13 Ways to Preserve Peaches for All Year Enjoyment

I love peaches. They are so sweet, juicy, and there’s nothing better on a warm fall day than enjoying biting into one and having peach juice dribble down your chin.

peaches

Peach pie, peach muffins, peach cobbler are all on the menu when peaches come into season.

When peach season comes in, it’s for a short time. Here are a few ways to preserve peaches to enjoy them all year long.

What To Do Before Preserving Peaches

Peaches are a favorite fruit for many people, and there are many ways to preserve them so that they can be enjoyed all year round.

Peaches can be preserved by canning, freezing, or dehydrating, along with many other methods that I’ll tell you about in more detail below.

Before preserving peaches, it is important to make sure that they are ripe but firm. If the peaches are too ripe, they will fall apart when they are preserved. If the peaches are not ripe enough, they will be tough and difficult to eat.

Once the peaches are the right ripeness, they need to be blanched in order to remove the skins. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you how to do this.

The skins can then be removed by gently rubbing them with your fingers or a blunt knife.

After the skins have been removed, the peaches can be cut into slices or cubes and then preserved according to your preferred method.

How to Blanch Peaches

Blanching peaches is a simple process that can help to preserve their flavor and texture. First, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

How to Blanch Peaches (or any fruit or veggie!)

Next, carefully lower the peaches into the water using a slotted spoon. Allow them to cook for two minutes, then remove them from the pot and place them in a bowl of ice water.

Once they are cooled, remove the skin from the peaches by slipping it off with your fingers.

Canning Peaches

Canning is the easiest way for many to preserve peaches.

Peaches are actually canned using a water bath, a beginner-friendly canning method that also requires less expensive equipment.

Peaches are pantry storage ready in less than an hour from start to finish.

You can enjoy your canned peaches in several ways, from yogurts to smoothies to ice cream. Again, they’re a great way to learn how to can things.

Preserve Peaches by Dehydrating Them

Dehydrating is a great way to preserve peaches and have them for quick snacks. Dehydrated peaches are great for mixing in granola, trail mix, or packing up for camping or hiking.

Food Preservation How to Dehydrate Peaches

They can have a bit of a sour tart taste, but are still delicious. To get them ready for the dehydrator:

  1. Follow the above directions to peel and pit the peaches. Leaving the skin on can cause them to get bitter or tough.
  2. Cut into equal-sized slices and place in a large bowl.
  3. For dehydrated peach chips, slice in thin slices instead of chopping into pieces.
  4. To avoid over-browning, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of bottled lemon juice over every 15 peaches, and stir to coat.
  5. Lay the peaches in a single layer on your dehydrator sheet and turn on medium.
  6. Dehydrate for 24-26 hours until the peaches bend, but are still dry all the way through.
  7. Store in a tightly covered container for up to a year.

If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can put them in a low oven at 200 F (93 C) for 12-24 hours, checking every 2 hours after the first 12.

Preserve Peaches by Freezing Them

Freezing peaches for pie makes holiday baking quick and easy. Frozen peaches are also great in smoothies. Freezing requires very little heat or standing over a stove, and is so quick to do.

Freezing Peaches. How to Freeze Peaches the Easy Way
  1. First, follow the directions to peel your peaches. Leaving the skin on when freezing can make them tough when using later, so it’s best to remove the skin.
  2. Cut into quarters and place in a bowl.
  3. For how to freeze peaches without them turning brown, add 2 teaspoons lemon juice over all the peaches. Toss to coat.
  4. Then, to “flash freeze”, lay in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with freezer paper.
  5. Allow to freeze overnight.
  6. Place the frozen peach slices in a freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 6 months.

Freezing Peaches in Syrup

Peaches are a delicious summer fruit, but they can be enjoyed year-round if you take the time to freeze them in syrup.

Freezing peaches in syrup is a great way to preserve their fresh flavor and texture, and it also allows you to enjoy them in a wide variety of recipes. Peaches can be used in pies, cobblers, smoothies, and even ice cream.

And because they are already in syrup, you don’t have to worry about adding any extra sugar. Freezing peaches in syrup is a quick and easy way to enjoy this delicious fruit all year long.

Here’s a quick guide that will tell you exactly how to do it.

jars of brandied peaches and raspberries
jars of brandied peaches and raspberries

Preserving Peaches in Alcohol

When you preserve peaches in brandy or rum, you are left with a delicious treat.

Wonderful as a shortcake topping, over ice cream, or even by themselves, they make a great hostess or holiday gift! To make these, simply:

  1. Peel, pit and cut into slices 4 peaches for every quart jar.
  2. Add 1/2 cup sugar directly over the peaches.
  3. Slid in one vanilla bean per quart jar (optional)
  4. Cover with your choice of brandy, leaving about 1 inch headspace at the top.
  5. Carefully shake the jar to mix.
  6. Store in a cool, dark place, shaking every couple of days.

The peaches will be ready after 6 weeks. To serve, simply spoon the peaches over cakes or ice cream.

Making Peach Jelly or Jam

One of the best ways to enjoy peaches is to make peach jam. Peach jam is easy to make and can be used in a number of different ways. It can be spread on toast or used as a filling for pies and pastries.

It can also be added to yogurt or oatmeal for a quick and healthy breakfast. Plus, making your own peach jam is a great way to use up extra peaches. So if you find yourself with an abundance of this summer fruit, be sure to give peach jam a try.

Here’s a recipe for making peach jam that uses pectin.

Peach Jam Without Pectin

While store-bought jams often contain synthetic ingredients like pectin, it’s easy to make your own delicious preserve using only fresh peaches and a little sugar.

Not only is this method healthier, but it also allows the natural flavors of the fruit to shine through.

Peaches are high in pectin, so there’s no need to add any additional pectin when making this specific jam (recipe here). The sugar helps to thicken the jam and ensures that it will set properly. When made with care, peach jam can be enjoyed for many months to come.

Peach Puree

One of the best ways to preserve peaches is to make peach puree. To make peach puree, wash and peel the peaches, then remove the pits and chop the fruit into small pieces. Place the chopped peaches in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.

Here’s a full tutorial.

Once the puree is complete, it can be canned or frozen for later use. Peach puree can be used in a variety of recipes, such as pies, cobblers, jams, and even smoothies.

In addition to being delicious, peach puree is also a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It also makes great baby food!

Make and Can Peach Pie Filling

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy fresh peaches all year round, then you should definitely try making your own peach pie filling.

The process is actually quite simple. First, you’ll need to cook the peaches until they’re soft. Then, you’ll need to puree the peaches and add sugar, lemon juice, and spices to taste.

Once the mixture is smooth, you can either can it for long-term storage or freeze it for later use.

Either way, you’ll have a delicious peach pie filling that will bring the taste of summer to your table all year long! Here’s a recipe to follow.

Freeze-Dried Peaches

One way to extend the life of your peaches is to freeze-dry them. Freeze drying is a process that removes water from food while preserving its nutrients and flavor.

Freeze-dried peaches can be stored for months or even years, and they will retain their fresh taste and texture.

Additionally, freeze-dried fruits are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a great option for hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor adventures.

Wondering how to freeze-dried peaches? You can find a recipe here.

Peach Salsa

One of the best ways to use fresh peaches is in salsa. Peach salsa is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal, and it’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients. In addition to being delicious, peach salsa is also healthy.

Peaches are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. They also contain antioxidants, which can help to protect against cancer and other diseases. So next time you have some extra peaches, be sure to try making peach salsa. Your taste buds will thank you!

Here’s a recipe you can follow.

Make Peach Butter

Peach butter is a delicious way to use up extra peaches. It is simple to make and can be used in a variety of ways.

Peach butter can be spread on toast or used as a filling for pies or pastries. It can also be added to oatmeal or yogurt for a boost of flavor. Peaches are a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium.

By making peach butter, you can enjoy the benefits of these nutrients while also reducing food waste. Making your own peach butter is also a great way to save money.

Store-bought peach butter can be expensive, but you can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. When made with fresh, ripe peaches, peach butter is sure to please everyone in the family.

Best yet, peach butter can be canned, so it will last for years to come. Here’s a recipe for how to do it.

DIY Peach Syrup

While many people are familiar with the classic breakfast combination of pancakes and maple syrup, there are other options that can be just as delicious.

One option is peach syrup, which can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Peaches are naturally high in sugar, so no additional sweetener is needed.

The fruit also provides a lovely color and flavor that pairs well with pancakes. In addition, peach syrup is a great way to use up ripe peaches that may otherwise go to waste.

Here’s a simple recipe to follow.

Don’t Do Anything With Them At All!

Last but not least, you do always have the option of just storing your peaches in the regenerator.

Remember that peaches have a short shelf life and must be stored properly to prevent them from going bad. The first step is to check the peaches for signs of damage, such as bruising or soft spots. These peaches should be eaten immediately or frozen for future use.

The next step is to select a storage container that is large enough to hold all of the peaches in a single layer. If they are too crowded, they will bruise more easily. The container should also have a lid to keep out moisture and pests.

Once the peaches are in the container, they should be placed in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to five days.

How do you preserve your garden bounty? What is your favorite way to preserve peaches? Be sure to pin this for later

preserve peaches pin

4 thoughts on “13 Ways to Preserve Peaches for All Year Enjoyment”

      1. Peach pit jelly is one of my all time favorites!
        Not many people seem to know about this, but it’s delicious.

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