How To Can Peaches In Honey Syrup

How to Can Peaches

For about a decade, we lived in a house with a peach tree in the backyard. Every few years we’d get a bumper crop, so I learned how to freeze peaches and can them. This recipe for canning peaches in a simple honey syrup is, hands down, my favorite way to preserve peaches. It’s actually the only food I will go out of my way to can each summer—they’re that good. So if you have excess peaches or you see peaches for a really great price (I just got a half bushel at the farmer’s market for $1 a pound), this is a wonderful option.

Peaches in Honey Syrup

The peaches in this recipe are preserved in a honey simple syrup that’s a combination of honey and water. It adds amazing flavor, and you can use the syrup from the jar over pancakes, plain yogurt, and ice cream, or to sweeten smoothies. You don’t have to pre-cook or peel the peaches before you process them, which makes this method even better. This is great for everyone over age 1. (Avoid honey for babies.) (You may also like Peach Yogurt, Stewed Peaches, Peach Crisp and Peach Muffins.)

Ingredients You Need

To be prepared for how to can peaches, you will need the following ingredients and equipment. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Peaches: Any type of peaches work well here, and they can be ripe or just underripe. It doesn’t matter. Lemon: A little lemon juice helps prevent the peach slices from browning as you cut them, and get the various aspects of the process going. Honey: We mix honey with water and pour it over the peaches to preserve them in the jars. Canning jars with lids and bands, large pot with rack, canning tongs, and a timer: I prefer wide-mouth half-pint jars for this recipe, as I find that size to be easiest to fill.

TIP: This works best on a high-powered burner with your vent on, as the pot will boil for a long period of time and you want to make sure that steam isn’t all staying in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at how to can peaches in broad strokes so you know what to expect. Scroll down to the end of this post for the specific information.

How to Store

Store cooled jars of canned peaches in a cool, dry place for up to a year. (We usually store in our basement.) Once you open a jar, store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Best Tips for Success

Serve the peaches with plain yogurt, Yogurt Waffles, Yogurt Pancakes, vanilla ice cream, or oatmeal, or in a bowl on their own. Avoid honey for babies under age 1. Use any variety of peaches you like. They can be ripe or underripe. (It works best if they’re not overripe.) Review the basics for food safety and water bath canning.

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