Newspaper Page Text
yh, iauston Home Journal, Perry, Ga., Thursday, June 10, IHI
H me and Food Notes
BY HELEN B. SASSER
Houston County Extension Home Economist
j! you considered the advantages of having fresh
tree ened peaches at your finger tips for the next 12
mon ’ They will enable you to add variety and pleasure
0 nr. oaring meals and entertaining friends. You can
ic hie> these advantages by freezing and canning a
•uppl of our wonderful Georgia peaches.
Qu-.'ity and flavor begin with the fresh peach. Choose
one he many varieties recommended for freezing and
canni Peaches with a desirable color, a most pronoun
ced f .or and which are evenly ripened and uniform in
s j ze d shape are best. Harvest peaches when they are
fully eveloped and well-colored but before thy become
so ft read the peaches out in a cool place to further
ripeii ,id mellow before you freeze or can them.
X; a few minutes to decide how you will use these
procr cd peaches and then determine how many you
need or your family. Check to see if you have on hand
all tl supplies and equipment you need. This is important <»
f or , ce the processing begins, speed is the word.
To can peaches, select those that are fully ripe just
befo they become soft. The cooking makes them soft.
Prep at one time only the amount you can process.
If yo. have a seven-quart boiling water bath canner, then
prepai only seven quarts at a time. It takes two to two
and half pounds of fresh peaches to fill a quart jar.
P the peaches and drop them in salt-vinegar water
to p vent discoloration. Adding one teaspoon of ascorbic
ac id n .xture to each two cups of syrup brightens the color
of coined peaches and increases the vitamin C content.
Preheat peaches in the syrup, pack tightly in a preheated
jar, remove air bubbles, seal and process in boiling water
bath canner for 25 minutes. Store canned peaches in cool,
dry place.
To freeze peaches, allow them to mellow and ripen un
til they become slightly soft. Frozen peaches are not heat
ed so they should be just right for eating fresh. To have
a beautiful color and prevent browning, use ascorbic acid,
work with small quantities and work rapidly. .
Since peaches have a high percentage of water, I re
commend the dry sugar pack. Mix sugar and ascorbic
acid together. Peel peach, slice in bowl and sprinkle su
gar over it. Continue this until you have six cups of sliced
peaches mixed with one cup of the sugar-ascorbic acid
mixture. Allow these to stand until sugar dissolves and
starts drawing water out of peaches.
Pack in rigid moisture-vapor proof containers, leaving
one-half inch head space. Put a piece of crumpled freezer
paper on top of peaches to keep them under the syrup, seal
the container, label, quick freeze and store at zero or be
low.
Other frozen products you might wish to prepare are
peach puree, mashed peaches to be used to make fresh
jam, thinly sliced peaches for peach marmalade or larger
pieces of peaches for preserves. Don't overlook preparing ,
your favorite peach pie filling in quantity and you must
' not forget to make some peach pickles. Clingstone peach
es are usually best for pickles.
Blueberries are one of Georgia’s most desirable fruits.
Fresh blueberries are available for a very short time. How
ever, Houston Countians can preserve the rich, delicate
goodness of cultivated blueberries to enjoy throughout
the year. Fresh blueberries may be canned, frozen or made
into jam, jelly, conserve or other preserved products.
Recommended varieties of blueberries for Georgia in
clude tifblue, homebell and woodard.
Pick the berries when they are fully developed and
well colored. But be sure to pick them before they become
soft. Blueberries should be thoroughly ripe when picked.
Under-ripe berries do not sweeten on standing even
though the color changes from dark red to blue. Be sure
to use shallow containers or trays to prevent brusing the
fruit.
For juicy tenderness and luscious flavor, choose only
plump, firm, clean and ripe berries that have been freshly
picked. Grade out immature and defective berries.
Blueberries may be frozen in a syrup pack or a dry sugar
pack. They may be canned in a syrup or dry pack too.
While the supply is good, plan to store a year’s supply.
For detailed information on how to freeze or can blue
berries, call or come by my office. We are located in the
county agricultural center and our telephone number is
987 2302,
VITALITY COOLERS
For those hot summer days try a vitality cooler. Just
combine ice cream or milk and fresh fruit. Blend this in
a food blender and serve. It’s a great as an in-between
meal snack or a dessert. And it is so easy to make.
* COOL TREAT
Want to make your ice cream sandwiches? Many Hous
ton County homemakers do. Just cut ice cream into
squares and put between plain cookies, graham cookies
or waffles. Wrap in freezer paper and store in the food
freezer They will be ready when you need them.
IT'S A FACT!
The secret of good health is onion eating. But how can
onion eating be kept a secret?
lotion is that intangible something that makes you want
■rnething you can’t afford and you use your credit card.
FNP 5% New Car Financing!
Actual Cost
‘-mt. to be No. of Monthly of
nanced Payments Payments Financing
SIOOO 36 31.94 150.00
JSISOO 36 47.91 225.00
1 S2OOO 36 63.88 300.00
2500 36 79.86 375.00
Compare finance charges before
■ ou buy! Then, call us at 987-2405
first I
NATIONAL
bank
OF P (£RRY ~
* New Car Money Saver'
Perry's Locally-owned Bank
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