Do you love eating fresh fruits and vegetables out of your garden and feel a little disappointed when the season ends? While you can go to the store and buy fruits, vegetables, and more, it’s not the same as eating from your garden. You can preserve your favorite foods by canning them. Then, they’ll be ready for you to eat, regardless of the season. Find out how to can fruits, veggies, and more so you can begin to preserve foods.
Equipment Needed
Water bath canning is ideal for high-acid foods, while pressure canning is used for low acid foods. You will need to purchase a water bath or pressure canner. You might even want to get both, so you can preserve an assortment of foods.
You will also need a:
- Jar lifter
- Funnel
- Plastic knife
- Lid wand with a magnet
- Cloths
Preparing Equipment and Food for Canning
Regardless of the method you use, you must prepare the equipment and food for canning. Clean your canning equipment, including your cutting board. Then, select ripe produce and vegetables to can. Use warm water to clean the food, and then follow a recipe. If you don’t have a family recipe, you can buy a cookbook that contains various recipes for canning food.
Prepare the Jars
Next, you need to clean the jars with hot and soapy water. Place the jars in a boiling-water canner to sterilize them. Fill the canner with hot water until it’s approximately 1 inch above the jars. Lightly boil the water for 10 minutes to sterilize the jars.
Fill the Jars
Take the jars out of the hot water when you are ready to use them. Add the fruit, vegetables, or other items into the jar, using a funnel as a guide. Then, use a clean town to wipe down the jar before adding the ring and lid.
Process the Jars
Your jar lifter will help you lower the jar and place it onto the canning rack. Follow the recipe regarding processing times. After your preserves finish processing, leave the jar on the counter until it is cool.
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Check the Seal
Make sure the seal is tight before putting the preserves away. You will hear a ping sound if you are using a water bath canner. Regardless of the canning method, you should be able to press on the lid without it giving if the seal is tight. If a seal is leaking, you can put the can in the refrigerator to eat soon or start the process all over. If the rings are intact, your preserves are ready to store. Put them in a dry and cool place until you are ready to eat them.
Canning isn’t nearly as difficult as many people think. If you follow these tips, you won’t have any problems canning fruits, vegetables, and more.