Let me tell you something: since moving to Georgia, my love for peaches has gone from a casual fling to a full-blown obsession. I mean, how could it not? This is the Peach State, y'all! Come summer, one of my favorite things to do is take my daughters to the local farmer's market. It's our little tradition—snagging peaches straight from the hands of local growers. And let me tell you, the joy of biting into a juicy peach on a hot Georgia day? Unmatched.

But here's the real secret—while everyone else is eyeing those perfect, Instagram-worthy peaches, I'm making a beeline for the scratch and dent section. Yup, you heard me. Those slightly bruised, perfectly imperfect peaches? Often 2 for $1? They're gold. Scratch-and-dent peaches, in my humble opinion, make the best jam.

Why This Recipe Works

Now, let's get into why this peach jam recipe is pure magic. First off, it's simple. You don’t need a laundry list of ingredients—just peaches, sugar, and lemon juice. By keeping it basic, you let the peaches be the star of the show, capturing that sweet, summery flavor in every spoonful.

And the best part? No pectin. Pectin is a naturally occurring substance found in fruits that helps jams and jellies thicken. While it's often added to speed up the gelling process, we’re skipping it here. Why? Because peaches are naturally high in pectin, and when you cook them down low and slow, they’ll thicken beautifully on their own. Plus, this gives the jam a more pure, unadulterated peach flavor—exactly what we want.

What You'll Need

Large Pot
Wooden Spoon or Potato Masher
Small Plate
Clean Jars or Containers

Questions? I Got Answers

Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely! While I used granulated sugar in this recipe, you can experiment with alternatives like brown sugar or even honey. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might change slightly.

What if I don’t want to peel the peaches?
You can leave the skins on if you prefer. The skin will soften as it cooks, and some people enjoy the texture it adds. Plus, it’s less prep work!

How can I make sure the jam sets properly?
The freezer plate test is your best friend here. It’s a foolproof way to check if your jam is ready without overcooking it. Just remember, a little patience goes a long way—give the jam time to cool slightly before testing.

So next time you find yourself at the farmer's market, don't shy away from those "imperfect" peaches. Grab a bunch, bring them home, and let's make some jam. It’s the taste of Georgia summer in a jar, and you’ll love every spoonful. Plus, with this easy recipe, you’ll see that making your own jam is as sweet and simple as it gets.

‍