Raw-Pack Peaches in Light Syrup

Ingredients

• 2 lbs peaches, per quart (up to 3 lbs)
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 5 1/4 cups water
• fruit fresh (or other fruit protector)

Directions

1. 1

   Wash jars and bands in hot, soapy water. Cover lids with hot water according to package directions. Place jars on rack in deep pot of boiling water. Turn off heat and let jars stand in hot water 10 minutes or until ready to fill.

2. 2

   To prepare peaches: Wash peaches; dip in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drop in ice water to loosen skins. Remove skins. Cut in half; remove pits and scrape away the red fibers around the pit, which can darken during storage. Place peaches in prepared fruit protector according to package directions.

3. 3

   Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Keep syrup hot. Drain peaches. Pack peach halves, cut-side down, into hot jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a nonmetallic spatula.

4. 4

   Wipe jar rims and threads. Place lids and bands on jars. Place jars on rack in deep stockpot of water. Cover, bring to a boil and process 25 minutes for pints, 30 minutes for quarts. Remove jars from hot water and place, not touching, on dish towel. Cool several hours or overnight. Test seals before storing.