Canning 101 – 8 Essential Steps to Get You Started

Canning is a great way to preserve the fresh taste of fruits and vegetables, as well as to make soups, stews, sauces, and jams. With the right equipment and a few key steps, you can start canning your own food in no time. Here are the top eight things you need to know about canning to get started:

Equipment: You'll need a few essential tools to get started with canning. These include jars, lids, canning tools, and a pot or canner.

Food preparation: Before you start canning, it's important to prepare your food by washing it, cutting it, and cooking it as necessary.

Jars: Choose jars that are appropriate for the type of food you are canning, such as wide-mouth jars for large chunks of food, or narrow-mouth jars for small items.

Lids: Make sure to purchase new, unused lids for each batch of canning, as used lids can fail to seal properly.

Water bath vs. pressure canning: Depending on the type of food you're canning, you may need to use either a water bath or a pressure canner. This will ensure that the food is safely preserved.

Processing time: The time it takes to process the food in the canner will depend on the type of food, the size of the jar, and the altitude at which you live. It's important to follow a reliable recipe or canning guide to determine the correct processing time.

Cooling: Once the jars are processed, it's important to allow them to cool completely before checking the seals and storing the jars.

Storing: Store your canned food in a cool, dark place, and make sure to label the jars with the date and type of food so you can keep track of how long they've been stored.

By following these basic steps, you'll be well on your way to canning your own delicious and healthy food at home. So grab your equipment and start experimenting!