Who in their right mind would be thinking of this topic as we await our next major snowstorm? Believe it or not that would be me. I absolutely love canning and would like to convince anyone who has been tempted but hesitated due to the perceived difficulty. It may seem daunting at first but I assure you it is manageable by even the most novice cooks.
I started out with easy recipes such as freezer jam and once I was comfortable with the process I worked my way to more labor intensive ones. I suggest trying the same approach to those who have never canned before, this way you won't become overwhelmed and throw in the towel. Another reason I thought I would start discussing this topic early is to give those who are thinking of starting the time to look for second hand items that are needed to home can. Because it is not harvest season most often you can find numerous canning jars and other canning items at your local thrift store. So on your next trip keep your eyes peeled for the following basic essentials
1) canning jars with screw lids (my preference is 500 ml but I do have some 250ml that I have for gift giving) Be sure to thoroughly check the rims of the jars to ensure there are no chips as this would interfere with the seals and safety of the product inside.
2) sealing lids. These cannot be reused so you will have to purchase new each season. I have seen these periodically at our Dollar Store and I usually stock up as they can cost double that at the grocery stores.
3) Large canning pot to process the filled jars. Normally there is a required inch of water needed to cover the jars when processing. The size required will depend on what size jars you prefer to work with.
4)Dutch oven to prepare the recipe. Most of us have a large pot that we cook pasta in. This would suffice and should preferably be stainless steel to avoid scorching.
5) Canning rack for the bottom of the processing pot so the jars do not sit on the bottom. If you do not have one you can easily use several metal canning lids tied together.
6) Jar tongs. Most recipes have you remove the hot jars minutes after the processing time is done. How is that possible?? Well it isn't really without one of these gadgets. I rather like my fingers so I put this tool right up there with the jars in necessity and well worth the $5 or $6.
Some of the following items are not "necessary" but make the process that much easier.
1)funnel. This fits into the large mouth of the jars and prevents overflow when pouring the prepared recipe into the hot jars.
2) Lid lifter. The sealing lids have to be heated prior to placing on the jars. As this tool is magnetic it makes it a snap to lift out of the hot water to be placed on the prepared jar.
3)Head space measuring tool. Each recipe will advise how much room should be left between the product and the lid. Honestly once you have done this several times you can do without this tool.
So while the snow is swirling outside and the gardens are a distant memory there is no better time to start accumulating some of these basic tools. Start asking around to friends and families who no longer can. Check tag sales, thrift stores or there may even be some items left on clearance racks in stores. Thinking of this now will prevent you from paying full price for these items in the peak canning season.
In Part II I will explore the basics on canning and some do's and dont's. I promise before long you will be enjoying the summer's bounty all year round.
I started out with easy recipes such as freezer jam and once I was comfortable with the process I worked my way to more labor intensive ones. I suggest trying the same approach to those who have never canned before, this way you won't become overwhelmed and throw in the towel. Another reason I thought I would start discussing this topic early is to give those who are thinking of starting the time to look for second hand items that are needed to home can. Because it is not harvest season most often you can find numerous canning jars and other canning items at your local thrift store. So on your next trip keep your eyes peeled for the following basic essentials
1) canning jars with screw lids (my preference is 500 ml but I do have some 250ml that I have for gift giving) Be sure to thoroughly check the rims of the jars to ensure there are no chips as this would interfere with the seals and safety of the product inside.
2) sealing lids. These cannot be reused so you will have to purchase new each season. I have seen these periodically at our Dollar Store and I usually stock up as they can cost double that at the grocery stores.
3) Large canning pot to process the filled jars. Normally there is a required inch of water needed to cover the jars when processing. The size required will depend on what size jars you prefer to work with.
4)Dutch oven to prepare the recipe. Most of us have a large pot that we cook pasta in. This would suffice and should preferably be stainless steel to avoid scorching.
5) Canning rack for the bottom of the processing pot so the jars do not sit on the bottom. If you do not have one you can easily use several metal canning lids tied together.
6) Jar tongs. Most recipes have you remove the hot jars minutes after the processing time is done. How is that possible?? Well it isn't really without one of these gadgets. I rather like my fingers so I put this tool right up there with the jars in necessity and well worth the $5 or $6.
Some of the following items are not "necessary" but make the process that much easier.
1)funnel. This fits into the large mouth of the jars and prevents overflow when pouring the prepared recipe into the hot jars.
2) Lid lifter. The sealing lids have to be heated prior to placing on the jars. As this tool is magnetic it makes it a snap to lift out of the hot water to be placed on the prepared jar.
3)Head space measuring tool. Each recipe will advise how much room should be left between the product and the lid. Honestly once you have done this several times you can do without this tool.
So while the snow is swirling outside and the gardens are a distant memory there is no better time to start accumulating some of these basic tools. Start asking around to friends and families who no longer can. Check tag sales, thrift stores or there may even be some items left on clearance racks in stores. Thinking of this now will prevent you from paying full price for these items in the peak canning season.
In Part II I will explore the basics on canning and some do's and dont's. I promise before long you will be enjoying the summer's bounty all year round.
1 comments:
Hi. I found your link at Frazypoo's and I have to admit your blog name intrigued me. I do freezer jam each year (so good!) and am planning to do actual canning this year. I tasted some canned pickles (laced with garlic and hot peppers) and couldn't believe how fabulous they were! You're so right- I need to start collecting what I need right now. Thanks for the reminder- and I love your philosophy of teachinig your kids life is not measured by how much stuff we have. So true. I will definitely be stopping by again.
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