Canned Peaches

Ingredients

• 6 pounds Peaches (Freestone peaches are recommended for easier pitting.)
• 1.5 cups Sugar (Adjust to taste, depending on the sweetness of the peaches.)
• 6 cups Water (For the syrup.)
• 0.25 cup Lemon juice (Optional, helps preserve color and adds acidity.)

Instructions

1. 1Wash canning jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep jars hot until ready to use. Place lids in a small saucepan and simmer in hot water (not boiling) to soften the sealing compound.
2. 2Wash peaches thoroughly. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently lower peaches into the boiling water for 30-60 seconds, or until the skins loosen. Remove peaches with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Peel the skins off the peaches. Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. You can also cut them into smaller pieces if desired.
3. 3In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. 4Pack the peach halves or pieces into the hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Pour the hot syrup over the peaches, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping the jars on the counter or using a non-metallic utensil. Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth.
5. 5Place lids on the jars and screw on the rings fingertip-tight. Process in a boiling water bath canner for 20 minutes for pint jars, adjusting for altitude. After processing, turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool completely. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound as the lids seal. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn't flex, it's sealed. If the lid flexes, the jar is not sealed and should be reprocessed with a new lid or refrigerated.