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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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