Peaches – preserve now and enjoy later
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EmailSavor the sweet taste of peaches all year round by canning or freezing.
There is nothing better than a fresh picked peach in the middle of summer. This juicy, sweet fruit is not only delicious, but also easy to preserve to enjoy all year-round.
Michigan grows many different varieties of peaches and ranks sixth in the nation for production of peaches. Peaches are a great fruit to add to your daily food intake and are good sources of vitamins A and C. Peaches contain three grams of fiber and are a low-fat, low-calorie food choice. Michigan State University Extension recommends washing fruit thoroughly under cool, running water prior to consuming.
For preserving, select quality fruit that is free of disease and bruising. Peaches can be preserved for use later by either freezing or canning. To preserve peaches in a boiling water bath use the following directions:
Start by dipping the fruit in boiling water for 30-60 seconds, until skins loosen.
- Dip the peaches quickly in cold water to slip off the skins.
- Cut peaches and remove pits.
- Place cut fruit in an ascorbic acid solution to prevent darkening.
- Prepare and boil a syrup solution or white grape juice solution for packing. For a hot pack, place drained fruit in syrup or juice and bring to a boil. Fill jars with hot fruit and cooking liquid. Leave a half-inch of headspace. For a raw pack, fill jars with raw fruit and add the hot syrup or juice, leaving a half-inch of headspace as well.
- Process in a boiling water bath canner. If you did a hot pack, process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes. For a raw pack, process pints for 25 minutes and quarts for 30 minutes.
For more detailed directions on how to preserve peaches by either freezing or canning visit the Michigan Fresh peach publication. Choosing peaches supports Michigan agriculture and can be easily preserved to enjoy all year-round. Peaches are a delicious way to increase your daily intake of fruits which contributes to a healthier you!
