Peaches are one of the easiest thing to preserve at home. Plus they taste SO much better than store-bought canned peaches.

Join me and learn how to preserve that vibrant fresh color and prevent the fruit browning and discoloring. I show you an easy way to peel the skins.

You will also discover what type of peaches are best for bottling, supplies needed, how much sugar to use, and how long to process the peaches in the water-bath canner.

How to Can Peaches - Everything you need to know

Peaches are probably one of the easiest things to can. If you're just starting out, canning can be intimidating. Peaches are the perfect thing to start with. There is minimal equipment and it's pretty easy. Go read my canning tips before starting.

It's peach season and we are filling our tummies with as many yummy peaches and peach desserts as we can. From a fresh Fruit Pizza to a yummy Peach Tart, peach pie and peaches and cream. And add in a peach french toast for breakfast.

But we like to eat peaches all year long. In order to do that we need to preserve them. {We also like to make this delicious Peach Cobbler with our canned peaches.

9-27-18 - This post was originally published on 9-21-18 and has been updated with even more information PLUS a new video!

What kind of peaches are best for canning and where do I get them?

For canning, peaches that have "slip" skins and a "freestone" pit are best. 

Slip skin means that the skins slip off easily and you don't have to spend hours peeling them. {More on that later}.

There are two types of pits: A clingstone pit and a freestone pit. Clingstone pits are just as the name suggests, the pit clings to the peach. They are much harder to remove. You want a peach with a freestone pit. They pop right out with just the slightest pressure.

Now let's talk about where to get peaches. 

Our tree now produces plenty of peaches for several families, so YAY, we don't have to buy them anymore.

I used to get them from the local farmer's market. The vendors will be able to tell you if they have slip skins and freestone pits and can give a good recommendation. There are tons of varieties, and many of them are good canning peaches. As long as they have those two qualifications, then go for it.

I avoid buying peaches from the store. There's no way to know the type of pit or skin they have. Personally, I have never bought a peach from the store that tasted very good.

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Supplies Needed for Canning Peaches

Water-bath canner
Jars with rings and lids
Canning funnel
Jar lifter
Magnet lid lifter

If you need everything, I suggest purchasing a waterbath canner kit. It's generally a better deal. It doesn't come with jars, rings or lids, but it comes with everything else you will need

How to Can Peaches

↓↓ To watch the video, click the link ↓↓

→ Canning Peaches Video ←

Start by filling a pot with water and bringing it to a boil. Add washed peaches to the water for 30-60 seconds. Immediately remove and run cold water over them.

The reason for boiling them is that it loosens the skins so they slide right off. This is why you want a slip skin and freestone pit. If you don't have that kind then it will be a lot more work.

I usually cut the peaches in half, remove the pit and then the skins.

There are two ways to can them, either halved or sliced. My mom always halves them. My mother-in-law slices them. I do whatever I feel like at the moment. If they are sliced then they are ready for peach cobbler, so that's the way I went this time.

To prevent browning, place 1 T. salt and 1 T. vinegar in a bowl filled with cold water.

Then place the peaches in the water as you peel them. Don't worry, you won't taste the salt or vinegar. This is an extra step that I think is totally worth it. The peaches stay so nice looking even a year later. If you skip this step, the peaches will still be edible, but they won't look as appetizing, especially over time.

Now it's time to get your jars ready. This was a job we did as kids. And now my kids do it.
Place 1/4 c. sugar in each bottle.

Now fill the jars up a little ways with hot water, to help dissolve the sugar.  I don't measure, just fill about the bottom 1/4 of the jar.

Next add your peaches, and fill to 1/2 inch from the top with water.

Add a lid and ring to the jar.

How long do peaches need to boil in a waterbath?

First of all, what exactly is a waterbath?

Basically, it is a process of placing smaller containers in a larger pot full of water and heating it. You will want to get a waterbath canner, that is specifically designed for canning.

Place jars in waterbath canner and process 25 minutes for pints, 30 minutes for quarts, adjusting for altitude. If you live above sea level, then you will have to add anywhere from 5-20 minutes depending on your altitude. The altitude chart is from Ball - a trusted source for canning safety information.

Don't forget to pin it!!

 

More Peach Recipes

• Peach Crisp
• Peach Pie Filling
• Peach Pie with Graham Cracker Crust