Summer just isn’t the same without the sweet, juicy burst of a perfectly ripe peach. But what if you could capture that sunshine-drenched flavor and enjoy it all year? The answer is simple—canning peaches! Learning how to can peaches at home is more than just a satisfying project; it’s a way to preserve that orchard-fresh goodness while saving money and reducing food waste.
Whether you’re new to preserving or looking to refine the process, this complete guide will walk you through every step. By the end, you’ll have jars of golden peaches ready to brighten up your pantry.
Why Learn How to Can Peaches?
Canning peaches isn’t just a nostalgic nod to generations past—it’s a solution with numerous rewards.
- Enjoy Peak Flavour Year-Round
Store-bought fruit simply can’t compete with the taste of peaches plucked straight from the tree. Preserving them at home allows you to capture that unbeatable freshness before it fades.
- Save Money
Buying peaches in bulk during the harvest season is far cheaper than purchasing out-of-season imports. Canned peaches also last up to 12-18 months, providing you with more bang for your buck.
- Reduce Food Waste
Perfectly ripe peaches can spoil quickly—especially if you overestimate what you can eat. Canning lets you avoid waste by preserving large quantities before they go bad.
- A Healthier Option
When you can peaches at home, you control everything that goes into that jar. No preservatives or artificial syrups—just real fruit and simple ingredients.
Now that you know why, it’s time to learn how!
Tools You’ll Need to Can Fresh Peaches
Before we start, gather these essential tools for a smooth canning process. Most are available at your local home goods store or online.
- Canning Jars: Use sterilised glass jars designed for preserving, such as Ball or Mason jars.
- Lids and Bands: Each jar needs a two-piece lid system—a flat lid with a rubber seal and a reusable metal screw band.
- Large Pot or Canner: A water bath canner or any sufficiently large pot will work to process your jars.
- Jar Lifter: A jar lifter is essential for safely moving hot jars in and out of boiling water.
- Large Bowl and Slotted Spoon: For blanching and peeling your peaches.
- Funnel: A jar funnel makes pouring syrup and peaches into jars much easier.
- Towels: Clean kitchen towels are helpful for handling hot jars and preventing sticking.
How to Prepare Peaches for Canning
The secret to delicious canned peaches is in the prep. Follow these steps to get your peaches ready for the jars.
1. Choose Ripe Peaches
The best peaches for canning are ripe but firm. Overripe peaches will become mushy, and unripe ones will lack flavor. Freestone varieties (like Elberta) are highly recommended because their stones pop out easily.
2. Wash and Blanch
Wash your peaches thoroughly, then blanch them for easy peeling. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and prepare a bowl of ice water.
- Cut a small “X” shape in the bottom of each peach to help loosen the skin.
- Boil the peaches for 30-60 seconds, then transfer them to the ice water.
3. Peel and Slice
Once blanched, the skin should slip off easily. After peeling, remove the pit and slice peaches into quarters or halves, depending on your preference.
4. Prepare a Light Syrup
To enhance the flavor of your peaches and preserve their color, create a sugar syrup. For a light syrup, dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 4 cups of water. For those cutting down on sugar, you can use juice or plain boiling water instead.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Peaches
Now for the fun part—canning your peaches! Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure safe, delicious results.
Step 1: Sterilise Your Jars
Before filling the jars, sterilise them to kill any bacteria. Wash them in warm soapy water, then boil them for 10 minutes or run them through the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.
Step 2: Pack the Jars
Carefully fill your sterilised jars with peach slices. Pack them tightly but leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top.
Step 3: Add Syrup
Using a funnel, pour the hot syrup over the peaches until they’re completely submerged. Leave ½ inch of headspace to allow for expansion during processing.
Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles
Gently run a butter knife or bubble remover along the inside of the jar to release any trapped air.
Step 5: Seal the Jars
Place the flat lid on top of the jar, then screw on the metal band until it’s fingertip-tight (do not overtighten).
Step 6: Process in a Water Bath
Submerge the jars in a large pot of boiling water, ensuring at least 1 inch of water covers the tops. Process for 20-25 minutes, adjusting for altitude if needed.
Step 7: Cool and Check Seals
Carefully lift the jars out of the water bath using a jar lifter. Allow them to cool for 12-24 hours on a towel-lined counter. Check each lid for a proper seal—press down on the center. If the lid doesn’t pop, it’s sealed!
Tips for Storing and Enjoying Your Canned Peaches
- Storage: Store canned peaches in a cool, dark place for up to 18 months.
- Uses: Enjoy them on their own, over ice cream, in baking, or blended into smoothies.
- Check Before Use: Always inspect the seal and contents before eating. If in doubt, throw it out.
Don’t Wait—Preserve the Season!
Canning peaches is more than just a kitchen project—it’s an investment in your pantry and peace of mind. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as opening a jar of home-canned peaches and tasting summer in the middle of winter.
If you’re ready to start your canning adventure, grab a box of fresh peaches and test the waters today. Interested in learning more about food preservation? Check out our library of guides for more homesteading inspiration!
