It’s been all about peaches this week
(and painting, but we’ll get to that tomorrow)
For me, canning is a bit of an art form.
A domestic activity that few people do these days, which is probably due to lack of necessity. After all, Libby’s and Del Monte do a decent job of getting the fruit in the can.
It’s a pretty simple process . . .
1. Put peaches in a pot of boiling water for about 30 seconds.
2. Remove from hot water and put into cold water.
3. “Slip the skins” – a.k.a. peel. (the kids loved to do this part when they were punks helping me)
4. Place peeled peaches in water with Fruit Fresh. Cut peaches to the size you like, and remove the pit.
5. Put peaches in squeaky clean warm jars (straight from the dishwasher is perfect), then pour a sugar/water syrup in jar to fill.
Use a utensil (preferably non-metallic) to let air bubbles out.
6. Lids, from boiling water go on top, then the ring to hold lid in place.
7. Next it’s the hot water bath – for 30 minutes.
8. After 30 minutes, remove from canner.
9. Set on counter to cool and listen for the music of the popping jar lids sealing!
10. Admire the fruits of your labor!
Once you’ve had home-canned peaches and pears, the stuff from the stores just won’t do. This is only about 1/3 of the amount I used to can when the kids were little!
As I was “putting up” these peaches I thought back to 20 years ago when I was putting up peaches and pears at about this time, maybe a week later in September. Cara was 2 years, 9 months, Nate was almost 15 months, and Danae was due in 2 weeks! WHAT was I thinking? Oh for the energy of my youth, and to have my babies back for a day. Just a day. I like them as adults now. But, I digress.
Peaches. Canning. I learned from my mom and grandma, and now I refer to the best book on canning ever, that mom gave me about 20 years ago! Thanks mom, I’ve used it well!
Ready to can? Pears are next!
Cheri