Canning Peaches: A Complete Guide
Introduction
Peaches are a delicious summer fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved for later. Canning is a great way to preserve peaches and enjoy their flavor all year round. But not all peaches are created equal for canning. Some varieties are better suited for canning than others. In this article, we’ll discuss the best types of peaches for canning, how to select and prepare them, and the different methods you can use to can peaches.
Choosing the Best Peaches for Canning
The best peaches for canning are firm, ripe, and have a high acid content. Freestone peaches are the easiest to can because their pits come out easily. Clingstone peaches can also be canned, but they require more work to remove the pits.
Some of the best peach varieties for canning include:
- John Boy
- Redhaven
- Sunhigh
- Bellaire
- Fayette
- Allstar
- Loring
- Cresthaven
- Ernie’s Choice
- Canadian Harmony
- Sunbeam
- Rio Oso Gem
- Glohaven
- Belle of Georgia
- Champton
- Glenglo
Preparing Peaches for Canning
Before you can peaches, you need to wash them thoroughly and remove any blemishes. Then, you need to peel the peaches. You can do this by dipping them in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds and then slipping the skins off.
Once the peaches are peeled, you can cut them into halves, quarters, or slices. If you are canning peach slices, you should float them in a citric acid solution to prevent them from browning.
Canning Peaches
There are two main methods for canning peaches: raw pack and hot pack.
- Raw pack: In this method, the peaches are packed into jars and covered with a sugar syrup or water. The jars are then processed in a boiling water canner or dial gauge pressure canner.
- Hot pack: In this method, the peaches are boiled in a sugar syrup or water before being packed into jars. The jars are then processed in a boiling water canner or dial gauge pressure canner.
Tips for Canning Peaches
Here are a few tips for canning peaches:
- Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best results.
- Peel the peaches before canning to prevent the skins from toughening.
- If you are canning peach slices, float them in a citric acid solution to prevent them from browning.
- Use a boiling water canner or dial gauge pressure canner to process the jars.
- Follow the processing times recommended for your altitude.
Storing Canned Peaches
Canned peaches can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, canned peaches should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
Conclusion
Canning peaches is a great way to preserve this delicious summer fruit and enjoy it all year round. By following the tips in this article, you can can peaches safely and easily.
