Easiest Way to Can Peaches

You will need:

1. 10 large peaches (try to find peaches that are firm, not mushy or they may fall apart under the heat)

2. 2 cups of sugar

3. 8 cups of water

4. 8 pint jars, lids and rings

Step one: Boil peaches for three minutes and then drop them in ice water. Blanching them will make it easier to peel them

Step two: Peel, pit and slice peaches into 1/2" thick slices. Leaving the sliced peaches in a bowl with water and lemon juice can keep the fruit from browning.

Step three: Divide peach slices into jars. Be sure to leave 1/2" of head space. You can fit up to four peaches per jar. You will notice the peaches will float. You can boil the peach slices for a minute or two to remove some air from the slices. This will keep them from floating in the jar, allowing you to fit more per jar. But boiling them for too long can make them mushy.

Make sure you sterilize your jars and lids before using them. The smallest amount of bacteria can ruin your canned goods.

Step four: Bring water and sugar to a boil. Ladle the syrup into the jars. Maintain a 1/2" of head space. Seal the jars. Be sure to get all of the air bubbles out of the jar before sealing.

Step five: Fill a stock pot half full of water. Bring it to a boil. Use tongs to lower jars into the water. Let water boil for 30 minutes. Be sure to sterilize your jars, lids and rings in boiling water before using them. Any bacteria in the jar or on the lid can ruin the peaches.

Step six: Remove jars and let them cool at room temperature for 10 hours.

Be sure to store your canned goods in a cool dry place. If you don't have peach trees but you still want to can peaches for the year. Try to stock up in the fall when people harvest their fruit. You will get the lowest price of the year and since you are canning them to use them later you can save a bit of money.