As the popularity of eating more organic foods grows, so does the interest in home canning. Canning is an age old tradition that families all over the world participate in on an annual basis and is a staple competition at state fairs all over the US. Canning allows people to take full advantage of the fruits and vegetables they have worked so hard to grow all year long and produces wonderful snacks, side dishes and even condiments that can be enjoyed for several months after the harvest season is over.
Choosing the Right Foods to Can
When choosing the foods you want to can, there are few guidelines you will want to follow in order to make your canning season a success. Choose foods that you and your family like and will realistically eat later on in the year. To get the best value out of your canning process, select foods you have excess amounts of in your garden and choose foods that are ripe, free of mold and don’t have any major dents or bruises as this can alter the flavor of the food. For those that are new to canning, choose recipes that are less complicated and easy to make such as pickles, relish, and jams.
Recipes Are a Must
Always consult a trusted and tested recipe when you first start to learn canning. When you purchase your canner you will typically find a recipe booklet inside the box that will give you a few good recommendations to get started. There are several good canning and preserving cookbooks available on the market and About.com has some great canning recipes you might like to try.
Safe Canning Guidelines
Understanding what type of canning equipment and process is required for each type of food and recipe is imperative to the safety and overall flavor of canned foods. When canning always consult your recipe for proper heating temperatures and cooking times to ensure your food supply is safe to eat and maintains its freshness and flavor during the preservation process.
Sterilization:
Sterilization, cleanliness and hygiene are at the top of the importance list for individuals that want to preserve food at home. The canning process kills all the bacteria and microorganisms that spoil food and sealing canned goods in a jar keeps these microorganisms out while they are on the shelf. Foods should always be washed thoroughly and placed in the refrigerator while waiting to be canned.
Always use clean jars that are specifically designed for home canning. Canning jars can be sterilized by washing them in the dish washer on the hot cycle. You will want to wash/sterilize your cans right before you start canning. Avoid using leftover jars from store bought canned fruits and vegetables as these containers are not designed for repeat use.
Must Have Tools for Canning
Water Bath Canner
Pressure Canner
Jars (with lids)
Jar Lifter
Canner Racks
Timer
Tongs
Ladle
Funnel
Labels
Mixing Spoons
Measuring Cups
Potato Masher
Magnetic Can Lifter
Optional Tools for Canning
Food Mill
Apple Corer
Cherry Pitter
Fruit & Vegetable Peeler
Cutting Board
Food Processor
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