Peach Pie Filling

Quality: Select ripe, but firm fresh peaches. Red Haven, Redskin, Sun High, and other varieties of similar quality are suitable.

Yield: 1 quart or 7 quarts.

Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Procedure: See Table 1 for suggested quantities. Peel peaches. To loosen skins, submerge peaches in boiling water for approximately 30-60 seconds, and then place in cold water for 20 seconds. Slip off skins and prepare slices 1/2-inch thick. Place slices in water containing 1/2 tsp. of ascorbic acid crystals or six 500-milligram vitamin C tablets in 1 gallon of water to prevent browning.

For fresh fruit, place 6 cups at a time in 1 gallon boiling water. Boil each batch 1 minute after the water returns to a boil. Drain but keep heated fruit in a covered bowl or pot. Combine water, sugar, Clear Jel®, and, if desired, cinnamon and/or almond extract in a large kettle. Stir and cook over medium high heat until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Add lemon juice and boil sauce 1 minute more, stirring constantly. Fold in drained peach slices and continue to heat mixture for 3 minutes. Fill jars without delay, leaving 1 inch head-space. Adjust lids and process immediately according to the recommendations in Table 2.

Table 1. Peach Pie Filling
  Quantities of Ingredients Needed For
  1 Quart 7 Quarts
Sliced fresh peaches 3-1/2 cups 6 quarts
Granulated sugar 1 cup 7 cups
Clear Jel® 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp 2 cups + 3 tbsp
Cold water 3/4 cup 5-1/4 cups
Cinnamon (optional) 1/8 tsp 1 tsp
Almond extract (optional) 1/8 tsp 1 tsp
Bottled lemon juice 1/4 cup 1-3/4 cups

 

Table 2. Recommended process time for Peach Pie Filling in a boiling-water canner.
  Process Time at Elevations of
Style of Pack Jar Size 0 - 1,000 ft 1,001 -3,000 ft 3,001 - 6,000 ft Above 6,000 ft
Hot Pints or Quarts 30 min 35 40 45

This document was adapted from the "Complete Guide to Home Canning," Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA, revised 2015.