Yes, you CAN!
Canning is a simple and cost-effective way to store the harvest without requiring refrigeration or freezing. It requires very little equipment, and once you get the hang of it, can be done even in brief windows of time; you can process seven quarts of fruit in less time than you can bake boxed brownies. Many of you may already have this skill down pat, but we hear from plenty of people who feel intimidated by the idea of it. Consider this your little nudge to push past those barriers and give it a go. As the saying goes, if you can boil water, you CAN can!
The unfamiliar is often intimidating, but canning is simple! You select the recipes and ingredients, add them to glass jars fitted with two-piece lids, and then heat them. Instant-presto! Heat processing preserves your beautiful foods from spoilage, and creates a vacuum seal!
Once you’ve canned your goods, your food is ready to be stored at room temperature for a year or even more, making meal prep easy and providing plenty to stock a nutritious pantry long past gardening season.
What are the benefits?
Canning allows you to enjoy the abundant harvest year round
Take advantage of sales and low prices when produce is in season; stock up!
You know exactly what's in your food and where it comes from
No additives or preservatives are needed
Economical; cheaper than buying store-bought products
Simplifies feeding your family wholesome foods
Supplies you with quick and easy homemade meals/ingredients
Space-saving, no freezing or refrigerating needed
Requires no transportation burden
Emergency preparedness, hedge against economic downturn
It’s like a food savings account
Many foods can be prepared simply with no special equipment
Timeless, useful skill to share with the next generation
Tips for Success and Safety
Select the best and freshest ingredients possible. Ideally, you process foods the same day they are picked from the garden. Store in fridge if you can't use immediately.
Whether you are using ingredients from your garden or market, always use high quality ingredients, harvested at peak.
Thoroughly rinse your produce to remove soil. This greatly reduces risk of spoilage.
Any produce that has rot, insect damage, bruising, or mold is not suitable for canning due to a higher risk of contamination and spoilage.
Let’s get you started on home canning to store up healthful meals for your family!
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