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Vanilla Bean Peach Preserves

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A simple and rewarding homemade peach preserves recipe featuring fresh peaches and whole vanilla bean for a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Ideal for canning and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds fresh peaches, ripe but firm
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 whole vanilla bean pod, split lengthwise and seeds scraped
  • 1/4 cup water (optional, to help dissolve sugar)

Instructions

  1. Sterilize canning jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle. Keep lids and bands in hot water (not boiling) to soften seals.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score an ‘X’ on the bottom of each peach. Drop peaches in boiling water for 30-45 seconds until skins loosen, then transfer immediately to ice water. Peel skins off, pit, and slice peaches into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Place slices in a large bowl.
  3. Add sugar, lemon juice, scraped vanilla bean seeds, and the pod itself to the peaches. Stir gently to coat and let sit for about 30 minutes to dissolve sugar and release juices.
  4. Transfer peach mixture to a wide, heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, skimming off foam. The preserves should thicken and peaches soften but not fall apart. Test thickness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; it should gel slightly after cooling.
  5. Remove vanilla bean pod and discard. Using a funnel, ladle hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
  6. Place lids on jars and screw bands on finger-tight. Process jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for elevation if needed). Remove jars with lifter and let cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours until sealed.
  7. After cooling, press the center of each lid to check seal. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use those first.

Notes

[‘Use a wide pot to help liquid evaporate faster and thicken preserves without overcooking.’, ‘Stir gently but often to prevent sticking and burning.’, ‘Skim foam off the top for better texture.’, ‘Keep jars warm before filling to prevent breakage.’, ‘Reduce sugar by one-third for a lower-sugar version but expect shorter preservation time.’, ‘Add a cinnamon stick or cloves during simmering for a spicy twist; remove before jarring.’, ‘For vegan thickening, stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds before canning.’, ‘Practice safe canning guidelines to avoid spoilage.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla bean, peach preserves, homemade preserves, canning, summer fruit, easy preserves, vanilla peach jam

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/vanilla-bean-peach-preserves-recipe-easy-homemade-canning-guide/