Have you tasted a hot pepper jam? There is really nothing else like it. The balance of sweet and spice is unforgettable. I tried a pepper jam for the first time a few years ago and fell for the unique flavor combination immediately.
I’ve been making my family’s Peach Jam recipe for years now, but this time I wanted to try my hand at a spicy version.
There isn’t enough hyperbole in my life to adequately express just how much I am enjoying this jam. I made it late at night about a week ago and in the time since, I’ve eaten it in lieu of a meal at least once each day.
I’m already down a jar and a half! I like it best on crackers or a thinly sliced baguette with a smear of brie, goat cheese or whipped cream cheese and then topped with a dollop of jam. I really could eat this breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I didn’t peel the peaches for this batch of jam. I was short on time and I wanted to see how it would work. I imagined that the longer cooking time in this recipe would soften the peels enough they would hardly be noticeable and I was right.
The peels cooked down to almost nothing after 20 minutes on the stove. The random peels that made it through the process were completely softened and they were barely noticeable.
Habanero Peach Jam
Ingredients
- 2 lbs diced peaches about 5 1/2 cups
- 2 lbs white sugar about 5 cups
- 3 habaneros very finely diced (remove the seeds for less heat)
- juice of 1 lemon about 1/4 cup juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large heavy bottomed pot. Stir and let the mixture rest at room temperature for an hour. The peaches will release their juices as the sugar starts to dissolve. Bring to a boil over high heat and then reduce to medium high to maintain a boiling temperature for about 20-25 minutes. Stir frequently, as the mixture thickens.
- The mixture will initially foam constantly, then the foam will reduce as the jam is finishing it's cooking time. Test the jam by dropping a teaspoon's worth onto a plate. When it thickens and doesn't run, it is done. Remove from the heat and pour into sterile jars. Process in a hot water bath and then store in a cool dark place; or store in the refrigerator until ready to use. The jam will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month or alternatively, you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Enjoy!
Mikey says
I’ve had mixed results. One batch was perfect. One was runny. Two batches were basically hard candy and I had to pry the stuff out of the jars with a knife to re-use the jars. I seem to have a hard time knowing just when to stop simmering….
That said, based on crazy compliments I’ve had on the batch that was perfect (I gave as Christmas gifts), I’m trying it this year for some Christmas stocking stuffers. Unfortunately, I’m having a hard time finding peaches. Mangoes, however, seem to be plentiful. I was thinking of trying this with mangoes but wanted to know if you had any advice before I started. Maybe another fruit?
Mary Younkin says
The timing really is something you’ll get a feel for, Mikey. Unfortunately, I’ve never tried this with mangoes. This time of year, I typically make this Cranberry Pepper Jam: https://barefeetinthekitchen.com/cranberry-pepper-jam-recipe/ It gets rave reviews every time!
Cleve Dixon says
I just finished water bath processing a batch of your regular peach jam — jars are cooling as I type. Have many more peaches and want to try this habanero version. But your recipe only talks of refrigerating or freezing. Is this recipe okay to “can” as well.
Also, I am at 5400 ft in altitude. I know the canning part takes more time, but will the lower boiling point affect how long it needs to cook to set properly?
Mary Younkin says
Yes, it will process the same way in a water batch, Cleve. The altitutde shouldn’t affect it, as far as I know.
Sue says
This recipe did not thicken in 20 minutes. It was still foaming then. At 30 minutes it had stopped foaming but I ended up with sticky candy, which I will have to throw out. Very disappointing.
Mary Younkin says
For future reference, the jam will thicken as it cools. It’s a bummer it didn’t work out for you.