Sweet and Fragrant Homemade Peach Preserve
Transforming Less-Than-Perfect Peaches into Delicious Peach Syrup!
Have some peaches whose sweetness isn’t quite up to par, or that have been lingering in your fridge? Don’t let them go to waste! This easy-to-make peach preserve recipe will help you enjoy peaches in a whole new way. Using a perfect balance of raw cane sugar (won-dang) and regular white sugar, we’ll enhance the natural peach flavor, creating a delightfully sweet and tangy syrup. Enjoy it anytime as a refreshing iced tea or a soothing warm beverage.
Key Ingredients
- 6 peaches (about the size of an adult’s fist)
- 1kg raw cane sugar (won-dang)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- 4-5 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 pinches fine salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the peaches thoroughly under running water. Carefully remove and discard the large pit from the center of each peach. You can either blend them in a food processor for a smooth syrup, or for a delightful texture, chop them finely with a knife.
Step 2
If you choose to chop them by hand, aim for a slightly chunky consistency rather than a fine mince. This will leave small pieces of peach flesh in your preserve, providing a pleasant textural contrast. While it requires a bit more effort, it truly enhances the final taste and experience.
Step 3
Once you’ve chopped the peaches, transfer them all to a large bowl. You’ll notice that as time passes, the peaches will naturally release their juices, making the mixture quite moist and fluid.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the sweetness. Pour the raw cane sugar over the chopped peaches, and add the 1 cup of granulated white sugar as well. (I added extra white sugar because I was slightly short on raw cane sugar.) Sprinkle in 2-3 pinches of fine salt. Gently mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the sugars start to dissolve.
Step 5
If the peaches aren’t very tart, add 4-5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to bring in a pleasant tanginess. The amount of lemon juice can be adjusted based on the natural tartness of your peaches and your personal preference. This addition will create a more complex and irresistible flavor profile.
Step 6
Stir occasionally until the raw cane sugar and white sugar have completely dissolved into the peach juices. Once fully dissolved, carefully spoon the prepared peach preserve into a sterilized glass jar. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for 4-5 days to allow it to mature. After ripening, you can enjoy your homemade peach preserve as a refreshing iced peach tea or a warm, comforting peach drink. It’s perfect for a delightful beverage anytime!