The peach is one of the most popular fruits used in everyday cooking. With only 35 calories in a peach it makes a great food for snacking and incorporating into your favorite recipes. Unfortunately many people live in areas where fresh peaches are not readily available year round so they are forced to learn how to can peaches and how to freeze peaches.
Canning Peaches have been a great way to have peaches on hand year round. It is relatively easy and inexpensive to do. Many people enjoy canning and look forward all year to canning their summer harvests. Try these steps if you want to give canning a try:
- Place peaches in boiling water for about 1 minute or until the skins slip easily.
- Remove from boiling water and place immediately into cold water for a few seconds.
- Remove skins.
- Cut peaches in halves and throw pits away.
- Peel the remaining skin by hand.
- Place immediately into a jar, place halves in overlapping layers. Be careful to place the pit side of each half down.
- Fill containers with boiling syrup.
- Place quart and pint glass jars in boiling water for 25-35 minutes. Ripe fruit will need to be boiled a shorter amount of time.
If you decide that you would like to delve more extensively into canning your own fruits you might want to take a look at this site that is full of great information about picking and canning your own fruits: Canning Peaches.
With the invention of the freezer many people have chosen to preserve peaches and other fruits by freezing them. Here are some simple steps to follow if you would like to use this method:
- Place peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and immediately place is cold water.
- Peel peaches by and hand and cut in half. Make sure to remove the pit carefully. Cut into desired size.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of ascorbic acid to 1/4 cup cold water and pour over peaches. Mix 2/3 cup white sugar
- Place peaches in freezer bag, making sure to mark contents and date on the bag.
Now that you know a bit about how to preserve the peach try your hand at this crunchy peach cobbler recipe where can incorporate your preserved peaches.
You can also find peaches infused in pre-made products, like this Black Tea with Peach Juice.