3 Ways to Preserve Peaches

1. While the water is boiling in a large pot, rinse the peaches. Once the water boils place the peaches in the water and let them boil for 1 minute. With a slotted spoon transfer them immediately to a large bowl of ice water and let them sit for approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove the skin and gently cut each peach in half, remove the pit. Depending on which method you use they can either be left halved or sliced.

FOR THE CANNING METHOD (ALL JAR MUST BE SEALED PROPERLY BEFORE STORING)

Sterlizing the Jars

1. To Sterilize the jars, first wash them in hot soapy water, then rinse well and drain. Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Then drain the jars upside down on a clean tea towel to dry.

Making the Syrup

1. In a medium pot add the water and sugar, bring to a boil and continue to boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool 15-20 minutes.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

1. Place the halved peaches in a large bowl toss with the lemon juice, then place them cut side down in the sterilized jars. Pour the syrup over the peaches in the jars until they are completely covered, be sure to leave 1/2 inch of headspace. Shake the jars to allow any air bubbles to escape or use a bubble remover tool, this keeps the peaches from floating to the top, close the lids tightly.
2. In a large pot place a large cloth on the bottom and the filled jars on top of the cloth, place some of the cloth between the jars dividing them so they do not collide and break with each other while they are boiling.
3. Fill the pot with water, be sure to cover the jars. Bring the water to a boil then continue to boil for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the jars cool completely before removing. Remove and dry the jars, store them in a cool dry place. They will keep for up to one year if stored properly. Once opened they must be refrigerated and consumed in 2-3 days.

FOR THE EASY FREEZER METHOD

1. After the peaches have been blanched, skin removed, cut in half and the stone removed, then slice each half into slices, thin or thick as you like. Place the slices well spaced in a single layer on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, place the cookie sheet in the freezer and freeze until the slices are completely firm. If you wish you can toss the slices with the juice of half a lemon, this will keep them from browning.
2. Once they are firm divide the slices into a freezer safe bag or container, in a single layer, if using a container place parchment paper between each layer.
3. This way they won’t stick together. The peach slices will keep in the freezer for 8-10 months. Peach slices thawed in the fridge will keep for 2-3 days, if thawed in the microwave or cold water they should be used immediately.

FOR THE SWEETENED FREEZER METHOD

1. After the peaches have been blanched, skin removed, cut in half and the stone removed, then slice each half into slices, thin or thick as you like.
2. Place the slices in a large bowl, sprinkle with the lemon juice and toss with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar. Place the slices in freezer safe re-sealable bags or containers. They will keep for up to 8-10 months in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator.