Preserving the Harvest: Tips for Canning and Freezing Orchard Fruit
Extend the Taste of Breeden’s Orchard All Year Long
At Breeden’s Orchard, we believe the flavors of summer and fall should last long after the season ends. Whether you’re picking peaches under the warm Tennessee sun or visiting our farm store for crisp, freshly delivered apples, there are countless ways to preserve that orchard freshness for the months ahead.
With a little time and a few simple tools, you can can or freeze fruit to enjoy the taste of Mt. Juliet’s orchards year-round. It’s a rewarding way to make the most of your harvest, whether from our U-Pick peach season in summer or our weekly deliveries of fresh apples, pears, and other local produce throughout the year.
Let’s walk through how to capture those orchard flavors in your own kitchen.
Why Preserve Fresh Orchard Fruit?
Each season brings its own bounty, juicy summer peaches, crisp fall apples, and sweet local berries. But fresh fruit doesn’t last forever, and preserving it helps extend that abundance while reducing waste.
Canning and freezing let you enjoy the taste of Breeden’s Orchard long after the last peach is picked or the last apple is sold. It’s also a great way to eat locally year-round, reduce grocery waste, and fill your pantry with wholesome, homemade goodness.
For families, home preservation becomes a fun seasonal ritual, an afternoon spent together peeling fruit, filling jars, and labeling the results of a day’s work. Beyond practicality, it connects us to a simpler rhythm of life, much like Tennessee families have done for generations: turning harvest days into memories that last all year long.
Canning Fruit: Step-by-Step
Canning may sound old-fashioned, but it’s one of the most satisfying ways to preserve orchard fruit while maintaining rich flavor and color.
You’ll need:
Mason jars with new lids and rings
Large stockpot or water-bath canner
Funnel, tongs, and ladle
Clean towels
Optional: saucepan for syrup
Step 1: Prepare your fruit
Wash and slice peaches, apples, or berries evenly. You can have them in light syrup, fruit juice, or plain water, depending on your sweetness preference. Peaches from our U-Pick orchard are ideal for canning because of their natural juiciness and firm texture.
Step 2: Sterilize jars
Boil jars and lids for 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep them warm until you’re ready to fill.
Step 3: Fill and seal
Pack hot fruit tightly into jars, leaving ½ inch of space at the top. Pour in your hot syrup or juice, remove air bubbles, wipe rims clean, and tighten lids.
Step 4: Process in boiling water
Place jars into a boiling-water canner, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Process for 10–25 minutes, depending on fruit type and altitude.
Step 5: Cool and store
Remove jars and let them cool for 24 hours. Check seals before labeling. Store in a cool, dark place; your pantry will be stocked with orchard sweetness all winter long.
Best fruits for canning: Breeden’s U-Pick peaches, locally sourced apples, pears, and seasonal berries.
Freezing Techniques for Long-Term Freshness
Freezing is quick, simple, and perfect for retaining fruit’s natural sweetness without much prep.
Step 1: Prepare fruit
Wash, peel (if needed), and slice into uniform pieces. To prevent browning, toss apples and peaches with a splash of lemon juice or ascorbic acid.
Step 2: Flash-freeze
Spread the fruit pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 2–3 hours until firm. This keeps the fruit from clumping together later.
Step 3: Package and label
Transfer frozen fruit to airtight freezer bags or containers. Label each with the type of fruit and date. Store for up to 10–12 months.
Step 4: Thaw and enjoy
Defrost fruit overnight in the refrigerator or add it directly to baked goods and smoothies. Frozen peaches and apples are perfect for cobblers, crisps, or a quick breakfast blend.
Bonus Tip: Portion fruit before freezing; 2 cups per bag is a handy size for most recipes.
Recipes and Ideas for Preserved Fruit
Once you’ve stocked your shelves and freezer, the creative possibilities are endless!
Peach Jam: Use ripe U-Pick peaches and a bit of sugar for a sunny spread perfect on toast or biscuits.
Apple Butter: Slow-cooked apples from our weekly deliveries transform into a rich, spiced spread for fall.
Berry Smoothies: Frozen fruit blends easily into refreshing, vitamin-packed drinks.
Homemade Gifts: Add a ribbon and tag to your canned fruit or jam for a heartfelt, homemade holiday gift.
Preserving fruit isn’t just about practicality; it’s about celebration. Every jar and bag holds the taste of summer and fall, saved for the cold months ahead.
Visit Breeden’s Orchard for Fresh Supplies
Ready to get started? Visit Breeden’s Orchard in Mt. Juliet, where you can pick your own peaches in summer and shop for fresh apples, pears, and other local produce weekly in our farm market. We also carry local honey, jam, cider, and supplies to help with your canning and freezing projects.
Whether you’re a first-time preserver or a seasoned home canner, our friendly team is always happy to share tips, fruit recommendations, and recipes. Stop by, stock up, and take home a little piece of Tennessee’s harvest, one jar at a time.
