I make this jam when freestone peaches are available because the entire jam making process is much easier and quicker when the stone slides out of the fruit when you halve the fruit. Heat a large pot of boiling water and dip your whole peaches in them for a quick peeling method. 8 cups of peaches is around 11 large peaches. Chop the fruit about the size of a pair of dice. This is absoulutely the best peach jam I have ever made.