Pickled Peaches

Serves: 3

Clair Leannon

1 January 1970

Based on User reviews:

53

Spice

54

Sweetness

47

Sourness

41

mins

Prep time (avg)

4.7

Difficulty

Ingredients:

6.5 cups

Water (cold)

2.5 cups

Sugar

1 tsp

Kosher Salt

Directions:

1

Cut a shallow X in bottom of each peach with a sharp paring knife and blanch in 4 batches in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling water 10 to 15 seconds

2

Prepare peaches: Dissolve vitamin C powder in 6 cups water in a large bowl (to acidulate water)

3

Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl of ice and cold water and let stand until cool enough to handle

4

Peel peaches, then halve lengthwise and pit

5

Add peaches to acidulated water and let stand 10 minutes, then drain well in a colander

6

Toss peaches with sugar in a 6-quart wide heavy pot and chill, covered, at least 8 and up to 12 hours

7

Dissolve vitamin C powder in 6 cups water in a large bowl (to acidulate water)

8

Cut a shallow X in bottom of each peach with a sharp paring knife and blanch in 4 batches in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling water 10 to 15 seconds

9

Transfer with a slotted spoon to a large bowl of ice and cold water and let stand until cool enough to handle

10

Peel peaches, then halve lengthwise and pit

11

Add peaches to acidulated water and let stand 10 minutes, then drain well in a colander

12

Toss peaches with sugar in a 6-quart wide heavy pot and chill, covered, at least 8 and up to 12 hours

13

Sterilize jars and lids: Wash jars, lids, and screw bands in hot soapy water, then rinse well

14

Dry screw bands

15

Put jars on rack in canner and add enough water to cover jars by 2 inches

16

Bring to a boil, covered, then boil 10 minutes

17

Cover lids with water in a small saucepan and heat until thermometer registers 180°F (do not let boil)

18

Keep jars and lids submerged in hot water, covered, until ready to use

19

Wash jars, lids, and screw bands in hot soapy water, then rinse well

20

Dry screw bands

21

Put jars on rack in canner and add enough water to cover jars by 2 inches

22

Bring to a boil, covered, then boil 10 minutes

23

Cover lids with water in a small saucepan and heat until thermometer registers 180°F (do not let boil)

24

Keep jars and lids submerged in hot water, covered, until ready to use

25

Cook and can peaches: Add vinegar, spice, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup water to peaches (sugar will have dissolved and will have drawn out peach juices) and bring to a boil over moderate heat, skimming off foam

26

Reduce heat and simmer until peaches are barely tender, about 3 minutes

27

Remove jars and lids from water, reserving water in canner, and transfer to a clean kitchen towel, then divide peaches among jars using a slotted spoon

28

Return peach-cooking liquid to a boil, then pour into jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at top

29

Run a thin knife between peaches and sides of jars to eliminate air bubbles

30

Add vinegar, spice, salt, and remaining 1/2 cup water to peaches (sugar will have dissolved and will have drawn out peach juices) and bring to a boil over moderate heat, skimming off foam

31

Reduce heat and simmer until peaches are barely tender, about 3 minutes

32

Remove jars and lids from water, reserving water in canner, and transfer to a clean kitchen towel, then divide peaches among jars using a slotted spoon

33

Return peach-cooking liquid to a boil, then pour into jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at top

34

Run a thin knife between peaches and sides of jars to eliminate air bubbles

35

Seal and process jars: Wipe off rims of filled jars with a dampened kitchen towel, then firmly screw on lids with screw bands

36

Put sealed jars on rack in canner and, if necessary, add enough hot water to cover jars by 2 inches

37

Bring to a boil, covered

38

Boil jars 20 minutes, then transfer with tongs to a towel-lined surface to cool

39

Jars will seal as they cool (if you hear a ping, that signals that the vacuum formed at the top of the jar has made the lid concave)

40

After jars have cooled 12 to 24 hours, press center of each lid to check that it's concave, then remove screw band and try to lift off lid with your fingertips

41

If you can't, the lid has a good seal

42

Store in a cool dry place up to 6 months

43

Promptly put any jars that haven't sealed in the refrigerator and use them first

44

Wipe off rims of filled jars with a dampened kitchen towel, then firmly screw on lids with screw bands

45

Put sealed jars on rack in canner and, if necessary, add enough hot water to cover jars by 2 inches

46

Bring to a boil, covered

47

Boil jars 20 minutes, then transfer with tongs to a towel-lined surface to cool

48

Jars will seal as they cool (if you hear a ping, that signals that the vacuum formed at the top of the jar has made the lid concave)

49

After jars have cooled 12 to 24 hours, press center of each lid to check that it's concave, then remove screw band and try to lift off lid with your fingertips

50

If you can't, the lid has a good seal

51

Store in a cool dry place up to 6 months

52

Promptly put any jars that haven't sealed in the refrigerator and use them first