Cherries are an acid food and can be safely water bath canned.

These directions are for either sweet cherries like bing cherries (this is what you see in the pictures) OR sour cherries that you traditionally use for pies.

If you like this, I've also adapted it for a Cherry Rhubarb Pie Filling.

Prepare

• water bath canner 
• canning jars
• canning seals and rings
• jar lifter
• canning funnel
• large pot or blancher
• bowls
• large spoons
• sharp knife
• towels and dish cloths
• cherry pitter - optional
• stock pot to cook cherries
• ladle

Ingredients

• Cherries - 6 quarts usually sour is preferred for pie filling, but I also use sweet cherries.
• 7 cups sugar
• 1-3/4 cups cornstarch, flour or Clear Jel
• 9-1/3 cups water
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp Cinnamon - optional
• 2 tsp Almond Extract - optional

I have always used flour for a thickener in my pie fillings. The USDA now recommends using Clear Jel. It is reported that it will give you a nicer filling with more consistent results when you are canning. I have not tried it yet but I plan to this summer when I make my fillings. I"ll report back then!

Procedure

Wash and pit cherries. This is the most challenging part. :0) But if you just sit down and DO IT, you can make some delicious dishes. Have a friend come over and visit while you pit.

Place cherries in boiling water and boil for 1 minute. Drain. Keep warm. I do this simply by covering the pot until I am ready to mix in sugar mixture.

Combine sugar and corn starch in a large pan. Add water and cook over medium heat stirring constantly.

When product begins to thicken and bubble, add the lemon juice and boil for 1 minute.

Add cherries, stirring gently to mix.

Fill hot jars with hot cherry pie filling leaving 1 inch head space. Wipe the rims clean, remove any air bubbles and place your lids.

For more packing details follow water bath canning instructions.

Process

pints or quarts for 30 minutes.

Altitude Adjustments for Boiling Water Bath Canner
Altitude in Feet	Increase processing time
1001-3000	5 minutes
3001-6000	10 minutes
6001-8000	15 minutes
8001-10,000	20 minutes

More on Canning Fruits

Canning pples
Applesauce
Apple Butter
Apple Pie Filling
Apricots
Canning Cherries
Cherry Pie Filling
Cherry Rhubarb Pie Filling
Canning Guava Fruit
Canning Berries
Canning Peaches
Canning Pears
Canning Asian Pears



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