Southern Pickled Peaches Recipe

Summer has always been considered the fruit season, as most fruits are available during this time of the year. One popular summer fruit is the sweet, luscious peach.

Hailed as the Southern Gentleman, the Peach is Georgia’s crown jewel and it has played a big part in Georgia’s economy. This fruit will surely be remembered in history even for decades to come.

Consuming Peaches

Peaches are versatile. Aside from being a healthy, juicy snack fruit, they can be baked into pastries, tarts, pies and cobblers. You can also toss peaches in salads, use it as fruit topping, turn it into smoothies, sorbets, and even use it to make homemade baby food.

One other way to prepare peaches is by pickling. Pickled peaches are great served with a cheese plate, spooned over pulled pork or fried chicken, stirred into yogurt, or as used as salad garnish.

Health Benefits

Peaches are not just yummy treats. They are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help the body become stronger and healthier.

• Peaches are filled with antioxidants that help the body fight off inflammation and illness. Antioxidants also help combat diseases like the common cold, and help boost the immune system.
• A medium-sized peach contains 1 gram of soluble fiber and 1 gram of insoluble fiber that aids in digestion.

How to make Southern Pickled Peaches

Prep Time: 1 hr

Cook Time: 25 mins

Yields: 32 servings

Ingredients

• 4 cups sugar
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 4 pounds fresh peaches, blanched and peeled
• 5 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks

Directions

1. Combine the sugar, vinegar and water in a large pot, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Press one or two cloves into each peach, and place into the boiling syrup. Boil for 20 minutes, or until peaches are tender.
2. Spoon peaches into sterile jars and top with liquid to 1/2 inch from the rim. Put one cinnamon stick into each jar. Wipe the rims with a clean dry cloth, and seal with lids and rings. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal, or consult times recommended by your local extension.