Canning Nectarine Jam | Ball Jam and Jelly Maker

In today’s post, I’m excited to share my process for making delicious nectarine jam. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves homemade preserves but wants a simpler method. I’ll be using my Ball Jam and Jelly Maker and then canning the jam with my Nesco Canner. Let’s dive in! 

How to Make Nectarine Jam in the Jam and Jelly Maker (Video)

Nectarine Jam Ingredients

First, let’s dive into the ingredients for this delicious, homemade jam!

• 2 lbs of nectarines (or 6 medium nectarines) 
• 3 tablespoons of powdered pectin 
• 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice 
• 1/2 teaspoon of butter or margarine 
• 2 cups of sugar for a reduced sugar recipe (3 1/3 cups for full sugar) 

Note that this will yield 4 1/2 pints of jam.

The Process of Making the Jam

Now let’s get into the step-by-step process of making and canning nectarine jam.

Finely Dice the Nectarines (or Peaches)

 If you’re using nectarines, there’s no need to peel them. Simply wash, pit, and dice them. 

For peaches, peel them before dicing. 

 I recommend having 8-9 nectarines on hand if you’re using the reduced sugar recipe.

Mash the Nectarines

Place the diced nectarines in a pot and use a potato masher to crush them. You can also pulse them in a blender, but be careful not to over-pulverize. 

If you’re like me, you’ll want some chunks of nectarines in your jam. Not only that, but totally pulverizing the nectarines can reduce the amount of pectin, and your jam may not set as well.

Put the Nectarine Jam Ingredients into the Jam Maker

Now it’s time to let the jam and jelly maker work it’s magic!

Add the jam ingredients in the following order:

   – Sprinkle the pectin evenly over the bottom of the pot fitted with the stirrer. 

   – Add the crushed nectarines over the pectin. 

   – Pour the lemon juice over the nectarines. 

   – Add the butter or margarine to help prevent foaming. 

You may have noticed that the sugar hasn’t been added yet. That is intentional. As you’ll see below, you’ll add the sugar in just a bit.

Press the Jam Button on the Jam and Jelly Maker

   – Press the “jam” button on your Jam and Jelly Maker. It will automatically set the timer for 21 minutes. 

   – At the 4 minute mark, the machine will beep. This is your signal to add the sugar. Pour it in evenly. 

   – Let the machine continue to stir and cook the jam. 

Prepare Your Canning Jars

   – While the jam is cooking, prepare your jars by heating them in your Nesco Canner or another method of your choice. 

   – Once the jam is ready, fill each jar, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace. Don’t forget to debubble!

   – Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean and then put the lids on finger tip tight.

Canning the Nectarine Jam in the Nesco Canner

If you need a refresher on how to water bath can in the Nesco, check out the video below.

   – Place the filled jars back into the Nesco Canner, ensuring they are covered with at least an inch of water. 

   – Set the canner to the water bath canning mode and adjust the time based on your altitude (10 minutes plus any additional time needed for your altitude). 

  After the jars finish processing, remove them and place them on a towel to cool. Allow them to sit undisturbed for a minimum of 12 hours and a maximum of 24 hours before checking the seals.

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Conclusion

There you have it – a delicious homemade nectarine jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, stirring into yogurt, or giving as a gift. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Happy canning!