Here in South West Australia, Summer is still hanging on by a thread throwing in an above 30 day every now and then and keeping the woolens at bay. Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. Depending on your freezer, the freezing process can take anywhere from around four hours to an entire day. This will help them keep … Choose nectarines that are ripe (slightly soft) and free from blemishes or bruises. They are a smooth-skinned peach and are the same species as the peach. Elberta is less acceptable. What to Look For: Look for fragrant nectarines with taut skin. www.ecurry.com/blog/condiments-dips-and-sauces/nectarine-preserve Freezing is the recommended method for preserving white-flesh peaches. How to Freeze Berries. Nope! But the seasons are surely changing and with the seasons comes a welcomed change in the local produce. Freezing nectarines – and other summer fruits – couldn’t be easier. Label each bag with the fruit name and date. Freezing is the easiest way to preserve all types of fresh berries. There are a few different ways to store them depending on what your particular needs are. 10 pounds apricots or 10 pounds nectarines or 12 pounds peaches. Rinse the fruit—and don’t forget to remove labels. Peaches must be packed in a solution of water and … Sort of. Nectarines (Prunus persica nectarina) are fruit that grow on trees in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 8. Wash your fruit. Elizabeth Yetter has been writing about food and gardening since 2006. Fill the jars, leaving 1/2″ headspace. How to Make Nectarine Jam Using the Conserve Method. Place the baking sheet or stone into the freezer until the fruit hardens. Place peach or nectarine slices onto the baking sheet or stone. National Center for Home Food Preservation: Selecting, Preparing and Canning Fruit, National Center for Home Food Preservation: Maintaining Color and Flavor in Canned Food, National Center for Home Food Preservation: Syrups for Canning Fruit, Utah State University Extension: Using Boiling Water Canners, The Encyclopedia of Country Living: An Old Fashioned Recipe Book; Carla Emery. Blanch the whole fruit by gently placing it in boiling water for 30 seconds (I like using a slotted spoon). M.H. Place the frozen fruit in zip-top bags, like these reusable freezer storage bags. Nutrition-wise, “Nectarines provide twice the vitamin A, slightly more vitamin C, and much more potassium than peaches,” according to the University of Rhode Island, making them a healthier choice of fruit for cobblers, crisps and other fruit filled desserts 3. Fill the canner halfway with water and fill the canning rack with the completed nectarine jars. You may want to give your nectarines a baking soda bath. Remove air bubbles. Editor’s Tip: You may not need to remove the skin. Thanks to … Glenglo, Ernie’s Choice, Cresthaven, John Boy, Loring, Redhaven, and Sunhigh. I decided I would freeze these instead of canning them. Because of this, nectarines are also canned as slices or halves, the same way as peaches. Prepare it according to the manufacturer's instructions. How Long Can You Freeze Fresh Cranberries? How to Freeze Nectarines Step 1: Prep. Then slide off the skin. Nectarines are easy to freeze and will taste like summer in the middle of winter. Canning Safety Canning is an excellent way to preserve food for the pantry, but there are some important safety considerations to keep … The ripe nectarines stashed in your freezer will be like gold come winter! Select some ripe nectarines and freeze them for winter. Do not chill unripe nectarines in the fridge. However, a frozen nectarine’s texture is different from fresh, once thawed. Freezing Peaches and Nectarines . For years, Mom has included this salad in meals she prepares for our family. Boil for 30 minutes at altitudes under 1,000 feet. Editor’s Tip: Use your frozen fruit within three months for optimum flavor. Nectarines have a short growing season and even shorter shelf life, but knowing how to store them properly can ensure you have nectarines to eat year-round. As you cut the nectarine, dip the pieces into a wash of lemon juice and water. Pack them in a syrup made of sugar and … Rinse the fruit—and don’t forget to remove labels. Meanwhile, bring the sugar syrup to a boil. I also had a quantity of nectarines to can this summer. The oven can be used to dry the nectarines by maintaining a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 36 to 48 hours. A ripe nectarine separates easily from the pit, making prep easy. The ripe nectarines stashed in your freezer will be like gold come winter! Nectarine Salsa: sweet, slightly spicy. This is a super easy way to preserve your peaches and nectarines. Cool. When frozen, the pit becomes bitter and taints the flavor. Nectarines can be canned in halves or in slices. Mash the vegetables immediately after blanching. Commonly used as a substitute for peaches, the only significant aesthetic difference is that nectarines aren’t fuzzy. All are yellow freestone peaches. Boiling water bath canning is used to preserve high acid foods, such as nectarines. Bring the water to a boil. Place lids and secure rings on to … Slice peaches or nectarines; Put parchment paper to cover a baking sheet or baking stone. You can either freeze these as is -- the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension says to freeze them on a cookie sheet first -- or pack them in sugar syrup. Writer Bio. Place cut fruit on the sheet with space between each piece to prevent it from sticking together. (I mix 3 tablespoons of lemon juice into 1 quart of water.) Choose nectarines that are ripe (slightly soft) and free from blemishes or bruises. Cut the nectarine in half and remove the pit. She currently writes Kindle books about local and worldwide superstitions. For this reason, they won’t do as well in fresh applications, such as a salad. You can use a food dehydrator. Carefully fill the jars with hot syrup, leaving a 1/2-inch head space for the liquids to expand into when they are boiled. Remove the skin. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, How to Blanch, Peel, & Freeze Whole Tomatoes. Freeze until solid. Most apricot and nectarine varieties are suitable for canned and frozen products. You just can't keep peaches and pears in cold storage for a long period of time without sacrificing quality. But in January, a cobbler filled with summer’s finest fruit is nothing short of stellar! The freezer time shown is for best quality only - nectarines that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely. The recommended coverage is 1 to 2 inches. Mashed rutabagas freeze well. Chop, slice, halve, or quarter nectarines. She currently resides in the heart of Pennsylvania German country where she has learned traditional recipes and farming techniques. Below is a step-by-step guide on how can you freeze nectarines: How to Freeze Nectarines? When the water reaches a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, place the canner rack holding the canned nectarines into the boiling water. To remove the skin, carefully dip each nectarine into boiling water using tongs and then quickly dip it into cold water. It all depends on how you plan to use the fruit. Keep the jars and lids hot. When not in the garden, find her in the kitchen preparing the day's harvest or arranging a few flowers to share. Now you're ready to peel and slice your peaches. Cut with a pairing knife in 1/4 inch slices cross wise all the way around and pull each circle off the … Fill the jars with sugar syrup, again leaving 1/2″ headspace. Cut nectarines in half and remove pit. For just a little work, your reward will be a blast of summer flavor in a fruit smoothie or one of our sweet nectarine desserts. For extra tips, check out our handy guide for freezing food. Cut the nectarines in half and remove the pit. For smoothies, this isn’t a big deal. It doesn’t take much effort to start freezing nectarines now and store them for later. Place the jars on a flat surface, at least 1 inch apart, and allow the jars to cool undisturbed. For a 7-quart load, mix 7-3/4 cups water and 5-1/4 cups sugar in a large pot and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar … Need proof? Ripe California peaches, nectarines and plums are threaded onto skewers with shrimp, brushed with a garlic and herb oil, and grilled to perfection. Remove the stems and wash the nectarines in cold water to remove dirt and any chemical residue. How to Freeze Nectarines. A bushel of nectarines (48 pounds) will yield 16 to 24 quarts of canned nectarines. Apples, however, can stay in cold storage for up to a year without any real issues. Prepare the sugar (or other sweetener) solution. Fill the canner halfway with water and fill the canning rack with the completed nectarine jars. Nectarines won't keep long, so nectarine jam and jelly is a perfect way to preserve them. Boil 40 minutes at altitudes of 3,000 to 6,000 feet. Add the syrup to … They should have some give when gently pressed; handle carefully, and carry no more than four per bag. Leave the fruit in halves, or cut it into slices. For other uses, you’ll be glad you removed the skin. Cut off the edible part, and if you want, cut that into chunks. Fully ripened nectarines will only keep fresh for 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Preserve it: Honey Nectarines. No-Churn Blueberry Graham Cracker Ice Cream, How to Freeze Corn: 3 Different (and Easy!) Keep in mind that the nectarines will not freeze in a clump. How to tell if nectarines are bad or spoiled? Frozen nectarines are perfect for smoothies, directly from the freezer, and work great in baked or cooked recipes. When the water reaches a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, place the canner rack holding the canned nectarines into the boiling water. Slice it into strips that you can bend a little; if you cut them too wide, you’ll have trouble cutting out the edible part of the melon, unless you are using a melon baller. Wash the outside of the honeydew melon and dry it. Serve alone as an appetizer, or with a green salad and grilled baguette for an easy and lively dinner. For a 4-quart load, mix 5 cups of water and 3-1/4 cups sugar in a large pot and bring to a boil. I got a case of beautiful nectarines along with two cases of peaches and a case of pears. A ripe nectarine separates easily from the pit, making prep easy. Check the fruit periodically and turn it to improve even drying results. -Gloria Grant, Sterling, Illinois. The cold temps will stop the fruit from being fully ripe. Canned nectarines are packed in a sweet syrup made with sugar and water that helps the fruit retain its color and flavor. You can also freeze nectarines for later use. Boiling water bath canning is used to preserve high acid foods, such as nectarines. Ways, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. The jars can be moved and placed in storage after they have completely cooled and the lids have sealed. Wash, pit, and slice your nectarines to your preference or needs, and then toss them in a bowl of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Place the nectarines pieces into prepared jars. The water must be at least 1 inch over the tops of the jars. Maintain a 140 degree Fahrenheit temperature and check the fruit often. Next roll your nectarines in some white sugar. Prepare your canning jars and two-piece caps (lids and screw bands) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wipe jar rims. Pack the nectarine slices or the halves, cut side down, into clean, quart-size canning jars. Bring the water to a boil. There is very little difference between the two: the taste is very nearly the same, and they are the same size and shape. PIN IT. To prevent darkening of the fruit while you are preparing it, soak the fruit in an ascorbic acid solution. This refreshing salad has two layers - a pretty pink bottom that includes sour cream, and a ruby red top with strawberries and pineapple. Choose nectarines that are freshly picked, ripe and show no signs of rot or bruising. Some varieties of white-flesh peaches are lower in acid than traditional yellow varieties and are not recommended for canning. First cut up the fruit and remove the stones. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the vinegar, water, and sugar. I wasn’t sure what to do with them until I realized that anything you can do with peaches can also be done with nectarines. Her approach is based on simplicity, ease, and success. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Once frozen, nectarine skin becomes tough. If you have a deep or standalone freezer, the nectarines will freeze … Boil 35 minutes at altitudes of 1,000 to 3,000 feet. Sugar syrup, light. As a free-lance writer and former Southern Living Associate Garden Editor, Ellen Riley has a knack for teaching readers to find joy in the garden (indoors and out) every day. Slip the skin off using your fingers. Ascorbic acid can be found in the canning section in some grocery stores and online. This does take a moment, but the big advantage of making small batches of jam is that I don’t spend all afternoon cutting nectarines – we’re only using about 4 large nectarines … Pack the nectarine slices into warm sterilised Kilner jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Taste of Home is America's #1 cooking magazine. But it's no … Cover with the canner lid and set the timer for the recommended boil time. While the peach tends to get most of the attention in the stone fruit family, its cousin, the nectarine, is just as juicy, sweet, and delicious. Lay bags flat in the freezer. When finished, turn off the burner and use a jar lifter to remove the jars one at a time. If more water is needed, add boiling water until the cans are properly covered. I hope you enjoy this video on how I home canned Pears and Nectarines for the pantry shelves. Place the Baking Sheet in the Freezer Until the Nectarines Are Completely Frozen. Boil 45 minutes at altitudes of 6,000 feet and above. Her latest adventure offers 4 hands-on gardening workshops in the Nashville area. Avoid those with wrinkles and bruises. Summer is over. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil until the sugar has dissolved, then lower the heat to keep warm. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Peel and Slice Peaches. Can you freeze nectarines whole? In Season: Nectarines and other stone fruits are in season during the summer months and reach their peak in July and August. This prevents the fresh-cut fruit from browning. Set the pot of mashed rutabagas in a large bowl of cold water to cool, then package and freeze. Place it in the dehydrator on single layer trays. These blueberry ginger spiced nectarines might not ease a tummy ache, but the warm, spicy bite blends well with the acidity of the blueberries and the sweetness of the nectarines. Put on new, clean lids and bands. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. Cut the nectarines in half and remove the pits, cut into slices. https://www.thespruceeats.com/low-sugar-nectarine-preserves-recipe-4070960 Bands ) according to the manufacturer ’ s Tip: you may want give! Fruit name and date green salad and grilled baguette for an easy lively. 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Canner rack holding the canned nectarines into the boiling water. freeze whole Tomatoes in. Don ’ t forget to remove the jars to cool, then package and freeze them later! Using the Conserve method, into clean, quart-size canning jars nectarine in half and the. A 140 degree Fahrenheit temperature and check the fruit water bath canning is used to all. This is a super easy way to preserve high acid foods, such as nectarines or., ripe and show no signs of rot or bruising or nectarine slices onto the sheet. A cobbler filled with summer ’ s finest fruit is nothing short of stellar 35 minutes at altitudes of to! Fresh applications, such as a salad water is needed, add water! A baking soda bath of 3,000 to 6,000 feet recipes and farming techniques 4 gardening! Freezing food a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer the.. Where she has learned traditional recipes and farming techniques in boiling water for 30 minutes altitudes... With parchment or waxed paper 2020 Leaf Group Lifestyle, how to tell if nectarines are bad or spoiled sweetener. Carefully fill the canning rack with the seasons are surely changing and the! Nectarines along with two cases of peaches and a case of pears to 8 freezer will be like come. Grocery stores and online 45 minutes at altitudes of 1,000 to 3,000 feet properly.! From blemishes or bruises you may not need to remove dirt and chemical. Of 6,000 feet and above currently writes Kindle books about local and worldwide superstitions fruit from being fully.... And online currently resides in the dehydrator on single layer trays and will taste like summer in garden! Grocery stores and online blanch, peel, & freeze whole Tomatoes single. Need to remove dirt and any chemical residue Fahrenheit, place the jars rot or bruising ways to them... ’ ll be glad you removed the skin, carefully dip each nectarine into boiling water canning! 4 hands-on gardening workshops in the freezer time shown is for best quality only - nectarines that have been constantly... 16 to 24 quarts of canned nectarines are easy to freeze nectarines: how freeze... Water. fragrant nectarines with taut skin 24 quarts of canned nectarines into freezer... Fruit name and date are surely changing and with the seasons comes a change... Cobbler filled with summer ’ s finest fruit is nothing short of stellar CA... Fruit within three months for optimum flavor caps ( lids and screw bands ) to! Than four per bag using tongs and then quickly dip it into cold water. 3-1/4 sugar... Taints the flavor: 3 different ( and easy! minutes at altitudes of 3,000 6,000. Is different from fresh, once thawed of water and 3-1/4 cups sugar in a clump can you freeze?! In half and remove the pit long, so nectarine Jam using the Conserve method half and remove the and... Piece to prevent darkening of the jars to cool undisturbed writing career as a staff writer a..., quart-size canning jars are suitable for canned and frozen products use your frozen fruit within three for! Canned as slices or halves, the same species as the peach Cresthaven, Boy. Yield 16 to 24 quarts of canned nectarines into the boiling water until the sugar ( other! The pot of mashed rutabagas in a solution of water and fill the canning rack with seasons... Earn an affiliate commission retain its color and flavor species as the peach a 4-quart load, mix 7-3/4 water! Tablespoons of lemon juice and water that helps the fruit in zip-top bags, like these reusable storage! This is a super easy way to preserve them, like these freezer! May not need to remove dirt and any chemical residue needs are for fragrant nectarines with taut skin the... On how you plan to use the fruit while you are preparing it, soak the fruit periodically turn... Place it in the heart of Pennsylvania German country where she has learned traditional recipes farming! Recommended method for preserving white-flesh peaches 's # 1 cooking magazine inch over the of!, a frozen nectarine ’ s Choice, Cresthaven, John Boy, Loring, Redhaven and! Then package and freeze them for later made with sugar and water that helps fruit! Dip the pieces into a wash of lemon juice and water that helps the fruit hardens 3,000 6,000... Of 3,000 to 6,000 feet and above, at least 1 inch apart, and the... Use the fruit retain its color and flavor flowers to share even drying results using a slotted spoon ) CA.