Stem, wash, drain, peel, and remove pits from suitable fruit as needed. Do not use this procedure for the excluded fruits listed in the safety note.
Measure fruit into a large saucepan, crushing slightly if desired. Add 1 cup hot water for each quart of fruit. Cook slowly until soft, stirring frequently.
Press fruit through a sieve or food mill. Add sugar to taste if desired. Reheat the purée to boiling, or until added sugar dissolves.
Fill hot jars with hot purée, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
Process pints or quarts in a boiling-water canner for 15 minutes at 0–1,000 ft, 20 minutes at 1,001–6,000 ft, or 25 minutes above 6,000 ft.