Canned peaches packed in heavy syrup are a popular canned fruit option. The heavy syrup provides extra sweetness and flavor to the peaches, but also adds additional calories and sugar. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and nutrition facts for heavy syrup canned peaches.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in heavy syrup canned peaches are:
- Peaches – the primary ingredient. Peaches are peeled, pitted, and sliced before being packed in the can.
- Water – provides moisture and volume for the syrup.
- Sugar – typically granulated white sugar. Adds sweetness and thickness to the syrup.
- Corn syrup – helps thicken and sweeten the syrup.
- Ascorbic acid – an antioxidant that helps maintain peach color and vitamin C levels.
- Citric acid – helps balance flavor and acidity.
The specific ingredients can vary slightly between brands, but peaches, water, sugar and corn syrup make up the majority of heavy syrup canned peaches. The sugar content classifies it as “heavy syrup” compared to lighter syrups or juice.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition information for heavy syrup canned peaches per 1/2 cup serving (126g) is approximately:
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Potassium: 290mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 41g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 1g
The high sugar content (34g per serving) is the most notable part of the nutrition profile. This accounts for the high calorie count from the added syrup.
Canned peaches in extra light syrup or fruit juice will be lower in calories and sugar. But heavy syrup provides a sweetness and thickness that many people enjoy.
Benefits of Heavy Syrup Canned Peaches
Here are some of the benefits that heavy syrup canned peaches provide:
- Convenience – no peeling, pitting, or slicing required
- Long shelf life – can be stored for 12-18 months in the pantry
- Great taste – sweet, thick syrup provides flavor
- Texture – syrup helps peaches retain shape and moisture
- Versatility – use for fruit salad, topping yogurt, baking, snacking, etc
- Nutrition – provides vitamins A and C, potassium, antioxidants
The convenience and long shelf life make canned peaches easy to keep on hand for quick use in recipes, snacks, and more.
Use of Heavy Syrup Canned Peaches
Heavy syrup canned peaches work well in both sweet and savory applications. Some popular ways to use them include:
- Fruit salad – mix with other fresh or canned fruits
- Parfaits – layer with yogurt, granola, whipped cream
- Oatmeal, yogurt bowls – toppings for breakfast
- Cakes, pies, cobblers – baking ingredient
- Ice cream topping
- Smoothies – add creaminess and sweetness
- Snacking – eat peaches directly from the can
- Savory salads – chicken, tuna, grain salads
- Glazing meat – peach glaze for pork, chicken
- Sauces – mix into chutney, salsa, barbecue sauce
The syrup makes the peaches a nice addition to both sweet and savory dishes. They add moisture, flavor and a punch of fruit.
Selection and Storage
When selecting canned peaches in heavy syrup, check the following:
- Pack date – choose newer cans whenever possible
- Can condition – no major dents, damage, leaks
- Color – relatively uniform color, minimal discoloration
- Quantity – choose size appropriate for planned use (single serve, multi-serve)
- Style – slices, halves, chunks according to recipe needs
Once open, transfer any unused peaches and syrup to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 4-7 days.
Unopened cans store at room temperature in a cool, dry pantry for up to 18 months. Inventory cans and use older ones first.
Canning Heavy Syrup
While most people purchase ready-made heavy syrup canned peaches, it is possible to can your own at home with the following steps:
- Wash and peel fresh, ripe peaches. Slice if desired.
- Make a heavy syrup using 4 cups of sugar per 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- Clean Mason jars and lids and submerge in hot water.
- Pack peeled peaches into hot Mason jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Fill jars with hot syrup, maintaining 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe rims, apply lids and tighten ring bands.
- Process filled jars in a boiling water canner for 20-25 minutes.
- Allow to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
- Check seal, label and store jars.
Proper canning technique is important to safely preserve fruit at home with an extended shelf life.
Freezing Peaches in Syrup
Freezing is another long-term storage option. To freeze peaches in syrup:
- Wash, peel, pit and slice fresh peaches.
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil to create simple syrup.
- Add peach slices and return to a gentle boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for 30 minutes.
- Drain peaches, reserving syrup in a separate container.
- Pack peaches and syrup in freezer bags or containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Press out excess air, seal, label and freeze.
The syrup helps keep the peaches from browning or becoming mealy when frozen and thawed. Peaches frozen this way will keep for 8-12 months.
Dietary Considerations
– Added sugars: Heavy syrup canned peaches are high in added sugars, with around 34g per serving. Those limiting added sugars may prefer peaches canned in juice or light syrup.
– Allergies: Peaches are one of the most common food allergy triggers. Those with peach or tree nut allergies should avoid canned peaches.
– Diabetes: Heavy syrup will cause a more rapid spike in blood sugar compared to unsweetened versions. Diabetics may need to account for the extra carbohydrates.
– Vegan: Some can linings may contain animal products. Check labels for “vegan” or plant-wax linings.
– Sodium: Canned peaches typically contain minimal sodium unless salt is added to the canning liquid. This makes them low sodium.
– Gluten-free: Peaches and syrups are naturally gluten free foods. Avoid any canned versions with added wheat.
– Baby food: Heavy syrup is not appropriate for babies under 12 months. Lightly sweetened pureed peaches can be given as a first food.
So while delicious, the high sugar content makes heavy syrup peaches less ideal for some diet needs. Alternative versions can help address dietary restrictions.
Price and Purchasing Options
Heavy syrup canned peaches are relatively affordable, with prices averaging:
– Single serve (5-6oz): $0.50 – $1.00 per can
– Multi-serve (15-30oz): $1.00 – $3.50 per can
Brand, container size, store type and sale prices create variability. Buying larger multi-serve cans tends to offer better per-ounce pricing.
Heavy syrup canned peaches can be purchased at:
- Grocery stores – stocked with other canned fruit
- Club stores – often sold in multi-packs
- Online – through grocery or big box store websites
- Food delivery – as an add-on item with produce delivery services
Name brands like Del Monte and store brands like Great Value (Walmart) are available. Purchasing during sales or with coupons can lower costs. Bulk cases ordered online provide additional savings on multi-can packs.
Consumption Statistics
Some key statistics on canned peach consumption in the United States:
- Over 24 million households purchase canned peaches each year.
- California produces 95% of the canned “clingstone” peaches packed in heavy syrup.
- 78% of consumers say they purchase canned fruit to have on hand for convenience.
- 65% of canned peach consumption occurs during the fall and winter months.
- Peaches are the 4th most popular canned fruit after applesauce, pineapple, and pears.
- The average canned peach consumer purchases 4-5 cans per month.
Canned peaches like those packed in heavy syrup fill an important role as a shelf-stable fruit option. Consumers value the convenience and versatility they offer.
Common Brands
Some of the major national brands for heavy syrup canned peaches include:
| Brand | Details |
|---|---|
| Del Monte | Classic canned fruit brand. Offers peach slices, chunks, and fruit cocktail options. |
| Dole | Sells yellow and white peach varieties in juice and syrup. |
| Great Value | Walmart store brand. Budget-friendly option. |
| Libby’s | Owned by Nestle. Sells slices, halves, and yellow cling peaches. |
| Musselman’s | Specializes in apple products but has peach slices. |
| Sunsweet | Known for dried fruit. Provides canned yellow peach halves. |
Store brands like Food Club, Essential Everyday, and Kroger are also readily available at major grocery chains. Shopping sales and comparing nutrition labels can help find the best option.
Possible Health Concerns
While canned peaches provide a convenient fruit option, the heavy syrup introduces some potential health drawbacks:
- Added sugars – the main concern is the high sugar content, with around 34g per serving. This can contribute to weight gain, diabetes risk, and other problems associated with excessive added sugar intake.
- BPA lined cans – Bisphenol A (BPA) in can linings may pose hormone disruption risks. Seek BPA-free cans or alternate packaging.
- Sodium – sodium is low in natural peaches but watch for versions with salt added to the canning liquid.
- Antioxidant loss – heat from canning destroys some antioxidants like vitamin C compared to fresh.
- Dietary sensitivities – allergies, diabetes, and other conditions may require avoiding added sugars.
Enjoying heavy syrup canned peaches in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet can help minimize any potential downsides.
Summary
Heavy syrup canned peaches provide a sweet, convenient peach option thanks to their ingredients of peaches, corn syrup, sugar and water. The thick, syrupy liquid gives the peaches great flavor but also adds significant calories from sugar. Popular brands like Del Monte, Libby’s, and Dole allow finding heavy syrup canned peaches at any grocery store. They can be used in recipes, snacks, salads, and more. Just be mindful of the extra sugar and enjoy peaches packed in heavy syrup in sensible portions as part of your fruit intake.
