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Flavorful Spiced Peach Jam with Cinnamon and Star Anise

Flavorful Spiced Peach Jam - featured image

A cozy and unique homemade peach jam infused with warm spices like cinnamon and star anise, perfect for breakfast spreads or gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 67 medium peaches)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 whole star anise pods
  • 1/4 cup water (60ml)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla bean or extract
  • Optional: pinch of ground ginger

Instructions

  1. Prep the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water to remove skins easily. Pit and chop into roughly 1-inch pieces to yield about 4 cups.
  2. Combine chopped peaches, sugar, lemon juice, and water in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Stir gently to mix. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise pods.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to dissolve sugar and prevent sticking. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, stirring every few minutes.
  4. After about 25 minutes, test the jam’s thickness using the cold spoon test. If it holds a clear line and doesn’t run back together quickly, it’s ready; otherwise, continue simmering and watch closely.
  5. Remove the cinnamon sticks and star anise pods. Stir and taste; adjust sweetness or acidity with more lemon juice if needed.
  6. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly with lids. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Use ripe but firm peaches for best texture. Remove spices once jam thickens to avoid bitterness. For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. The cold spoon test ensures proper set. You can substitute star anise with dried anise seed or ground fennel if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach jam, homemade jam, cinnamon, star anise, spiced jam, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, breakfast spread