Anyone into canning?

[emilys_mom1]

I would like to learn, any suggestions on how to get started?

[Aeress]

Sorry no help...but I would be willing to learn along with you.

[KariM]

My DH is, does that count?


I know how to can jellies/jams and water bath cannable fruits, etc.

He's an all-out canning guru pressure canning up 40 (yes, you read that right) quarts of chicken for us.

I'd start by getting a copy of the Ball Canning Book from your local library or check out some of these online sites:

http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publication...ions_usda.html

http://foodsafety.psu.edu/canningguide.html

Another great way to learn is to find someone who cans and apprentice once or twice watching and learning while you can.

[Leta]

I can quite a bit. It's pretty easy. We don't do pressure canning, just hot water bath. Everything that would require pressure canning, we just flash freeze. (A food saver was cheaper than a pressure canner, and our freezer was a gift, so that's how that decision was made.)

What do you want to know?

[Throkmorton]

I do it all!

Seriously, in a season we do 300 quarts of tomatoes, 3-4 dozen pints of jam, 150lbs of peaches (they never last long enough to count the jars) plus pickles, relishes, soups, hot sauce, salsa, whatever the garden produces.

So if you have questions, just ask away

[emilys_mom1]

how long do canning suppies last? Like fruits (peaches, pears) veggies (green beans, corn, etc.) fruit perserves, jelly?????

[KariM]

Originally Posted by emilys_mom1

how long do canning suppies last? Like fruits (peaches, pears) veggies (green beans, corn, etc.) fruit perserves, jelly?????

Do you mean canned fruits, veggies, jellies, etc? Or do you mean the raw ingredients?

Canned items generally are considered to be safe for 24 months if stored in a cool dry place. Ideally you want them stored out of direct sunlight as well.

[momto l&a]

The Ball Blue would be a good book for you to have

It will answer a good deal of you questions.

[Mallori]

TOTALLY 2nd the Ball Blue Book. It's inexpensive, and is the best reference guide out there. I've seen it at WalMart, our grocery, library.

[Throkmorton]

Yep, like a PP said, around 24 mos. Obviously, use your good sense and check out every jar before yu use it. I had 3 impoperly sealed tomato jars last night! Must have been a bad batch.

[Denvergirlie]

I water bath and pressure can.

Get a ball book and follow the directions, go slow and be prepared for it to take a full day.