Peach Salsa for Canning: A Sweet and Spicy Summer Treat
Summer is the perfect time for juicy, ripe peaches. And what better way to capture that summer flavor than by making a delicious peach salsa? This recipe not only tastes amazing, but it's also easy to can, allowing you to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer all year round.
Ingredients:
- Peaches: Choose firm, ripe peaches, ideally freestone varieties.
- Onions: Red or white onions add a nice bite.
- Bell Peppers: Red or green bell peppers add color and sweetness.
- Jalapenos: Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- Garlic: For a deeper flavor.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the salsa and helps with preservation.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds sweetness.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peaches: Wash, peel, pit, and dice the peaches into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Onions: Peel and dice the onions into 1/4 inch pieces.
- Bell Peppers: Wash, core, and dice into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Jalapenos: Remove the seeds for less spice, or leave them in for a hotter salsa. Dice the peppers.
- Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced peaches, onions, bell peppers, jalapenos, garlic, lime juice, salt, and sugar.
- Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Can the Salsa:
- Sterilize jars: Wash and sterilize your canning jars, lids, and rings. You can either boil them in water for 10 minutes or use a dishwasher on the sanitize cycle.
- Fill the jars: Pack the salsa into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
- Process the jars: Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner (following the manufacturer's instructions) and process for 20 minutes for pints or 25 minutes for quarts at an altitude of 0-1,000 feet. Adjust processing time for higher altitudes.
- Cool and store: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. Check the lids to ensure they are sealed properly (they should be concave). Label and store the jars in a cool, dark place.
Tips:
- Spice it up: Add a tablespoon of chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
- Sweet or Spicy: Adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter salsa, use a little more sugar. For more heat, add more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Variety: Experiment with different types of peaches, peppers, and herbs for unique flavor combinations.
Enjoy your homemade peach salsa! It's delicious served with chips, tortilla wraps, or even on grilled chicken or fish.
