Select deep red cherries like Bing, Queen Anne, or Sweetheart for their sweetness and suitability for desserts. Avoid sour varieties such as Morello or Amarena.

Using the raw-pack method, rinse fresh or frozen cherries thoroughly in a colander under warm water to remove dirt and debris.

Inspect and wash nine pint jars in hot, soapy water. Sterilize jars by placing them in the canner filled with water and heating over medium heat. Warm lids in a small saucepan with water on low heat to soften the adhesive.

Pit and destem the cherries using a cherry pitter or a sharp knife. Removing pits allows more fruit per jar and makes cherries easier to eat.

Combine 2¼ cups sugar and 5¼ cups water in a stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Using a jar lifter, remove sterilized jars from the canner and place them on a towel or cutting board. Fill each jar with pitted cherries, shaking gently to nestle them tightly without large gaps. Leave ½ inch of headspace.

Using a canning funnel, pour the hot syrup over the cherries in each jar, maintaining the ½ inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles by running a knife around the jar edges.

Wipe jar rims with a damp paper towel to ensure a clean seal. Place warmed lids on jars and screw on rings until finger-tight.

Place filled jars back into the water bath canner, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and process for 25 minutes (adjust time for elevation if necessary).

After processing, turn off the heat and let jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes. Remove jars using a jar lifter and place them upright on a cooling surface to rest undisturbed for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, press the center of each lid. If it doesn't pop back, the jar is sealed. Label sealed jars with the date and store in a cool, dark place. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated or frozen and consumed within a few days.

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place like a basement or root cellar. Avoid humid environments and direct sunlight to maintain quality and prevent lid rusting.