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Small Batch Perfect Honey Cardamom Peach Preserves

honey cardamom peach preserves - featured image

A quick and easy small batch recipe for homemade peach preserves infused with honey and cardamom, capturing the sweetness of summer with a subtle exotic spice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (about 45 medium peaches)
  • ½ cup raw honey (floral variety like clover or wildflower recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla bean or extract (optional)
  • A pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peaches by scoring a small “X” at the bottom of each peach, blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunging into ice water. Peel and dice into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. (Prep time: 15 minutes)
  2. In a small bowl, mix the honey with the ground cardamom and let it sit for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavor.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced peaches, lemon juice, sea salt, and the honey-cardamom mixture. Add vanilla if using. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more lemon juice or honey if desired.
  6. Sterilize jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
  7. Ladle the hot preserves into warm sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly with lids.
  8. Let jars cool at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Store in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks.

Notes

Infuse cardamom in honey before mixing to avoid burning and to bloom the spice flavor. Use lemon juice to help set the preserves and balance sweetness. For smoother preserves, pulse with an immersion blender after cooking. Sterilize jars even if storing in the refrigerator to extend shelf life. For vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, noting flavor changes.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach preserves, honey cardamom preserves, homemade jam, small batch preserves, easy peach jam, fruit preserves, honey infused jam