Hey Lykkers! There’s nothing quite like the flavor of freshly picked fruit.

When harvested at its peak, the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit are unmatched.

However, if you want to savor these fresh flavors long after the season ends, preserving fruit is the way to go. Whether you freeze it, make jam, or can it, these methods will ensure you enjoy the taste of summer all year!

1. Freezing Fresh Fruit

Freezing is one of the easiest ways to preserve fruit:

Steps: Wash and thoroughly dry the fruit. Pack it into freezer bags or containers, seal tightly, and freeze.

Tip: To prevent browning (e.g., with sliced peaches), add three tablespoons of lemon juice per quart of fruit. Shake the container to evenly distribute the juice.

2. Making Traditional Jam

Homemade jam captures the peak flavors of ripe fruit and is perfect for long-term storage.

Basic Recipe:

1. Combine 2 pounds of chopped fresh fruit, 2 cups of sugar, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice in a saucepan. Add pectin for a thicker texture (optional).

2. Heat the mixture on medium until boiling, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10–15 minutes until it thickens to a jam-like consistency.

3. Spoon into sterilized Mason jars, leaving 1/4-inch space from the top. Seal the jars once cooled.

3. Making Freezer Jam

For a quicker method, freezer jam requires no sealing and can last in the freezer for months.

Steps:

1. Mix 2 cups of crushed strawberries with 4 cups of sugar and let stand for 10–15 minutes.

2. Boil a packet of pectin with 3/4 cup of water for 1 minute, then stir it into the fruit mixture.

3. Pour into jars, leaving 1/2-inch space from the top. Let stand for 24 hours, then freeze.

4. Canning Fresh Fruit

Canning is a versatile method for preserving a variety of fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and peaches.

Steps:

1. Wash, peel, and slice (if needed) the fruit. For berries, washing and drying is sufficient.

2. Pack fruit into clean jars, leaving 3/4-inch space from the top.

3. Cover fruit with cooled simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar boiled together).

4. Seal jars if storing long-term; for short-term use, sealing is unnecessary.

5. Sealing Jars

Using a Pressure Sealer: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Water Bath Method:

1. Place covered jars upright in a large pots and cover them with at least one inch of water.

2. Boil for 5–10 minutes, then turn off the heat. Let jars sit in the water for 5 minutes before removing.

Labeling and Storing

Label each jar with the contents and date to track freshness. These preservation methods work with a variety of fruits, allowing you to enjoy the sweet taste of summer even in the cold winter months.

Whether you’re enjoying it on toast, in a recipe, or as a sweet reminder of the past, jam remains a timeless method of keeping fruit flavors alive for the long term!