How To Can Peaches In Water

You can can peaches in water by peeling them, packing them into clean jars, and covering them with a light sugar syrup or plain boiling water before processing them in a water bath canner.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to can peaches in water, the good news is that it’s one of the simplest home canning projects you can tackle.
 
You don’t need fancy equipment beyond a large pot, some mason jars, and a little patience.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to can peaches in water step by step, plus a few tips to keep your peaches safe and delicious.
 
Let’s get started.
 

How to Can Peaches in Water: What You’ll Need

Before you can peaches in water, gather your supplies so the process moves smoothly from start to finish.
 
Here’s what you’ll need to can peaches in water safely and easily:
 

1. Fresh, Firm Peaches

The best peaches for canning in water are ripe but still firm, not mushy.
 
Soft peaches turn to mush once they’re processed, while firm ones hold their shape.
 
You’ll want about 2 to 3 pounds of peaches per quart jar, depending on their size.
 

2. Clean Mason Jars and Lids

You can can peaches in water using quart or pint jars, whichever fits your family’s needs.
 
Wash your jars in hot, soapy water and keep them warm until you’re ready to fill them.
 
Always use new lids to can peaches in water, since used lids may not seal properly.
 

3. A Water Bath Canner or Large Stockpot

To can peaches in water, you’ll need a pot deep enough to cover the jars with at least 1 to 2 inches of water.
 
A rack at the bottom keeps the jars from touching the pot directly, which prevents cracking.
 
If you don’t own a canner, a large stockpot with a towel or rack on the bottom can work too.
 

Step-by-Step Guide to Can Peaches in Water

Learning how to can peaches in water comes down to a few straightforward steps, so let’s break them down one by one.
 

1. Peel and Pit Your Peaches

To peel peaches easily, drop them into boiling water for about 30 to 60 seconds, then move them straight into an ice bath.
 
The skins will slip right off, which makes the whole process of how to can peaches in water so much faster.
 
Cut each peach in half, remove the pit, and slice them however you like.
 

2. Prepare Your Water or Syrup

When you can peaches in water, you can use plain boiling water or a light syrup made from 1 part sugar to 4 parts water.
 
Plain water keeps the calories low, while a light syrup helps the peaches hold their texture and flavor.
 
Either way works, so choose based on what you prefer when you can peaches in water.
 

3. Pack the Jars

Pack your peach halves or slices into the warm jars, cut side down, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
 
Pour your hot water or syrup over the peaches, making sure they’re fully covered while still leaving that ½ inch of headspace.
 
Run a plastic knife or bubble remover around the inside of the jar to release trapped air, which is an important step when you can peaches in water.
 

4. Wipe, Seal, and Process

Wipe the rims of your jars with a clean, damp cloth, then place the lids and bands on finger-tight.
 
Lower the jars into your canner of boiling water, making sure they’re covered by 1 to 2 inches of water.
 
Process quart jars for 25 minutes and pint jars for 20 minutes at a full rolling boil, adjusting for altitude if needed.
 
Once the time is up, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars sit for 5 minutes before lifting them out.
 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When You Can Peaches in Water

Knowing how to can peaches in water also means knowing what not to do, so keep these pitfalls in mind.
 

1. Using Overripe Peaches

Overripe peaches fall apart during processing, so pick firm ones when you can peaches in water.
 

2. Skipping the Headspace

Too little headspace can cause siphoning, where liquid escapes during processing and ruins the seal.
 

3. Forgetting to Adjust for Altitude

If you live above 1,000 feet, you’ll need to add processing time to can peaches in water safely.
 

So, Can You Can Peaches in Water?

You can can peaches in water, and it’s honestly one of the easiest ways to preserve a summer harvest.
 
Just peel them, pack them into clean jars, cover them with water or light syrup, and process them in a boiling water bath.
 
Once you know how to can peaches in water, you’ll never look at a basket of fresh peaches the same way again.
 
Happy canning.