Honey Packed Peaches

Honey Packed Peaches

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups water, divided
1/4 cup lemon juice
5 pounds peaches*, peeled, pitted and cut into wedges
1 1/4 cups honey
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
6 small strips lemon zest

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup water and lemon juice. Stir fruit in gently, coating all pieces. Set aside. In a
small saucepan, bring honey and remaining water to a boil. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Cover
pan to keep contents hot. Pack fruit gently into 6 hot sterilized pint jars, filling to 1/4 inch from top of
jar, and place a piece of lemon zest in each jar. Fill jars with honey mixture up to 1/4 inch from tops.
Wipe rims of jars; top with lids. Screw on bands. Place jars on rack in canning kettle of hot water,
adding water if necessary to bring water level to 1 inch above tops of jars. Bring water to a rolling boil;
boil for 25 minutes. Remove jars carefully and cool on a wire rack.
*Apricots or nectarines may be substituted.
FYI: Every honey variety has its own unique color and taste. There are approximately 300 varieties of
honey in the United States − with flavors that range from delicately sweet to richly bold. In general, the
lighter the color of honey, the milder the flavor. Try a light honey such as clover or orange blossom in
Honey Packed Peaches and Honey−Lemon Jelly. Experiment with a more robustly flavored honey such
as wildflower or avocado when making Strawberry Jam or any of your favorite recipes.
Honey Packed Peaches 61
January Jelly