How to Preserve Stone Fruits
How to preserve stone fruits is a fast and easy way to pickle a variety of summer abundance and will allow you to enjoy peaches, plums, and nectarines all year round.
Equipment
- Pint-size jars with seals and bands; hot water canner (optional)
Ingredients
For the pickling brine
- 2 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/4 cups cold water
- 9 ounces granulated or raw sugar
- 2 pounds 4 ounces firm ripe stone fruit of your choice, such as peaches, plums, or nectarines, cut into quarters or wedges
For each jar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 allspice berries
- 1 clove
- 5 black peppercorns
Instructions
Make the pickling brine
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer and then turn off the heat.
Make the jars of pickled stone fruits
- Sterilize 3 or 4 pint jars (500 ml jars) in boiling water.
- When the jars are cool enough to handle, place the spices in the bottom of each jar. Pack the fruit firmly into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) space at the top.
☞ TESTER TIP: Make certain you use very firm fruit—soft fruit will break down too quickly in the jar.
- Return the brine to a boil and carefully pour it over the fruit, making sure all the fruit is completely submerged, still leaving 1/2 inch (12 mm) headspace in the jar.
- Remove any air bubbles by gently tapping each jar on the work surface and sliding a clean butter knife or chopstick along the inside rim to release any hidden air pockets. Wipe the rims of the jars with a paper towel or a clean damp cloth and seal.
- Process in a hot water canner or a large pot for 15 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For more information on processing or home canning, check out the USDA’s Complete Guide to Home Canning.
- Store your pickled stone fruits in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
Nutrition
Serving: 1portion | Calories: 145kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g