Preserving the Harvest

Preserving, I like that word. It brings to mind images of the hustle and bustle of hands and hips and aprons. It has only been in the last few years that we have actually had enough extra fruit to preserve. Together, my daughter and I are going through the age old movements that our great grandmothers went through. Picking, packing, washing, peeling, and boiling, all of this while breathing in the sweet aroma of cooking peaches in a steamy kitchen. This process makes me realize what we've been missing. Our peach trees have brought us to this place, giving us fruit to share and keep. We have reached across generations and seasons to continue this simple tradition. I can sum all the work that we have done in one word. Satisfying!

While researching the best methods and techniques to preserve our harvest, we were amazed at the wonderful sites filled with information, support and recipes. While we could go into more details about our canning adventures, these sites do a much better job of explaining the details of preserving your fruit at the peak of its flavor.

Here are some of our favorites. Check em' out while you enjoy a few images of our peach jammin' adventure!

Sweet Preservation

Saving the Season

Canning Across America

Food in Jars

Ball Canning Website

Cannin and Jammin

Consider the Pantry

Put a Lid on It

Sherri Brooks Vinton

American Home Canning

Except for our August Pride peach tree, (which is only 2 years old and has only ten peaches on it) all of our trees have been harvested. I will however, be receiving a shipment of Utah peaches at the end of August. If you would like to order peaches for your own peach canning party, please contact me before August 20th at Jill@sweetlifegarden.com.

Have a Sweet Summer!