When it comes to canning fruit, the first thing to do is to wash it thoroughly. This is essential for the safety of the fruit, as the surface of the fruit may harbor bacteria. Using a washcloth can prevent bacteria from spreading to the fruit's surface. Smaller fruits like apples, plums, and peaches are generally canned without peeling. However, some fruits like whole crabapples need to be prickled to allow air to escape.

Canned fruit is a healthy option for many recipes. It is easy to prepare and can be used during different seasons, making it a versatile option for cooking and entertaining. A favorite winter dessert is a peach and raspberry cobbler. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be made in three steps. You can also experiment with other fruit combinations.

You can also substitute sugar with light corn syrups or mild honey. This will approximate the natural sugar levels of most fruits and add the fewest calories to the fruit. The amount of sugar needed for a pint of canned fruit will vary, so it's important to read the label carefully.

You can choose to can fruits whole, diced, or pureed. Canned fruit can be made into jam, fruit butter, and fruit preserves. The type you choose will depend on your taste and how you're going to use it. For example, you can prepare berries for jam, or you can use them as pie filling.

Some fruits like bananas can be used for jams and jellies. These fruit are acidic and can be used in many recipes. However, some banana canning recipes call for diluting them with acidic ingredients. Another option is to use beauty berries, which are edible berries that grow on plants.

Stone fruit, such as peaches, can become mealy if left in the fridge for too long. However, canning them will not bring back that flavor. If you're using stone fruit, be sure to follow the instructions to avoid food contamination. You should use a spoon to scoop the food into the jar. It's important to keep the spoon as low as possible to prevent air bubbles.

Canned fruit is often used in fruit cakes. There are many recipes for canned fruit cake. Some require tin juice. If you prefer a dry fruit cake, you can use plain flour. However, you can also use self-raising flour. Just make sure to mix the ingredients well.