Just as good things come to those who wait, things that take time and effort may also be worthwhile.
Canning food is no different; the process may take time and effort in the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, it is so well worth the time and effort put forth.
In time you will become more efficient.
I know I have.
Here are some things to consider.
Canning Food In the Beginning
If canning is done properly, it is a safe and effective method of storing food. In fact it is the best way to store food as far as I’m concerned because you do not need to worry about electrical power outages.
Canning involves a procedure that vacuum seals food in jars and, when those jars are heated, air is let out disabling the growth of bacteria that can spoil the foods.
Once those jarred foods are cooled.
There are some things that you need to know before you begin the canning process.
You can either can food by using boiling water or by using a pressure cooker:
- For jarred preserves, fruits, or pickling, the boiling water method is perfectly fine.
- For foods such as meats, vegetables, and even some fish, the pressure cooking method is a better choice.
A Water Bath Canner For Canning Food
A water bath canner is a large pot with a rack inserted inside to fit the jars.
If you choose to jar preserves, fruits, or pickle foods, a water bath canner would be the best choice of equipment.
A water bath canner is the cheapest way to get started canning and is also the easiest way to start as far as I’m concerned but as your skills – and the foods you preserve expand – the canning equipment you need will change.
A Pressure Canner Is Also Necessary
If you are considering canning meats or even fish, then a pressure canner, which is a heavy-duty pot with a steam tight lid, is the best choice.
It is also necessary to use a pressure canner for some vegetables such as green beans.
Most people who can food end up with both types of pressure canners.
It was a number of years before I purchased a pressure canner so do not feel you need to buy one when you are first starting out.
One-time Expenditures Necessary For Safely Canning Food
Once you have decided on what types of canning and preserving you are going to do, you can decide on what type of equipment you will need and in addition to these items, I do suggest a canning book such as Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.
From the onset, it may seem as though you are expending money; however, this is a one-time purchase that will get you through many, many years of canning and preserving as long as you take care of the equipment you purchase and keep it clean.
Therefore, once you have purchased your jars, lids, seals, and choice of canning method, you can be assured that this canning and preserving process – when done properly – is the most cost-effective method for making and storing your own foods.
Thereafter, it is simply a matter of either growing your own vegetables, which is extremely cost-effective, or purchasing fruits and vegetables at your local homegrown market.
Fruits and vegetables homegrown or purchased locally are extremely cost effective, support your local farmers, and are healthy choices for you and your family.
Also, while it may seem like a time-consuming endeavor, canning and preserving when done once can yield several months or an entire season worth of fruits, vegetables, and meats that you can just grab and go when it is mealtime.
The benefits of canning outweigh any time involved.
The food is preserved by you, grown by you, and tasty as well as saving you tons of money and time in preparing an everyday meal.
With all these benefits, it is needless to say that canning and preserving is definitely worth the time and the effort.
Canning Food At Home
Packing And Sterilizing Canning Jars
The most important part of canning is packing and sterilizing the canning jars properly. Learn how to do this important step the right way.
The Ultimate List Of Home Canning Recipes
This ultimate list of home canning recipes are all tested and proven to work. Learn how to preserve the fruits and vegetables you grow in your garden!
Canning Broccoli Is No Longer Safe But You Can Still Preserve It
Although canning broccoli was once considered safe, times have changed thus freezing, dehydrating or freee drying broccoli is recommended.
Homemade Beef Stew Recipe For Canning
When it comes to having quick home cooked meals that just need reheated, this beef stew recipe for canning can't be beat!
Red Hot Apple Wedges Canning Recipe
Preserving your own food means trying new recipes, such as this red hot apple wedges canning recipe. While it is true, it is a good idea to stick to recipes you know you and your family will eat, it never hurts to branch out a bit.
Cinnamon Chocolate Mint Fruit Cocktail Recipe
This Cinnamon Chocolate Mint Fruit Cocktail recipe is ideal to use up some of your extra summer fruit or to combine some of the fruit you have already preserved to come up with something a little different.
How To Make Homemade Maraschino Cherries
Learn how easy it is to make and can your own homemade maraschino cherries. Not only do these taste great, but they are easy to preserve too!
Five Spice Cherry Canning Recipe
This five spice cherry canning recipe is a unique take on typical recipes for canning cherries. I love the way the spices complimented the tart cherries!
How To Easily Start Canning Blueberries
Learn how to easily start canning blueberries in your own kitchen. Home canning is a great way to preserve fresh foods that you or someone you know grew.
Apple Canning Recipes
There are many recipes for canning apples and I think I have tried them all. However the best way is to can them in plain syrup.
How To Make Raspberry Vinegar
A great way to preserve raspberries is to make raspberry vinegar. Its delicious on pork chops! Best of all you can preserve it for winter use by canning it.
Orange-Cranberry Vinegar And Marinade Recipe
This orange-cranberry vinegar and marinade recipe is easy to make, easy to can and tastes great!
How To Make Homemade Ketchup
Learn how to make homemade ketchup right in your own kitchen using tomatoes you grew in your garden. This recipe works with fresh or frozen tomatoes!
Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
This homemade bbq sauce recipe uses fresh tomatoes and is perfect for canning. Use it as it is or as a base sauce to create different types of BBQ sauces.
How To Make Cajeta Goat Milk Caramel
Learn how easy it is to make cajeta goat milk caramel from fresh goat milk. Plus learn how to preserve it for winter use by canning it.
How To Make Homemade Honey
Learn how to make homemade honey right in your own kitchen using a mixture of water, sugar, red clover, white clover and fireweed!
How To Make Rose Petal Jelly
Learn how to make rose petal jelly using fresh rose petals from your favorite organically grown roses. Try different roses for unique flavored jelly.
Delicious Raspberry-Chocolate Sundae Topper Recipe
This delicious, easy-to-make raspberry-chocolate sundae topper is an ideal canning recipe making it easy to serve to guests or give as gifts!
Try These Off Season Food Preservation Ideas
These off season food preservation ideas are perfect for the off season. There are lots of items you can fill your freezer with or even can year-round.
Importance Of Food Preservation Inventory
Do you understand the importance of food preservation inventory? From spices to food stored in the freezer and pantry, this list can help you save money.
Four Factors That Affect Food Storage
Understanding the four factors that affect food storage is essential for keeping your food safe, especially if you intend to store it long term.
Home Canning Supplies
There are a number of home canning supplies you need to get started canning food at home, the Bellemain Kit contains 6 of them.
Canning At Home
When canning at home making sure everything is clean and in good condition is essential for food safety and your families health.
Fruit Juice Concentrate
Learn how to make your own fruit juice concentrate at home using fresh fruits from your garden or the farmers market.
Preserving Citrus Fruits
Preserving citrus fruits is something you want to know how to do if you grow your own, buy in bulk or have citrus fruits given to you.
Preparing Fresh Green Beans
Get out of the grocery store and into home-canning fresh green beans. Experience the symbiotic relationship of land and food security.
