Description

This Sugar Free Peach Preserves recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional preserves by using a sugar-free sweetener and pectin. Perfect for those looking to reduce sugar intake without sacrificing flavor, these preserves capture the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a tangy lemon hint. Ideal for spreading on toast, topping desserts, or mixing into yogurt.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Base

4 cups ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Thickening & Sweetening

1 packet sugar-free pectin
2 to 4 tablespoons granulated sweetener (e.g., stevia or monk fruit), adjust to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Peaches: Peel, pit, and finely chop the ripe peaches. For a smoother texture, mash them slightly.
Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the chopped peaches along with 1/4 cup water.
Cook Peaches: Heat the pan over medium and cook until the peaches begin to break down and soften, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Lemon Juice: Stir in the lemon juice thoroughly to add brightness and help preserve the fruit.
Add Pectin: Sprinkle the sugar-free pectin evenly over the peach mixture while stirring constantly to avoid any lumps.
Boil the Mixture: Raise the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil, continuing to stir to ensure even heating.
Sweeten: Add your preferred granulated sweetener to the boiling mixture. Adjust the amount between 2 to 4 tablespoons to reach your desired sweetness, stirring until fully dissolved.
Simmer: Lower the heat and let the preserves simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens.
Cool Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the preserves to cool a bit before handling further.
Jar the Preserves: Transfer the warm peach preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about a 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Seal and Store: Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store refrigerated or in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Using ripe peaches is crucial for natural sweetness and flavor development.
Adjust the sweetener gradually to suit your taste preference.
Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prolong shelf life and avoid contamination.
Preserves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or frozen for longer storage.
If smoother preserves are desired, blend slightly before cooking or use a masher during cooking.