Quantity: An average of 17-1/2 pounds is needed per canner load of 7
quarts; an average of 11 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints. A
bushel weighs 48 pounds and yields 16 to 24 quarts--an average of 2-1/2
pounds per quart.

Quality: Choose ripe, mature fruit of ideal quality for eating fresh or
cooking.

Procedure: Dip fruit in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds until skins
loosen. Dip quickly in cold water and slip off skins. Cut in half, remove
pits and slice if desired. To prevent darkening, keep peeled fruit in
ascorbic acid solution. Prepare and boil a very light, light, or medium
syrup or pack peaches in water, apple juice, or white grape juice. Raw
packs make poor quality peaches.

Hot pack — In a large saucepan place drained fruit in syrup, water, or
juice and bring to boil. Fill jars with hot fruit and cooking liquid,
leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Place halves in layers, cut side down.

Raw pack — Fill jars with raw fruit, cut side down, and add hot water,
juice, or syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.

Adjust lids and process.

Table 1. Recommended process time for Peaches, halved or sliced in a
boiling-water canner.

Style of Pack: Hot. Jar Size: Pints. Process Time at Altitudes of 0 –
1,000 ft: 20 min.
1,001 – 3,000 ft: 25 min.
3,001 – 6,000 ft: 30 min.
Above 6,000 ft: 35 min.

Style of Pack: Hot. Jar Size: Quarts. Process Time at Altitudes of 0 –
1,000 ft: 25 min.
1,001 – 3,000 ft: 30 min.
3,001 – 6,000 ft: 35 min.
Above 6,000 ft: 40 min.

Style of Pack: Raw. Jar Size: Pints. Process Time at Altitudes of 0 –
1,000 ft: 25 min.
1,001 – 3,000 ft: 30 min.
3,001 – 6,000 ft: 35 min.
Above 6,000 ft: 40 min.

Style of Pack: Raw. Jar Size: Quarts. Process Time at Altitudes of 0 –
1,000 ft: 30 min.
1,001 – 3,000 ft: 35 min.
3,001 – 6,000 ft: 40 min.
Above 6,000 ft: 45 min.

Table 2. Recommended process time for Peaches in a dial-gauge pressure
canner.

Style of Pack: Hot and Raw. Jar Size: Pints or Quarts. Process Time: 10
mins. Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of 0 – 2,000 ft: 6 lb.
2,001 – 4,000 ft: 7 lb.
4,001 – 6,000 ft: 8 lb.
6,001 – 8,000 ft: 9 lb.

Table 3. Recommended process time for Peaches in a weighted-gauge pressure
canner.

Style of Pack: Hot and Raw. Jar Size: Pints or Quarts. Process Time: 10
mins. Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of 0 – 1,000 ft: 5 lb.
Above 1,000 ft: 10 lb.

* USDA
Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539 (rev. 1994) * format
courtesy of