Preserving Perfection: The Best Fruits for Canning

Canning is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of fresh fruits all while capturing their popping flavors and nutritional value. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or new to the art, making sure you are using the right fruit is essential to achieving success and getting those long-lasting results. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular and best fresh fruits for canning, getting you the results for the best taste, texture, and suitability for various cooking uses.

What do I need to start canning?

Before you get started on canning, you’ll need to ensure that you have all the necessary supplies. You’ll need jars, lids, a canner, and a few other kitchen tools that will make things a lot easier. For a full list of supplies to get you started, check out our Canning 101 article here.

How long will my canned fruit last?

There’s a common belief that canned fruits are good only up until the 1-year point from when you originally canned them. However, that is not the case. Once officially canned and sealed, fruit will typically be good for consumption for about 18 to 24 months. The contents of your jars will have the best and most fresh taste within the first year, but everything will still be safe for consumption for up to 2 years, assuming you are storing the jars correctly. All of your jars should be stored in a cool, dry area that is away from any possible moisture.

A lot of people worry about bacteria developing and causing the fruit, jams, jellies, etc. to go bad. This isn’t something that you need to be concerned about since the fruit is heated to the point that it kills any bacteria, making it safe to keep for a longer period of time. If you’re skeptical on if one of your jars is still good, give it a thorough test with your good old reliable senses. First, look at the color and surface of the jar. If there is a major discoloration compared to when you first canned it, or you can see mold developing on the top, it’s likely not good or safe to eat anymore. You can also give it a good sniff test and if it’s giving off a strange or sour odor, you should toss the jar. 

Now that we’ve covered how long your delicious harvest will last, let’s dive into which fruits will be best for canning and how you can get the most out of them.

Best Fruits for Canning

Apples

There’s nothing like the smell of a fresh baked apple pie! Apples are a versatile fruit that can be used for a variety of canning techniques. They can be canned as slices, applesauce, or as mentioned before, ready-to-use apple pie filling! There are so many ways your delicious apples can go the extra mile for you.

You’ll typically want to pick your apples for canning later in the summer and into fall, from July through October. Make sure to pick out firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for canning to ensure they retain their texture and vibrant flavor throughout the process.

Peaches

Peaches are one of those classic summer delights, and canning them allows you to carry that juicy sweetness throughout the rest of the year. Canned peaches can be used in pies, cobblers, or even simply enjoyed as a delicious snack all on their own.

Peaches are best picked for canning during the summer months: June, July, and August. Select ripe, but firm peaches for canning, as overly ripe ones may turn mushy and not end up with that texture you’re looking for. You can buy your very-own fresh Georgia peaches right here in the Midwest, from Tree-Ripe Fruit Co. as they visit local Fleet Farm stores this summer. For your store’s dates and times, visit our events page.

Berries

Who doesn’t love a good berry jam? There are a great number of berries that can be preserved with canning. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are just a few of the most popular berries that can be preserved to use as whole fruits, jams, or jellies. Berry preserves can be spread on toast, used in delicious desserts, or even incorporated into savory dishes like glazes or sauces for meats. 

To ensure you get the best and freshest selection, summer is the best time to pick your berries for canning. Choose ripe, fresh berries for canning, as their natural sweetness and vibrant colors will shine throughout the entire process.

Pears

Pears may get lost in the shuffle at times, but they offer a delicate and fragrant taste that is well-suited for canning. Canned pears can make for a great dessert when served with ice cream, or can be used to add a little something to various baked goods. 

Pears can be picked much later in the summer and into fall, from August through October. You’ll want to select slightly under ripe pears, as they will hold their shape better during the entire canning process.

Cherries

Cherries are such an iconic flavor in so many different ways, they’ve even made songs about it! Sweet and sour cherries can be canned as whole fruits or transformed into extraordinary cherry pie filling. You’ll be able to look forward to using your canned cherries in delicious cherry pies and tarts, ice cream toppings, and more all year long.

Cherries are best picked in the heart of summer: June, July, and August. You’ll want to choose firm, ripe cherries to use so that they maintain their texture while canned.

Plums

Plums are a fantastic fruit for canning due to their tangy-but-sweet flavor and versatility. Canned plums can be best used in cakes, tarts, or enjoyed by themselves as a special treat. 

It’ll be best to wait until the late summer or fall to pick your plums. In September and October, you can start to look for plums that are slightly firm, but still ripe to bring home to start canning.

Apricots

Don’t discount apricots just because they look similar to peaches! Offering a delicate balance of sweetness and tang, apricots are an excellent choice for canning. Canned apricots can be enjoyed on their own, in fruit salads, or used as an amazing topping for yogurt or pancakes. 

Much like peaches, apricots are best picked during the late summer months. Start picking your apricots in July, August, and September and look for apricots that are slightly firm, but fully ripe.

To put a lid on it

Canning fruits allows you to savor the flavors of your harvest long after the growing season ends. By selecting some of these fruits for canning, you’ll ensure that the results are delicious and enjoyable throughout the entire year. Whether you’re looking to can fruits as a whole, in slices, or as preserves, the fruits mentioned above - apples, peaches, berries, pears, cherries, plums, and apricots - will provide you with a variety of options to suit your taste and preferences in all of your culinary creations. 

You can find everything you need for canning, from start to finish, right here, at Fleet Farm. Shop in store or online to get everything whether this is your first time, or you’re a long-time canner. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite fruits, and begin a journey that will bring joy to your taste buds throughout the year!