Peaches are a summertime favorite, but they can be tricky to preserve. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to keep your peaches fresh all season long.
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Introduction
Peaches are a delicious summer fruit, and they can be enjoyed fresh, canned, or frozen. If you want to enjoy fresh peaches all summer long, there are a few things you can do to preserve them.
One way to prolong the life of fresh peaches is to store them in the fridge. Peaches should be stored in the crisper drawer, and they will last for about a week this way. If you want your peaches to last even longer, you can store them in a sealed container with holes punched in the top. This will allow the peaches to breathe and will prevent them from going bad as quickly.
Another way to keep fresh peaches around all summer is to can them. Canning is a great way to preserve fruit and it allows you to enjoy the fruit all year long. To can peaches, start by boiling some water and then sterilizing canning jars and lids. Next, cut the peaches into small pieces and add them to the jars. Be sure to leave some headspace at the top of each jar.Then, add boiling water or syrup to the jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top. Finally, seal the jars with lids and rings and process them in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes.
If you want to enjoy fresh peaches all summer but don’t want to deal with canning, you can also freeze them. To freeze peaches, start by washing them and then cutting off any bruised or blemished areas. Next, cut the peaches into small pieces and spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the peach pieces for about 2 hours, or until they are solidified. Then, transfer the peach pieces to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months
What You’ll Need
-Peaches
-Lemon juice
-A large pot
-A colander
-Canning jars
-New lids
-Ring bands
-A canning funnel
-A boiling water canner
Step One: Choose the Right Peaches
The key to preserving fresh peaches is to start with high-quality fruit. Look for peaches that are soft to the touch, but not too soft. You should be able to smell the peach aroma, and the fruit should have a deep yellow or orange color. Avoid green or white peaches, as they will not ripen properly. Once you’ve selected your peaches, take them home and wash them gently in cool water.
Step Two: Prepare the Peaches
Wash your hands and then wash the peaches in cool water.
Gently rub them with your hands or a soft cloth to remove any dirt or fuzz.
With a paring knife, cut off any bruises or brown spots on the peach.
Cut the peach in half, and then twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them.
Remove the pit from each half by gently pushing it out with your thumb or a spoon.
Step Three: Fill the Jars
After you have sterilized your jars and lids, it’s time to fill them with the fresh peaches. Start by filling each jar with boiling water, then dumping the water out. This will help to furtherheat the jars and peaches.Next, add 1/2 cup of sugar to each jar, and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Now it’s time to add the peaches. Fill each jar with peaches, packing them in snugly but taking care not to damage them. You want to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Once all of the jars are filled, add boiling water to each one until the peaches are covered and there is still 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Use a knife or a chopstick to remove any air bubbles that might be trapped in the jar.
Step Four: Process the Jars
After the jars have cooled, check the seals. If the lid pops up when you press down in the center, it has not sealed properly and that batch should be refrigerated and used first. If the lid doesn’t move, the seal is good. Remove the screw bands and wash the jars and lids with warm soapy water. Label and date the sealed jars and store in a cool, dark place.
Step Five: Store the Jars
Once your peaches are processed and the jars are filled and sealed, it’s time to store them. Find a cool, dark place for long-term storage A root cellar, basement, or even an unheated closet or spare room in your house would work well. If you don’t have a cool, dark place to store your jars of peaches, you can also put them in the fridge. They will be good for up to six months stored this way.
Tips
Summer is peak season for fresh peaches, and there’s nothing quite like a ripe peach picked straight from the tree. If you’re lucky enough to have your own peach tree or live near a farm that offers u-pick, you may want to stock up and preserve your haul for later in the year. Here are a few tips on how to preserve fresh peaches so you can enjoy their summery sweetness long after the season has passed.
-Select ripe fruit: Peaches that are too ripe will turn to mush when canned, so it’s important to start with firm but ripe fruit. Fully ripened peaches will yield to gentle pressure and have a sweet aroma.
-Peel and slice the fruit: You can peel Peaches with a paring knife or by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then slipping off the skins. Once peeled, slice the Peaches into thin wedges or chunks.
-Pack the fruit into jars: Pack the Peach slices or chunks into clean canning jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top of the jar. To prevent darkening, add a solution of 1 teaspoon ascorbic acid per quart of water to the jars before adding the peaches.
-Process the jars: Process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 25 minutes (start timing when the water reaches a boil). Remove from canner and let cool on a towel or rack; check seals and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
FAQs
Canning is a great way to preserve fresh fruits and vegetables for the winter months, but it’s important to follow safe canning procedures to avoid foodborne illness. Here are some frequently asked questions about canning peaches.
What is canning? Canning is a method of preserving food in which the food is sealed in airtight containers. Canning prevents microorganisms from entering the food and spoiling it.
How do I know if my peaches are ripe enough to can? Peaches should be ripe but not overripe when you canned them. Overripe peaches will not taste as good when canned and may fall apart. The best way to determine if a peach is ripe is to smell it. Ripe peaches will have a sweet fragrance. You can also gently squeeze the peach. If it yields to gentle pressure, it’s ready to be canned.
What type of jars should I use for canning? Canning jars come in various sizes, but half-pint or pint jars are best for canning peaches. You can also use wide-mouth or regular-mouth jars. Avoid using jars with cracks, chips, or nicks in them as these could cause the jars to break during the canning process.
Can I reuse canning jars? Yes, you can reuse canning jars as long as they are in good condition and have been properly cleaned and sterilized before using them again.
To clean and sterilize your jars, wash them in hot, soapy water and then rinse them well. Next, place the clean jars upside down on a baking sheet and put them in a 225°F oven for 10 minutes to sterilize them. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the jars cool until you’re ready to use them.
Conclusion
There are many ways to enjoy fresh peaches during the summer months, but unfortunately, they don’t last forever. If you want to make sure your peaches are as fresh as possible for as long as possible, there are a few things you can do.
One way to extend the life of your peaches is to store them in the fridge. This will help them stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them. Peaches can be frozen whole, sliced, or pureed, and they’ll last for up to six months in the freezer.
Another way to enjoy fresh peaches all summer long is to preserve them by canning or pickling. Canning is a great way to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables, and pickling is a fun way to add extra flavor to your dishes. Peaches can be canned or pickled whole, sliced, or pureed, and they’ll last for up to a year.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy your peaches right away or preserve them for later, there are plenty of options available. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy fresh peaches all summer long!
