can be enjoyed throughout the year.
By utilizing every part of the fruit and following a straightforward recipe, you can transform peach skins into a luscious jelly that captures the flavors of summer. With each jar of peach jelly, you'll savor the satisfaction of knowing that nothing went to waste and that you've created something truly delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your peaches, and embark on a canning adventure that will bring joy and sweetness to your pantry.
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