The Joy of Home Canning Vegetables and Fruits
Home canning of fruits, vegetables, and even meats is practiced by millions
of people. It is a great way to save money, and to extend and enjoy the fruits
of your garden well into the winter. After all, there is no better taste
than that of a fruit or vegetable that you grew.
Canning is a bittersweet love affair. Hours and hours of canning are a mixed
blessing. The more you can, the more successful your garden is. But, I do
not know of anyone who loves to spend hours in a hot kitchen, while the waning
days of summer go by. Even so, once you start this annual event, you find
few people give it up. The outcome is just too delicious.
Before you begin, you should read about home canning safety. Safe and proper
canning techniques are vital to enjoying the fruits of your labor. If proper
sanitary processes are followed, canning is safe and economical.
And, it produces delicious food that you will enjoy all year round in your
favorite recipes. Your first and most important step is to learn and follow
safe and sanitary canning methods. Improper canning may result in spoiled
food and worse yet, the very real possibility of food poisoning.
Before canning, we recommend you read
USDA
Complete Guide to Home Canning
Do you know your Jams and Jellies?
Proper canning begins with the following key steps:
-
Clean and sterilize tools and equipment. All tools should be thoroughly washed.
All canning jars and bands should be sterilized in boiling water. This eliminates
harmful germs and bacteria.
-
Keep jars warm (180-190 degrees) until ready to use.
-
Proper cleaning and preparation of food. Select fresh and healthy fruits
and vegetables at their peak ripeness. Wash and prepare according to directions
for canning.
-
In preparing food, precooking is recommended over raw packing.
-
Process high acid foods in a boiling water bath. Use a Pressure canner for
low acid foods.
-
Make sure acidity is sufficient. The absence of high acidity in the food
can promote harmful bacteria. Make sure you know the acid levels of the food
you are canning and add acid if need be. A common way to increase acidity
is to add a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice to each jar.
-
Remove air bubbles by pushing food down firmly into the jar. Then, take a
knife around the inside edge of the jar to help air bubbles to escape.
-
Leave 1/4 to 1/2 inches of headroom for most fruits and vegetables. Consult
your canning recipe for the particular food you are processing.
-
Wipe the top of the lids clean. It is important that they have no food or
residue on them to assure a good seal.
-
Put lids and bands on the jars, fingertip tight.
-
Just before placing the jars in the canner, fill the sink with hot water
and set the jars in it for a moment. This will raise the temperature of the
glass, and minimize breakage.
-
Process properly. Once the food is prepared, packed ,and sealed into sterilized
jars, it is processed in a boiling water bath. Immerse the jars in boiling
water for the time required in the particular recipe. You can process it
longer, but do not cut short the process.
Tip: When putting food into jars, cold food can break a hot jar. And,
hot foods can break a cold jar. Warm or cool jars a little to reduce
the likelihood of breakage. If a jar breaks with food in it, throw
it out. Why chance a sliver of glass in your food?
Did you Know? The USDA no longer recommends open kettle boiling water
bath. They recommend only using pressure canning. Despite this recommendation,
a large percentage of home canners still use boiling water bath.
Storage:
-
After the jars have been processed, allow them to cool slowly.
-
Remove the bands carefully, making sure not to disturb the lid. Some people
store their cans with the bands on.
-
Test the seal. Tap on the lid lightly. A sealed jar will have a sharp sound.
An unsealed jar will have a duller thud. Also, if you push down on the lid
very lightly , it will not move up and down.
-
After the jars are cool, wipe them with a damp sponge or cloth to remove
any residue.
-
Label and date the contents.
-
Store them in a cool , dry, dark place like a basement. They must be
away from sunlight and heat.
-
Jars can be stored for six to twelve months. They can be stored longer, but
it is not recommended.
Note: Immediately after canning, if you find a lid is not sealed ,
immediately refrigerate it. Or, reprocess it with a new lid and cap.
Tips for Use:
To assure safe use of your canned foods, follow these safety guidelines:
Discard the contents if:
-
If the seal of a stored jar is broken or the lid is bulging, discard
the contents.
-
If the contents are discolored.
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The smell is not normal in any way.
When opening the jar listen for the familiar sound of air as you pry open
the lid. The air is actually entering the jar.
Cook the food before tasting it.
Our rule of thumb: When in doubt, throw it out.
For more information, see:
USDA
Complete Guide to Home Canning This site contains lots of information
and tips along with recipes to try.
Freezing Homegrown Fruits and Vegetables
Homemade Tomato Juice and Vegetable
Juice
Food Strainers make fast work preparing
sauce and juice for canning and cooking.
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