Canning is a great way to preserve fresh, homegrown produce for the winter months. It's a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic supplies.
In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps of canning fruit, meat & produce, from choosing the right ingredients to processing your jars in a water bath or pressure cooker. We'll also provide some tips on how to ensure that your canned goods are safe to eat.
Why Canning?
Canning is a great way to preserve fresh, homegrown produce for the winter months. It's a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic supplies.
Canned goods can be stored for up to one year, so you can enjoy your fresh, homegrown produce all year long.
What Can You Can?
There are many different fruits, vegetables, and meats that can be canned. Some popular options include:
- Fruits: Apples, peaches, pears, tomatoes, berries
- Vegetables: Green beans, corn, beets, carrots, potatoes
- Meats: Chicken, beef, pork, fish
How to Can
There are two main methods of canning: water bath canning and pressure canning.
- Water bath canning is a simpler method that can be used for fruits and vegetables with low acidity.
- Pressure canning is a more complex method that must be used for meat, poultry, fish, and high-acid vegetables.
Water Bath Canning
Water bath canning is a simple method of canning that uses boiling water to preserve food. To water bath can, you'll need a large pot, a rack to hold your jars, and canning jars and lids.
Once you have your supplies, fill the pot with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, then carefully lower the jars into the pot.
Process the jars for the amount of time specified in the recipe or the canning instructions on the jar lid. Once the jars are processed, remove them from the pot and let them cool completely.
Pressure Canning
Pressure canning is a more complex method of canning that uses steam under pressure to preserve food. To pressure can, you'll need a pressure canner, canning jars and lids, and a pressure gauge.
Once you have your supplies, fill the pressure canner with enough water to come at least 2 inches up the sides of the jars. Place the jars in the canner and close the lid.
Bring the pressure canner to pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Process the jars for the amount of time specified in the recipe or the canning instructions on the jar lid. Once the jars are processed, remove them from the pressure canner and let them cool completely.
Canning Safety
It's important to follow safe canning practices to ensure that your canned goods are safe to eat. Here are a few tips:
- Use only clean, dry jars and lids.
- Follow the recipe or canning instructions carefully.
- Process the jars for the correct amount of time.
- Let the jars cool completely before storing them.
Storing Your Canned Goods
Once your canned goods are cool, you can store them in a cool, dark place. Canned goods can be stored for up to one year.
Additional Tips
- Start small and gradually expand your canning repertoire as you gain experience.
- Do your research to learn about the best methods for canning different foods.
- Talk to other canners in your community for advice and tips.
- Have fun! Canning is a great way to get creative in the kitchen and preserve your favorite foods.
Canning is a great way to preserve fresh, homegrown produce for the winter months. It's a relatively simple process that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. By following the tips in this blog post, you can safely can fruit, meat & produce and enjoy it all year long.