Unlock the Secret to Perfectly Preserved Cherry Pie Filling: Can You Pressure Can It?

The sweet, tart taste of cherry pie filling is a summertime classic. But what happens when the season ends and you’re left with a surplus of cherries? Can you pressure can cherry pie filling to enjoy it all year round? The answer, thankfully, is yes!

Understanding the Basics of Pressure Canning

Pressure canning is a crucial method for preserving low-acid foods like fruits and vegetables. It uses steam to create a high-pressure environment that eliminates harmful bacteria and ensures safe storage. This method is essential for cherry pie filling because cherries, while naturally acidic, are not acidic enough to prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria when canned using a boiling water bath.

Why Pressure Canning Cherry Pie Filling is a Great Idea

Pressure canning cherry pie filling offers several advantages:

• Preserves Freshness: You can capture the vibrant flavor of fresh cherries and enjoy them even when they’re out of season.
• Convenience: Having pre-made pie filling on hand saves you time and effort when you crave a homemade pie.
• Cost-Effective: Canning allows you to preserve your homegrown cherries or take advantage of seasonal sales, saving you money in the long run.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and thickness of your pie filling to your liking, adding extra sugar or cornstarch as needed.

Essential Equipment for Pressure Canning Cherry Pie Filling

Before you embark on your canning journey, ensure you have the following equipment:

• Pressure Canner: A reliable pressure canner is essential for safe and successful canning.
• Jar Lifter: This tool helps you safely lift hot jars from the canner.
• Jar Wrench: A jar wrench provides a secure grip for tightening jar lids.
• Wide-Mouth Jars: Use pint or quart-sized wide-mouth jars for your pie filling.
• Jar Funnel: A funnel helps prevent spills and messes when filling jars.
• Magnetic Lid Lifter: This tool safely retrieves lids from the boiling water bath.
• Ladle: Use a ladle to carefully pour the pie filling into the jars.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for successful canning.
• Canning Utensils: A set of tongs, a rubber spatula, and a large spoon are helpful for various tasks.

Choosing the Right Cherries for Canning

The quality of your cherries plays a significant role in the final taste of your pie filling. Here’s what to look for:

• Freshness: Choose cherries that are firm, plump, and have a deep, rich color.
• Ripeness: Slightly underripe cherries will hold their shape better during canning.
• Variety: Sweet cherries like Bing, Rainier, and Lambert are popular choices for pie filling.
• Quality: Avoid cherries that are bruised, damaged, or have signs of mold.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Pressure Canning Cherry Pie Filling

Now, let’s get our hands dirty and can some delicious cherry pie filling!

1. Prepare the Cherries: Wash and pit your cherries. If desired, you can chop them into smaller pieces.
2. Make the Filling: Combine the cherries with sugar and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
3. Prepare the Jars: Wash and sterilize your jars and lids. Heat the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
4. Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot pie filling into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top.
5. Wipe the Rims: Use a clean cloth to wipe the rims of the jars to ensure a proper seal.
6. Place the Lids: Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings until they are fingertip tight.
7. Process in the Canner: Place the jars in the pressure canner, ensuring they are covered with at least 1 inch of water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time based on your altitude.
8. Cool and Test: Allow the jars to cool completely in the canner. Once cooled, test the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it pops up and down, the seal is not secure.

Storage and Enjoyment

Once your jars have cooled and sealed properly, store them in a cool, dark place. Your pressure canned cherry pie filling can last for up to a year. Enjoy it in your favorite pie recipes, use it as a topping for ice cream, or even savor it straight from the jar!

Beyond the Basics: Tips and Variations

• Adding Flavor: Enhance your pie filling with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
• Thickening: Adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency.
• Sweetness: Tailor the sugar content to your taste preference.
• Freezing: If you prefer not to pressure can, you can freeze your cherry pie filling for up to 3 months.

A Sweet End to Your Canning Journey

Pressure canning cherry pie filling is a rewarding experience that allows you to savor the taste of summer all year round. By following these steps and using quality ingredients, you can create a delicious and safe pie filling that will impress your taste buds and satisfy your sweet cravings.

Questions You May Have

Q: How long does it take to pressure can cherry pie filling?

A: The processing time for cherry pie filling varies depending on your altitude. Consult your pressure canner’s manual for specific instructions. Typically, pint jars are processed for 20 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure, and quart jars for 25 minutes.

Q: Can I use a boiling water bath to can cherry pie filling?

A: No, a boiling water bath is not suitable for canning cherry pie filling because it doesn’t reach the temperature required to kill harmful bacteria.

Q: What should I do if a jar doesn‘t seal properly?

A: If a jar doesn‘t seal, you can refrigerate the pie filling and consume it within a few days. Do not attempt to re-can it.

Q: Can I use frozen cherries to make pie filling?

A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries to make pie filling. However, you may need to adjust the amount of cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.

Q: What are some other fruits I can pressure can?

A: You can pressure can a variety of fruits, including peaches, pears, berries, and plums.