Canned Oranges

My kids love mandarin oranges and Cuties oranges, so I tend to buy the huge 5 pound box because it is a great value. However, sometimes we don't get to the end of the box before the oranges go bad. I found a pin on Pinterest that showed how to can mandarin and Cuties oranges, so I decided to try it out. It worked great! 

How to Can Mandarin Oranges
From Pick Your Own
1. Clean your jars, rings and lids. A dishwasher works great for this.
2. Peel your mandarins. Remove as much of the white pith as possible.
3. Pull apart the segments.
4. Pack sterilized jars with Mandarin segments, leaving about 1/2 space at the top of the jar.
5. Prepare your syrup solution. It is up to you whether you want a light or thick syrup and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. The sugar does not actually preserve the mandarins. Preservation is achieved through the canning process and water bath technique. I just added hot water to the jars for no added sugar. If you want to use a sugar syrup, use  a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. Place the solution over medium high heat stirring to dissolve the sugar. Bring solution to a boil and immediately pour over packed jars of fruit. Slide a knife down the edge of each jar to release any air bubbles. I found an offset spatula worked great for this step.
6. Place lids and rings on jars.
7. Place jars in a boiling water bath and boil for 15 minutes. You will need to adjust the time if you are living above 6,00 feet.
8. Ensure the jars are sealed. Any unsealed jars should go directly into the fridge. Sealed jars can be stored in a cool dark place for up to 9 months.