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Nectarine Preserve

Breakfast 🍳Dessert 🍰Side Dish 🥗Snack 🍿 Low-CarbLow-SodiumGluten-FreeVegetarian 🥦Vegan 🌱Halal 🕌Kosher ✡️Pescatarian 🐟

Nectarine Preserve balances sunny, ripe fruit flavor with a gentle almond whisper for a bright, aromatic spread. It’s lush yet light on sugar thanks to low-sugar pectin, letting the nectarine shine with a clean, fresh finish. Ideal for breakfast on toast or waffles, and lovely for gifting or pairing with soft cheeses.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook20 mins
  • Serves40
  • DifficultyEasy
Nectarine Preserve
  1. 1

    Check five (1/2-pint) jars for cracks and the rings for rust; discard any that are defective. Submerge the jars and rings in simmering water until the jam is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm, soapy water.

  2. 2

    Measure the finely chopped, peeled nectarines; you should have 4 1/2 cups. Add them to a heavy pot and immediately mix in the lemon juice so they do not turn brown.

  3. 3

    Stir together 1/4 cup sugar and the fruit pectin in a small bowl. Add this to the nectarines in the pot and stir well. Gradually bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that continues bubbling when stirred. Add the remaining 2 3/4 cups sugar and stir to dissolve, scraping the bottom of the pot. Boil for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.

  4. 4

    Take the pot off the heat and stir in the almond extract.

  5. 5

    Ladle the jam into the prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a clean knife or thin spatula around the inside edges of the jars to release any air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a damp paper towel to remove any spills. Place the lids on and screw the rings on tightly.

  6. 6

    Set a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill it halfway with water. Bring to a boil, then lower the jars, spaced 2 inches apart, into the boiling water using a holder. Add more boiling water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Return to a rolling boil, cover, and process for 10 minutes.

  7. 7

    Lift the jars out of the stockpot and set them on a cloth-covered or wooden surface, spaced several inches apart. Let them stand for 24 hours without moving the jars.

  8. 8

    Press the center of each lid gently with a finger to confirm it does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and keep the jars in a cool, dark place.