Can I keep peach preserves safely without canning?

[anna_x]

My sis is bring some of her extra peaches today. It not only is too hot to cook but I don't have canning equipment. I wonder if it is safe to keep preserves in the refrigerator. Any advice?

 

[lizzy]

good question...

I copied this from the food storage chart:

Jelly, Jam & Preserves unopened - 12 months opened - 6 months Refrigerate after opening

Since these won't be processed, I'd go with less than 6 months...just look for mold or an off smell. I'll be interested what the frequent jam/jelly makers think...I'm not one of them!

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Information/FreezerChart.htm

 

[elaine]

This chart is awesome. Thanks for posting

 

[curious1]

Do you like freezer jam? Requires very little cooking and tastes so fresh.

 

[kendall]

What is freezer jam?

 

[joe]

I've never canned, but I have made apricot preserves and frozen them--they froze perfectly

I found one pack after about a year and it was still good.

Because of the high sugar content, they didn't freeze hard like an ice cube, so there were no crystals to change the texture.

 

[daricem]

I have made jam, refrigerated it (in bulk or in smaller containers)(more)

and later transferred to jars and sealed in a water bath.
Jam (preserves) will keep for a long time, 6 months at least in the refrigerator.

 

[anna_x]

Looks like an OK to me...

I plan to make one batch, keep it refrigerated, and will surely eat it all before it has a chance to go bad. Thanks for the reassurances!

 

[curious1]

Stored in the freezer instead of canned, especially good for berries but will work for peaches. Only

heat required is to peel the fruit and dissolve pectin.

http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/CFS/CFS-131-W.pdf