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Easy Canning Fresh Peaches in Light Honey Syrup

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A quick and simple method to can fresh peaches in a lightly sweetened honey syrup, preserving their natural flavor and texture for year-round enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds fresh peaches, ripe but firm
  • 1/2 cup honey (120 ml), preferably mild floral honey
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 4 cups water (960 ml), filtered or bottled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 vanilla bean pod

Instructions

  1. Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them in hot water for 10 minutes. Keep jars warm until ready to fill.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Score a small ‘X’ at the bottom of each peach. Drop peaches into boiling water for 30-60 seconds until skins loosen. Transfer peaches to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Peel skins off.
  3. Cut peeled peaches in half, remove pits, then slice into halves or quarters. Place sliced peaches in a bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. In a saucepan, combine water, honey, and sugar. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Add cinnamon or vanilla pod if using.
  5. Using a funnel, pack peach slices tightly but gently into warm jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Pour hot honey syrup over peaches, covering fruit and maintaining headspace.
  6. Run a non-metallic spatula or chopstick around jar edges to release trapped air bubbles. Wipe jar rims clean. Place lids on jars and screw bands finger-tight.
  7. Place jars in boiling water bath canner or large pot with water covering jars by 1-2 inches. Boil for 30 minutes to seal jars. Adjust time for altitude if necessary.
  8. Remove jars with lifter and set on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check lids for vacuum seal. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Notes

Use slightly firm peaches for best texture. Keep jars warm before filling to prevent breakage. Remove air bubbles before sealing jars. Adjust processing time for altitude. If jars don’t seal, refrigerate and consume within a week or reprocess within 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: canning peaches, honey syrup, preserved peaches, summer fruit, easy canning, homemade preserves, peach recipe