Peach Salsa: A Summer Delight to Enjoy All Year Round
Peaches are a summer favorite, and their sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy zest of a salsa. This recipe combines the juicy sweetness of peaches with the heat of jalapenos, the coolness of red onions, and the freshness of cilantro for a vibrant salsa that's perfect for dipping, topping, or even enjoying on its own. The best part? You can easily can this salsa, allowing you to savor the taste of summer even when the seasons change.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (about 4 pounds)
- 1 large red onion, diced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1-2 jalapeno peppers, minced (adjust to your desired heat level)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preparing the Salsa:
- Dice the peaches: Peel the peaches and dice them into small pieces.
- Chop the onion: Dice the red onion.
- Combine ingredients: Combine the diced peaches, diced onion, diced tomatoes and green chilies, jalapeno peppers, cilantro, lime juice, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Stir well: Stir the salsa mixture until everything is well combined.
Canning the Salsa:
- Sterilize jars and lids: Wash the jars and lids in hot soapy water. Sterilize the jars by boiling them in a pot of water for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Fill jars: Ladle the hot salsa into the hot, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
- Remove air bubbles: Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth. Remove any air bubbles by running a butter knife around the inside of the jar.
- Process jars: Place the filled jars in a canner, making sure the water is at least an inch above the tops of the jars. Process the jars for 20 minutes (for high altitude, add an additional 5 minutes).
- Remove jars: Carefully lift the jars from the canner and place them on a clean kitchen towel to cool completely. Listen for the satisfying "pop" as the jars seal.
Storing and Enjoying:
- Once the jars have completely cooled, you can store them in a cool, dark place. They should be good for up to a year.
- Enjoy your peach salsa on tacos, burritos, nachos, chips, or as a condiment for grilled meats and fish.
Tips for Making the Best Peach Salsa:
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor.
- Adjust the heat of the salsa by adding more or fewer jalapenos.
- For a smoother salsa, puree a portion of the peaches before adding them to the mixture.
- Get creative with your additions! Try adding chopped mango, pineapple, or bell peppers for a unique flavor twist.
Now you can enjoy the sweetness of summer all year round! This recipe is a delicious way to capture the taste of fresh peaches and make them last through the changing seasons. Enjoy!
