Over the last month, we’ve shared some tried-and-true canning recipes with you. This week, we’ll be canning peaches with step-by-step instructions and photos.
Always Follow the Directions
Oregon State University Extension Service and Washington State University Extension Service offer recipes and advice to keep you and your family safe. Have questions? Call OSU’s food safety and preservation hotline now through October at 1-800-354-7319.
Canning Peaches
Always use fresh, firm peaches for best results. If you must use frozen fruit, be sure it is completely thawed.
What You’ll Need for each quart jar:
- 2-3 pounds of peaches (per quart jar)
- A bushel yields 18-24 quarts of fruit.
- Water and sugar
- Ascorbic acid powder
Directions (Creating Medium Syrup)
Makes enough for 9 quarts.
- Combine 5¼ cups water with 2¼ cups sugar
- Add ascorbic acid (1 teaspoon per gallon of water)
- Bring to boil
- Save for later
Directions (Preparing peaches)
Drop peaches into boiling water for 3 minutes.
Then, blanch them in an ice bath.
The peels should come right off.
Cut in half and use your thumb to remove the pit.
Directions (Canning)
Add the syrup you created earlier. Leave 1/2-inch headspace.
Secure the lid and process in a boiling water canner for recommended time based on your elevation.
0 to 1,000 feet: 25 minutes
1,001 to 3,000 feet: 30 minutes
3,001 to 6,000 feet: 35 minutes
After processing, take canner off heat and remove lid.
Wait at least 10 minutes before removing jars.
Directions (Freezing)
One of the easiest ways to keep peaches for up to a year is to freeze them.
- Peel and cut them as indicated above.
- Place peaches in your quart jar.
- Put them in your freezer.
Test Your Seal
After canning, be sure to check the seal of each jar. You’ll want to do this 12-24 hours after they have completely cooled. You’ll know your jar is sealed properly if the lid has popped down in the center, the lid does not move when pressed down, and you hear a clear ringing sound when you tap the top of the lid with a spoon.
Get Your Canning Supplies at Coastal
Pick up a set of Ball® Quart Jars with lids and bands, as well as the Presto 23-quart Pressure Canner and cooker designed for easy, confident home pressure canning. Stop by the canning section where you’ll find all of the tools to make canning easy and enjoyable.