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Canned fruit is an iconic memory of my childhood. I grew up with a mom who canned apples, peaches, pears, and sweet cherries (to name just a few). Having home-canned fruit now seems luxurious (or just a lot of work) to many people. But honestly, for a few quarts, it can be done in under an hour!
As I’ve mentioned before, The Farm’s peaches are not producing large quantities yet since my peach trees are not quite established, at least not yet. But that doesn’t stop me from putting away peaches.
Food safety tip: This recipe may not be approved by the USDA. To prevent the risk of botulism, always check with the USDA Canning Guide.
What are different ways to preserve peaches?
There are two ways to preserve peaches:
- canning
- freezing
Freezing peaches is a little easier and quicker and produces wonderfully sweet and delicious peaches to put in your freezer.
Canning peaches produces jars of peeled and halved peaches for your pleasure. Canning maintains (most) of the fresh taste and does not have as much added sugar, so they’re naturally much healthier.
As I always say, canning may sound like a lot of work. But once you learn the basics, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can put together a few jars. I find it easiest to work with a small canner and do three quarts at a time, especially if you are not used to larger quantities or are just starting out. This will allow you to have three quarts of canned peaches in just a couple of hours. Imagine that!
I love to use canned peaches in pies, tarts, and fruit salads. Or I’ll simply open a jar during the winter and enjoy them by myself.
How to start canning peaches
Start with fresh peaches. If you live in an area with wonderful peach orchards, you are lucky! Make sure the peaches are allowed to ripen, especially with store-bought peaches. Many times the store varieties are picked a little early to ensure they aren’t overripe when you buy them.
The best way to know when a peach is perfectly ripe is when you start to smell the mouthwatering peach aroma. Additionally, when the peach peels easily you know they are ready to be used.
Home-canned fruit is completely different and tastes much fresher than any store-bought can. Once you try these peaches, you’ll forget about ever buying them again.
These will last through the winter. And honestly, nothing tastes better in the middle of January than fresh, home-canned peaches!
Watch how to can peaches
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How to Can Peaches
Equipment
Ingredients
For the syrup
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ cup honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
For the jars
- 6-10 lb peaches (small to medium in size), peeled, pitted, and placed in water to prevent browning
Instructions
- Place water, honey, and lemon juice in a kettle on the stove and bring to a simmer. While the syrup is heating, place peach halves in sterilized quart jars in a stacked tile pattern to help them fit better. Do not push them in!2 ½ cups water, ½ cup honey, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 6-10 lb peaches
- Once the jars are filled, pour boiling syrup over each. Divide evenly among jars, leaving ½ inch of headspace. If the syrup does not fully fill each jar, top each with boiling water, leaving ½ inch headspace. Fit with lids and rings, following manufacturer’s instructions, and place in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes.
- Once completed, place jars on a cooling rack or towel and leave with rings on for 24 hours to ensure a good seal. If a jar does not seal, simply place in the refrigerator and enjoy eating!
Blueberry Jam Recipe:
When making the jam, you have the blueberries in pounds.
How many cups is that?
Thank you!
Carol
Wyse I done peaches today only 4/32oz jars but it’s a start. Thank to you I have a flower bed under my window in the front of my house, and hear I have canned peaches. I am 71 next month and have never done anything like this. I love your video because telling someone how and to do something and it’s so much better to see how to do it is so much better. Please keep your video’s coming. Thank you so much.
I made the peaches however after the bath I notice the peaches are floating in the jars and the syrup is cloudy. I filled the jars firmly without packing. Helpful suggestions appreciated.
Hi Kaleb! I just love your videos and all of the family recipes you post. Have you made spiced peaches? My aunt just loves them and they are had to find, so I thought I can her some. Do you have recommendations as to the spices I would use?
We always have a lot of peaches; I hate letting produce go to waste. Could you do the blanching of the peaches instead of peeling them? We live in SE Iowa too. Thanks
Look forward to your post every day. You are the best
Can this recipe be doubled i would like to double it and do 3 quarts and 6 pints. Do I have to boil separately or go by the quart time for canning
Thank you. I am new to canning and have never canned fruit before
Dawn