Peach Berry Lavender Quick Jam

Peach-Berry Lavender Quick Jam is like summer in a jar. Steeped lavender gives it unique lightly floral flavor.

This recipe could be called “what to do with a bag of nearly overripe peaches.” I had purchased a bag of eight, and within a couple of days they’d turned squishy under their velvet skins. Slicing them into manageable chunks was impossible because the flesh was so soft. It simply fell away from the pits (freestone peaches are best). Ironically, it is at this not-yet-spoiled stage that their fragrance and flavor is sweetest.

After much consideration and conversation, we settled on making quick jam. Turns out, this was the best possible idea. What I found was a new favorite filling for cakes, tarts, or macarons. However, it’s also good smeared on toast for breakfast.

If you’re new to peeling peaches, then be sure to check out my article for Food.com – How to Peel Peaches 3 Ways.

The jam gets just enough steeped lavender to punctuate the fruit flavors. It’s such a mild floral note but it really makes a big difference in the finished jam. The mixture gets its ruby red appearance from just a handful of strawberries – there are four in this recipe. The berries also enhance the flavor without taking away from the peach notes.

Even if you don’t have overripe peaches, this recipe is worth a try. I especially recommend it if you’re looking for an interesting cake filling with big summer flavor (I have plans!).

Around here, it’s earned the name “summer in a jar.” I can tell you with much conviction, it’s really great on my grandmother’s buttermilk biscuits. You can find the biscuit recipe here.

Peach-Berry Lavender Quick Jam

Heather Baird

Peach-Berry Lavender Quick Jam is like summer in a jar. Steeped lavender gives it unique lightly floral flavor.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Jams and Jellies

Cuisine American

Servings 3 cups

Equipment

• 3 jam jars, 8 oz. each

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds
• 1/4 cup 60 ml boiling water
• 1 lb. 6-7 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and chopped
• 3 oz. 3-4 medium strawberries, capped and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups 150g granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Place the lavender buds in a small cup. Pour the boiling water over the buds and let stand 10 minutes to steep. Strain the lavender water into a bowl and set aside. Discard the buds.
• In a large nonstick pot (at least 3 quart) combine the peaches, strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and cook while stirring often; cook until thick and syrupy, about 15 minutes.
• Add the lavender water and stir. Return the mixture to a boil and cook stirring often until the mixture reaches desired thickness. Cooking time can range from 2 minutes to 15 minutes. Cook 2 minutes for syrupy jam, cook longer for thicker jam. We like our jam thick, so we cooked it for another 15 minutes.
• Remove jam from the heat and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to jars and chill, covered at least 2 hours before using. This jam keeps in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

Inspired by a recipe in The Sunset Cookbook (Oxmoor House).

Keyword fresh peaches, lavender buds, strawberries, summer jam

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!