How to Preserve Fruit Without Sugar

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Gather the fruit before it is very ripe.

   Slightly under ripe fruit has firmer flesh that stands up to the process used for preserving it better than very ripe fruit.
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   Step 2: Prepare the fruit by thoroughly washing it

   , Canning jars with dome type lids using modern latex seals create a safer seal than do old cork-stoppered canning bottles described in the original instructions. , If using canning jars, install dome lids and bands and tighten snugly. , This is done by melting paraffin wax and dipping the corks in it. , This will prevent the bottles from bumping together while the water is boiled, which could cause them to crack. , You may choose to use cotton washcloths if hay is not easily obtainable, but remember, these instructions were originally published in the mid-19th century, so many homes had livestock, and hay was plentiful. , The idea is to heat the fruit inside the jars to a sufficiently hot temperature to sterilize the contents without actually cooking them. ,,
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   Step 3: and for fruits where it is desirable

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   Step 4: peeling and removing the pits or seeds.

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   Step 5: Put it in wide-mouthed bottles.

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   Step 6: Fill them as full as they will hold and cork them tight.

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   Step 7: Seal the corks.

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   Step 8: Put some hay in a large saucepan.

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   Step 9: Set in the bottles with hay between them to prevent their touching.

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    Step 10: Fill the saucepan with water to the necks of the bottles (or jars

11. 11

    Step 11: if using modern materials)

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    Step 12: and set it over the fire (or on the stove top) until the water is nearly boiled away.

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    Step 13: Take the pot off the fire or stove

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    Step 14: and let it stand until the bottles are cool.

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    Step 15: Store the bottles or jars in a cool place until wanted

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    Step 16: when the fruit will be found equal to fresh.

Detailed Guide

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