Day 64: How To Can and 7 Reasons You Should
What: Canning
Why: “The effort it takes to can is not worth it!” That is a common thought when it comes to canning – but IS it worth it?
1. Cheaper – tomatoes, peaches, beans, etc. When they are in season, they are CHEAP! Why not take advantage of those season-low prices and buy a lot, with intentions of canning it? Instead of worrying about them spoiling, can them before they do, and enjoy the taste all year long?
2. Healthier – when you can, you know what it takes to preserve the food. All of those other preservatves that are found in CANNED food, can be mind boggling – even something like canned peaches. You can make your canned food as healthy as you want
3. Environmentally friendly – canning jars are reusable and you don’t have to worry about recycling those pesky aluminum cans.
4. Keep traditions alive – canning is often passed down from one generation to the next. If you do not know how, find a friend who can teach you. There is something special about carrying on a tradition and family heritage that canning can provide. In fact, canning WITH family (or friends), can be all the more enjoyable.
5. Control excess from the garden – when gardens explode with produce, they explode. How do you keep up on everything? If you cannot eat your produce quick enough, think about canning it so you can preserve your garden!
6. Gift ideas – you can never go wrong with thoughtful homemade gifts around the holidays. Homemade jams, jellies, and salsa will always be used! Instead of baking frantically a week before Christmas, have your Christmas gifts done by the end of summer!
7. Enjoyment – there is something about looking at your mason jars, filled with homemade “you name it” and enjoying it for the whole year! Knowing you personally spent the time homemaking the contents in each jar, can bring much satisfaction!
How:
1. Prepare the jars:
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Clean jars – fill canner and jars with 2/3 water. Cover the canner and bring the water to a simmer (180 degrees) over medium heat. Don’t need to boil jars. Keep jars hot until ready to use. Place lids in small saucepan, cover with water and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Do not boil. Keep lids hot til ready to use. You can also wash jars with hot soapy water, rinsing well.
2. Make recipe
3. Fill jars
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Leave recommended headspace.
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Slide rubber spatula or knife around edges.
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Wipe jar rims
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Don’t tighten lids too tight.
4. Put jars in canner
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Add more water to canner so at least 1 inch is over jar (double check recipe).
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Put lid on canner and bring water to a boil.
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Start clocking processing time when water is boiling.
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After processing time is done, turn off heat and remove lid. Cool for 5 minutes. Take cans out and don’t tip them.
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Check the instructions for your specific canner – process may be different
5. Listen for “ting” or check to see if jars have sealed (allow a full 24 hours)
CANNING RECIPES
Old-Fashioned Jam
1. Prepare jars and lids
2. In large saucepan, combine:
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strawberries (8 cups crushed)
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4 T. lemon juice
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6 cups sugar
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.
4. Boil, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
5. Ladle hot jam into jars, leaving ¼ in. headspace. Remove air bubbles with spatula or knife.
6. Wipe and seal.
7. Place jars in canner, and cover with water.
8. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes.
9. Remove canner lid and wait 5 minutes.
Homemade Salsa
1. Prepare jars and lids
2. Recipe:
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16 c. tomatoes, cut
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2 green peppers
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jalapeno (personal preference)
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6 onions
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2 T. salt
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2 T. pepper
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1 c. cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
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2 cloves garlic (or garlic powder)
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2 T. dried cilantro
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tomato paste to thicken (optional)
3. Cook 2 hours.
4. Pour nto jars and seal (no need to pressure cook)
Confession of the Day: I absolutely love to can – more for the satisfaction of knowing what I am doing – saving money, saving produce that would probably just sit rotten in my garden, and the joy of being able to enjoy the produce all year long. I do want to expand my canning skills though – I still have a lot to learn! I am thankful that I grew up in a family that held the tradition of canning – during the summer, my mom canned beans, peaches, tomatoes, meat, and I am sure more! I appreciate the lessons I have learned from her and hope to pass on what she has taught me, to others. Living with less means focusing on the things that are important – such as family and the traditions that come along with it. The bonus is that often in doing so, you often learn to live with less and appreciate the skills and money-saving ideas passed down from generation to generation.
What is your favorite thing to can? Do you have a favorite recipe?
Great post!! You are very inspiring :). I will have to try some of those recipes!
Thank you…I have learned to appreciate canning! There is something about opening one of the cans, realizing it is homemade, and savoring every taste of it :). Give those recipes a try and let me know what you think – especially the salsa!