Kalispell Kinders & More!
  • Welcome!
  • Meet our goats!
  • Our Farm
  • Blog
  • Helpful Links
  • Other Helpful Things!
  • Import Requirements

Can you can ma'am?   Yes you can can!

3/17/2014

0 Comments

 
Windows steamed with moisture, kitchen overly warm even on this cool day. You hear the gently rattling sound in the background as you sit down for a quick break from you endeavors.  A sigh escapes your lips as you lean back in a tired stretch. You roll your eyes at the vegetables still lining your counters.  Your 'war board' thinking swirls around your mind, as you plan out the rest of the day.  Tomorrow?  Maybe tomatoes tomorrow.  Slowly, almost reluctantly you rise out of your comfortable seat, wiping your brow, with so much left to do today.

The familiar sights and sounds of canning season. How they entice you to use your imagination, planning the elaborate meals to surprise your family and friends with.  As you snap that bean, shuck that corn, and dice this or that, you smile that tired smile, knowing that again, your family will be fed.  Thoughts of how that Amish coleslaw will make you feel spring as you open that jar on a cold winters day.......salsa? Why you make the best and you know it!

Many of us can relate to this picture, but what if you haven't canned before?  Canning can cause you to sweat with dread, but oh......how nice would it be if you did!
Start out simply.........many have heard me tout simplicity, and yet canning can be anything but simple to those who have never done so before. For those of you just starting out, let's cover the basics of canning.  There are two methods used in canning: hot water bath for foods such as fruits, tomatoes, jellies/jams, and pickled foods; and pressure canning for foods such as meats and vegetables. 

Picture
The hot water bath method uses sugar, honey, or vinegar to preserve the foods, heating them in boiling water to kill mold and spores. Pressure canning uses very high heat under pressure to kill bacteria, many include salt to preserve color, etc.  Either method is quite simple when you learn the basics of each and many a 'canning pro' started out with the hot water bath method first. 

Both methods require equipment and canning jars.  A very large expense for those just starting out. However, many times you can find exactly what you need from friends or family, a local garage sale, or even an auction.

Picture
The hot water bath requires a tall metal or enameled pot with a basket for lowering or raising canning jars.  With the hot water bath, a used one with dents will work just fine.  You want one that isn't leaking and isn't rusted out.  But for the most part, the one grandma used will work just fine for you. 

Picture
For pressure canning, a pressure canner is needed.  Now don't get confused between a pressure canner and a pressure cooker, there is a difference.  Pressure cookers are usually too small for canning.   So ask someone to help you if you are confused about getting the right one.  One thing to know is, if a pressure canner says it's an eight quart canner, doesn't mean you will be able to fit eight quart jars in it. You  may be able to find a canner at a auction, or second hand store.  If you do decide to buy a used pressure canner, here are some points to consider: 

Can you order replacement parts, such a gaskets? Look at the model number or other identifying mark on the bottom of the canner, you can use this data to check on-line for parts or even a user's manual.

Is the bottom of the canner still flat or slightly rounded?  If rounded, the canner will cause problems in canning - so don't purchase one with a rounded bottom.

Is there a good fitting lid with without broken handles? If you flip the lid over, and look at the handles where they connect to the lid, there should be a little piece of metal that locks when the pressure builds up.  If this is broken or missing, don't purchase it.

Is the rubber gasket still smooth or is it cracked?  Is there a pressure control included? Is there a rack for the bottom? Is there still a overpressure plug in the lid? This safety feature will release if your canner pressure gets dangerously high.  This is where being able to buy replacement parts comes in to play.  If you can't order the parts than don't purchase the canner. Being able to buy parts and the owner's manual can go a long way in helping you when you first start out canning and give you years of use. 
Picture
You will have to also buy canning jars. This can be your largest expense when just starting out.  They come in many sizes, regular or wide mouth, and different prices.  We personally find wide mouth the best for us, easier to get in and wash the jar thoroughly.  Because there is only two of us, we use the pint size jars for side dishes, such as green beans or carrots.  When we can complete meals, like chili or stew, we use the quart wide mouth jars.  When you buy new canning jars, the rings and lids are included and come in units of 12. 

To save money you can buy used jars at yard sales, in the local paper, or almost anywhere.  Use caution when buying used.  Run your finger around the rim of the jar, you can sometimes feel a small chip or crack that way.  Look at the jar closely, you want to avoid any cracks, chips, or weakness.  If the used jars include metal rings, make sure they aren't rusted or dented.  It is very affordable to buy rings and lids, so buying used jars can save you a lot of money when first starting out.  But check local prices first.  Sometimes you can get brand new jars, lids,& rims for less than those used jars (& the replacement lids & rims). Don't use any used lids (those not in a sealed commercial box), because lids can only be used once, it is safer to buy new lids, than loose food by using one that has been used before.  Once you have your jars and rims, purchasing lids from year to year is a minor expense.

Whether you are just starting out, or have been using the hot water bath method and want to start pressure canning, don't be afraid to ask questions.  Many 'canning pros' love to share their experiences with others.  There are hundreds of resources to help you learn. Numerous books have been written with some really nice recipes that you can use to start canning like a pro.

Consider the food you eat as a major factor in your health and wellbeing.  Know that what food you prepare will be better for you and your family.  Imagine, opening a jar of sweet potatoes or homemade cranberry sauce for Christmas that is without preservatives or chemicals.  Just think of the peaches, so sweet in February when others can't even begin to find it at the store as is customary in our north region.  How wonderful do you think your family would feel, knowing that they helped grow that green bean they are eating when snow still covers the ground.  Better yet, how happy will you be knowing that you spent so much less on food this month and knowing exactly what you and your family are eating, compared to your 'pre canning' days?  Don't be nervous, just take one step at a time. This would be the perfect addition for all you gardeners out there.  Oh, and welcome to the wonderful world of canning!

Yes you can CAN!!

Brenda Lee

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Categories

    All
    Announcements
    Guest Bloggers
    It's All About CANNING
    It's All About CHEESE
    It's All About GARDENS
    It's All About GOATS
    It's All About MILK
    It's All About RABBITS
    Montana Herbalist
    My Musings..........
    Real Food
    Romper Room Antics
    Sourdough

    Archives

    April 2019
    July 2018
    May 2018
    June 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Home, what more can we say?
    Picture
    a sunset to share
    Picture
    Flathead Valley eastern mountains
    Picture
    Good morning!
    Picture
    Flathead River
    Picture
    sunset during fire season
    Picture
    Hwy 83
    Picture
    another amazing sunset
    Picture
    our version of spring
Copyright © 2012-2019 Kalispell Kinders & More! by Brenda Lee, all rights reserved.   Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976; no part may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a data base or retrieval system without prior written permission of the 
copyright holder.
​ 

Montana Homestead Goats™ is 
trademarked by
​Kalispell Kinders & More!

 
Kinder® is the registered trademark of the KGBA
Picture