We Love Peach Season!
I grew up 30 minutes from Brigham City, Utah, yet I never new the passion and love for peach season.
Peach season in Brigham City is not just a fleeting moment; it is deeply rooted in the region's agricultural history. Local orchards have been cultivating peaches for over a century, passing down the art of peach farming from generation to generation.
The Perfect Climate
Utah's unique climate, with its cold winters and warm summers, provides the ideal conditions for growing peaches bursting with flavor. The crisp nights and sunny days during the growing season allow the fruit to develop a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Brigham City's fertile soil, rich with nutrients from the nearby Bear River, further contributes to the exceptional quality of its peaches.
The Festival:
The Brigham City Peach Days festival is the crown jewel of the peach season. Held annually in early September, this event is a celebration of all things peach. The festivities include a parade, live music, arts and crafts vendors, and of course, a mouthwatering selection of peach-themed treats, from peach cobbler to peach ice cream.
Culinary Delights:
Peach season in Brigham City isn't just about fresh fruit; it's also a culinary adventure. Local restaurants and bakeries incorporate peaches into a wide range of dishes, from savory salads to decadent desserts. There are so many fun recipes that we have tried with peaches. We love peach crisps, peach pie, peach salsa, just plain peaches, peach malt, we like adding peaches into fruit salads, we even tried peach cinnonman rolls this year, and much much more. We also love enjoying the peaches all year long, with our canned peaches.
As the warm days of summer start to wane, and the peach trees in your backyard or local orchard are heavy with ripe, juicy fruit, it's time to seize the opportunity to capture that seasonal sweetness. Canning peaches is a time-honored tradition that allows you to enjoy the flavors of summer long after the last peach has been plucked from the tree. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to preserve these delectable fruits for year-round enjoyment.
Why Can Peaches?
Canning peaches offers several benefits:
Preservation of Flavor: Canning peaches at their peak ripeness preserves their natural sweetness and flavor, ensuring you can savor the taste of summer even in the dead of winter.
Reduction of Food Waste: If you have an abundance of peaches, canning helps prevent waste and ensures that you can enjoy them throughout the year.
Control Over Ingredients: When you can your peaches, you have control over what goes into the jars, allowing you to limit additives and preservatives.
Materials You'll Need
Before diving into the canning process, gather these essential materials:
Fresh, ripe peaches
Canning jars with lids and bands
Water bath canner or pressure canner
Canning tools (jar lifter, lid lifter, funnel, and bubble remover)
Boiling water
Sugar (optional)
Syrup or water for packing
Step-by-Step Canning Process
Prepare the Peaches:
Wash, peel, and pit the peaches. You can blanch them briefly in boiling water to make peeling easier.
Prepare the Canning Jars:
Sterilize the jars, lids, and bands by placing them in simmering water for about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Syrup (Optional):
If you want to can your peaches in a sweet syrup, prepare it by dissolving sugar in water. The syrup's sweetness level can be adjusted to your preference.
Pack the Jars:
Place the prepared peaches into the sterilized jars, leaving some headspace at the top. You can pack them in syrup or simply use hot water.
Remove Air Bubbles:
Use a bubble remover tool or a non-metallic utensil to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
Wipe the Jar Rims:
Ensure the jar rims are clean and dry, as any residue can prevent a proper seal.
Apply Lids and Bands:
Place the sterilized lids on the jars and secure them with bands, but not too tightly.
Process the Jars:
Carefully place the filled jars into a water bath canner or pressure canner, ensuring they are covered with water. Process according to your recipe and altitude. Water bath canning typically takes around 25-35 minutes, while pressure canning is faster. Per Brigham City, Utah's altitude, I bath my peaches for 35 min.
Cool and Test Seals:
After processing, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a clean towel. Check that the lids have sealed by pressing down on the center. If they don't pop back, they are sealed.
Label and Store:
Label your canned peaches with the date and contents. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to 1-2 years.
So maybe your not the canning type, thats ok! Thrive life has freeze dried peaches that contain the flavor and the health benefits of peaches. They are freeze dried at their peak, they are delicious, convenient and easy to get your hands on. Try Thrive Life's freeze-dried Peaches today!
Conclusion
Canning peaches is a rewarding way to preserve the taste of summer. Whether you choose to can them in a light syrup or simple water, these golden jars of goodness will brighten your meals year-round. Enjoy your homemade canned peaches in cobblers, pies, yogurt, or simply on their own for a sweet taste of summer anytime you desire. We love Peach season in Brigham City, Utah, it is a time when nature's bounty and community spirit come together in perfect harmony. The combination of a rich agricultural heritage, a favorable climate, and a deep love for all things peach makes this season truly exceptional. Bring on the peaches!
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