As someone who’s been canning for years, I feel I have a fair bit of knowledge on the topic. Therefore, I thought I would put these tips into a ‘Canning 101’ post! If you are new to canning, then this will hopefully be a useful post for you. And if you haven’t done it before, I highly recommend you start after reading this! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of preserving your own food for the long haul. In this post, I’ll walk you through the basics of canning and share some of my favorite tips and tricks for making the process as easy and efficient as possible.
What is canning?
At its most basic, canning is the process of preserving food in airtight containers to prevent spoilage. The roots of canning can be traced back to the early 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte famously offered a prize for anyone who could come up with a reliable method for preserving food for his troops.
Today, canning is a popular practice among homesteaders and home cooks alike. It’s a great way to take advantage of seasonal produce, reduce food waste, and ensure that you always have a supply of fresh, healthy food on hand.
Why is canning so popular on homesteads?
For homesteaders, canning is a natural extension of the desire to live a self-sufficient lifestyle. By preserving their own food, homesteaders can reduce their reliance on grocery stores and take greater control over the quality and safety of the food they eat.
Canning is also a great way to make the most of a bountiful harvest. When your garden is bursting with ripe tomatoes or green beans, canning allows you to preserve that abundance for later in the year, when fresh produce may be harder to come by.
What is the best thing to can?
When it comes to canning, the possibilities are endless. Some of my favorite things to jar include:
Tomatoes: Whether you’re canning whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, or salsa, tomatoes are a staple in any homesteader’s canning pantry. Just be sure to follow safe canning guidelines to avoid the risk of botulism.
Green beans: Canned green beans are a great addition to soups, stews, and casseroles. To can green beans, simply blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes, then pack them into jars with a little salt and vinegar.
Fruit: From applesauce to strawberry jam, canned fruit is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. Just be sure to use the right amount of sugar and acid to prevent spoilage.
Pickles: Who doesn’t love a good pickle? Canning your own pickles allows you to customize the flavor and texture to your liking. Try experimenting with different spices and vinegar varieties for a unique twist on this classic snack.
The pros and cons of different canning methods
There are two main methods of canning: water bath canning and pressure canning. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each:
Water bath canning: This method is ideal for high-acid foods like tomatoes and pickles. To water bath can, you simply place your filled jars in a pot of boiling water for the recommended amount of time. The pros of water bath canning are that it’s easy, requires minimal equipment, and can be done on any stovetop. The cons are that it’s not suitable for low-acid foods (like most vegetables and meats) and can be less reliable than pressure canning.
Pressure canning: This method is necessary for low-acid foods like green beans, meat, and poultry. Pressure canning involves processing your filled jars at a higher temperature and pressure than water bath canning. The pros of pressure canning are that it’s safe for all types of food and produces a higher-quality end product. The cons are that it requires a specialized piece of equipment (a pressure canner) and can be more time-consuming.
Give canning a try!
If you’re new to canning, don’t be intimidated! With a little practice and the right equipment, anyone can become a confident canner. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Invest in the right equipment: To get started with canning, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment, including jars, lids, a canning pot, and a jar lifter. You can find these items at most hardware stores, online retailers, or even at yard sales or thrift stores. Don’t skimp on quality, though – investing in sturdy, reliable equipment will make the canning process easier and safer.
Follow safe canning guidelines: To avoid the risk of foodborne illness, it’s important to follow safe canning guidelines. These guidelines vary depending on the type of food you’re canning and the method you’re using. Be sure to do your research and follow the instructions carefully.
Don’t be afraid to experiment: Once you’ve mastered the basics of canning, don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes. Try mixing different fruits together, adding new spices or flavorings, or experimenting with different canning methods. You never know – you might just come up with the next great canning recipe!
Canning is a time-honored tradition that offers countless benefits for homesteaders and home cooks. Whether you’re looking to preserve your own harvest, reduce food waste, or take greater control over the quality and safety of your food, canning is a great way to achieve those goals. So why not give it a try? With a little practice and some basic equipment, you too can become a confident and successful canner.