/ Prepare / By

PREPARE: Preserving the Past & Future with Canning

Disclaimer: The product links in this blog are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases.

Hey there, Mama Grizzlies!

In our fast-paced world, where drive-thrus often trump the dinner table, and convenience foods are the norm, the age-old craft of canning is a real gem. It’s not just a way to store food—it’s a nod to a self-reliant, resilient way of life, a practice cherished by our ancestors.

Rekindling the flames of home canning isn’t only about stocking up your pantry. It’s about bringing back a vital life skill that has kept families thriving through thick and thin. Canning connects us to the past and those who weathered cold winters, depressions, and times of war with jars of their carefully preserved harvests.

Dive in as we rediscover the joys and practicalities of canning. It’s surprisingly simple and a decisive move for controlling what your family eats, cutting down on waste, and boosting your self-sufficiency. Imagine your shelves lined with colorful jars of pickles, jams, and more—each packed with flavors and family memories.

So, grab your apron and jars, and let’s get those pots bubbling! Here at Mama-Grizzly, we’re about more than just getting ready for what’s ahead—we’re about holding on to the best of what’s been handed down to us. We don’t just prepare for the future—we preserve it.

Canning Techniques

Are you ready to become a canning champion? Let’s dive into the essentials of canning, where knowing the proper technique can make all the difference in keeping your food safe and delicious. This story has two main heroes: Water Bath Canning and Pressure Canning.

Water Bath Canning – Your Go-To for Jams and Pickles

Imagine a big pot of boiling water—your primary tool for water bath canning. Pack your jars with goodies like fruits, jams, or pickles, and dunk them into the water. Make sure they’re fully submerged! This method heats the jars to a temperature that zaps harmful microorganisms. As the jars cool off, they seal shut, creating a vacuum that locks in the freshness. It’s perfect for high-acid foods like fruits and anything pickled. Remember, following proper canning procedures to ensure food safety is crucial. This includes using sterilized jars, sealing them tightly, and processing them for the recommended time and temperature.

The best part? It’s super simple. You’re pretty much set if you’ve got a large pot and some jars. Remember, it’s only for high-acid foods because other foods need more heat to stay safe and sound.

Pressure Canning – The Big Guns for Veggies and Meats

If you want to preserve low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, or seafood, meet your new friend: the pressure canner. Unlike the water bath, this method uses pressurized steam to reach higher temperatures. It’s like a spa day for your jars; the heat treats them to ensure no harmful bacteria survive.

This method is necessary for low-acid foods to avoid any risks of foodborne illnesses, like the dreaded botulism. While it might sound more intense, the result is worth it. With pressure canning, you can safely store a wide variety of foods.

Which to Choose?

Each method has its perks, and the right one depends on what’s in your jars. Whether you want to keep your summer harvest fresh all year or prepare a stack of your favorite jams, mastering these techniques will ensure your pantry is stocked and safe.

So, gear up and get ready—we’ll make your ancestors proud with some top-notch canning!

All About Canning Jars

Let’s dive into the world of canning jars, those indispensable partners in the canning adventure. When you think about canning, the image that often pops up is rows of shiny jars filled with colorful preserves, pickles, and more. But not all jars are created equal! Knowing the different types and sizes of canning jars will help you choose the right one for the job.

Starting with the smallest of the most common sizes, we have the half-pint jars, typically holding about 8 ounces. These are ideal for your jams, jellies, and marmalades. They’re also the perfect size for those thinking about gifting their tasty creations. Then we step up to the pint jars, which hold 16 ounces and offer more room for things like salsas, sauces, and individual servings of soup or chili that make for a quick meal on a busy day.

When dealing with larger quantities, quart jars, which hold 32 ounces, come into play. They’re great for preserving big items like whole fruits or large chunks of pickles and are also the go-to for storing stocks or leftovers you want to keep for the winter.

Now, let’s talk about the mouths of these jars. There are two main types: regular mouth and wide mouth. Regular mouth jars have an opening about 2.5 inches in diameter, making them a bit of a tighter fit but perfectly fine for most uses. However, wide-mouth jars are about 3 inches in diameter, making it easy to pack those bulkier items or scoop out contents with a spoon.

Choosing the right jar often depends on what you’re planning to preserve. If you’re working with liquids or fine preserves, a regular-mouth jar might suffice. But if you’re tackling something a bit bulkier or if you’re just starting out and want the easiest option for filling and cleaning, wide-mouth jars are your best bet.

The right canning jar not only holds your food—it’s a crucial tool in ensuring your canning success. So, consider what you’ll be filling those jars with, how much space you have for storage, and what will make your canning process smoother. With the right jars on your shelf, you’re all set to capture the bounty of the seasons in the most delightful way. So grab your jars, and let’s get canning!

Tools for Home Canning

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, having the right tools is critical to making your canning adventures fun and successful. Here’s a handy rundown of canning supplies for beginners for water baths and pressure canning.

Essential Canning Gear

Canning Jars, Lids, and Bands: These are the absolute must-haves. Check that jars are free from chips and that lids are new to ensure they seal correctly.

Ball Mason Quilted Jelly Jars

Large Canning Pot (Water Bath Canning): You’ll need a big pot with a lid, preferably with a rack to keep those jars off the bottom.

Pressure Canner (Pressure Canning): This is not just any pressure cooker; it is specifically designed for canning and is crucial for processing low-acid foods safely. The canner listed below is one of the best home canning systems available.

Beginner Canning Set – This set from Amazon contains all you need to get started:

  • Funnel – A wide-mouth funnel is your best friend for mess-free filling.
  • Jar Lifter – Trust me, you’ll want one of these to remove hot jars from boiling water safely.
  • Bubble Remover/Headspace Tool – This little tool is excellent for removing air bubbles and adjusting headspace.
  • Magnetic Lid Lifter – This is used to pick up the lids out of the hot water.
  • Jar Wrench – Good to help remove stubborn stuck bands.
  • Canning Tongs – For gripping hot food.
  • Canning Ladle – For scooping and pouring your creations into jars.
  • Labels – For labeling your jars.

Canning Recipes: There are many reputable online resources listed at the end of this post, but I recommend getting a good canning book. Here’s a great choice.

Shopping Tips for Quality and Reliability

  1. Always check for any damage, especially when buying used. Avoid jars with chips or cracks and canners with rusty spots. 
  2. Choose reputable brands known for their durability. Brands like Ball, Kerr, and Presto have stood the test of time. 
  3. For Pressure canners, it is essential to ensure that all seals, gaskets, and safety features are in good working order.

Armed with the right gear, you’re all set to preserve the season’s flavors. So, let’s get those jars ready and turn up the heat—it’s canning time, Grizzlies!

Risks Associated with Canning

While canning is a fantastic way to stash away those tasty treats for later, keeping an eye on safety is super important. Let’s dive into what you must watch out for and how to do it confidently.

Beware of Botulism and Other Nasties

Top of the list? Botulism. This rare but severe condition comes from a toxin produced by bacteria in low-oxygen environments—like those sealed jars in your pantry. Symptoms are no joke, including things like blurred vision, trouble swallowing, and muscle weakness. And yes, other bacteria and molds also love to crash the canning party, potentially spoiling your food and turning it into a health hazard.

Why Safety Measures Are a Must

Keeping your canning game safe isn’t hard, but it does require some diligence:

  • Pick the Right Process: Use the proper canning method. Water bath canning works great for high-acid foods like fruits and tomatoes, while pressure canning is necessary for low-acid foods like meats and veggies.
  • Sterilize, Sterilize, Sterilize: Keep those jars, lids, and tools squeaky clean. Starting with sterilized equipment is like giving your food a clean slate.
  • Stick to the Script: For recipes, use ones from trusted sources that specify canning times and methods. This is one of those times when winging it just isn’t cool.

By keeping these pointers in mind, you can ensure that every jar you seal is delicious and completely safe to enjoy later. So, let’s keep things safe and tasty, and happy canning, everyone!

Homework

I know what you’re thinking: homework in a blog post? Yep, you read that right! But trust me, this isn’t your typical pencil-and-paper drill. We’re talking about rolling up your sleeves and diving into some hands-on canning projects to boost your skills and stock your pantry. Let’s break it down into two fun projects:

Project 1 (Water Bath Canning): Bread and Butter Pickles

Grab some cucumbers and prepare to crunch your way to canning mastery with this classic pickle project. Perfect for beginners, water bath canning will introduce you to the basics and give you a delicious result.

Project 2 (Pressure Canning): Perfect Pasta Sauce

It’s time to turn up the heat and step into the world of pressure canning. This project will have you cooking up a rich, hearty pasta sauce that’s sure to be a hit at any dinner table.

So, why not turn this into a fun family adventure? These projects are a perfect way to introduce the kids and Papa Grizzly to the joys of making something from scratch, and who knows? You might start a new family tradition. Gather everyone around, assign tasks, and enjoy the teamwork. It’s a fantastic way to spend quality time together and pass down the invaluable skill of canning. Ready, set, can! Let’s create some delicious memories!

Storage and Maintenance of Canned Goods

Alright, Grizzlies, you’ve done the hard work of canning—now let’s make sure all that effort pays off for as long as possible! Here’s how you can keep your canned goods and equipment in tip-top shape.

Best Practices for Storing Canned Foods

Store your jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry or a cupboard away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can degrade the quality of your food over time. Keep your jars organized by date, with the oldest jars in front so you use them first. It’s the old “first in, first out” rule. Ensure the seals on your jars are tight. A good seal is your best defense against spoilage.

Shelf Life and Signs of Spoilage

Adequately canned goods can generally last up to a year (sometimes longer), but checking on them regularly is good. Signs of spoilage include leaking, bulging lids, or any funky odors once opened. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe and toss it.

Maintenance Tips for Canning Equipment

Always thoroughly clean your canning tools and pots after each use. This keeps them ready for next time and extends their life. Before each canning session, check your equipment for any signs of wear or damage, especially the rubber gaskets on your pressure canner. Keep your equipment in a dry place to avoid any rust or corrosion. This is especially important for metal tools and canners.

Following these simple guidelines will ensure your canned creations are delicious and safe when ready to enjoy them. Plus, your canning gear will be all set for your next batch. Here’s to many more seasons of successful canning!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it. We’ve covered a lot, from the ins and outs of canning to peeking into other food preservation methods. Remember, mastering canning and other preservation techniques isn’t just about stocking your pantry—it’s about embracing a lifestyle of self-reliance and sustainability.

If you haven’t tried canning yet, I encourage you to do so. Stick to safety guidelines and best practices; you’ll fill your shelves with delicious, homemade goodies in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to ensure you know exactly what’s happening with your family’s food.

And hey, why not make it a family affair? Get the kids and everyone in the house involved. It’s a perfect activity for bonding, learning together, and even sneaking in some lessons about science and nutrition.

So, grab those jars, gather your family, and preserve the season’s bounty. Happy canning, everyone! Let’s keep those traditions alive and well, one jar at a time!

Resources

Shopping Cart