The Great American Tradition of Canning: How Do I Do It?

What Is Canning Fruit and Vegetables All About?Canning is the process in which foods are placed in
Canning fruit and vegetables is one of those greatjars or cans and heated to a temperature that
traditions that has entered the memories ofdestroys microorganisms and inactivates enzymes.
generations of families. There is something so rusticHow Do I Can Tomatoes, Fruits and Vegetables?
and enjoyable about those hours spent canningPrepare the food you are going to can by washing it
vegetable juice or canning fruit juices, and it's notfirst. Then peel, slice, pit or blend it as per your
just the knowledge that you will have the finestrecipe. Remove skins, such as tomato skin, as the
canned fruits and vegetables without the chemicals,skins can become tough. Scalding should do the job.
preservatives and additives of commercial canning.You can then make a choice of whether to hot pack
And there is so much that can be canned, withor cold pack, again depending on the recipe. Hot
asparagus, beans, carrots, peas, pumpkin andpacking is when the food is placed into the jar hot.
tomatoes being amongst the most popular. Plus, ifThe jar is then placed into the canner with boiling
you are canning juices, you do not need a specialwater to prevent the glass from breaking. With cold
tomatoe canning juicer, a fresh fruit canner orpacking, the raw food is placed in the jar before
canning juice extractors: you can use your currentbeing put into hot water in the canner. The water is
juicer, juice extractor or juice steamer (like thethen boiled. The jars are kept in the canner for the
Mehu-Liisa juice steamer.)required amount of time, and that's it!
What Canning Supplies Do I Need?Canning Sounds Great Fun!
Canning is very easy and requires few cannerSo, to recap, canning is a fun, safe method of food
supplies (check for great canning supplies). The twopreservation that is even more enjoyable when done
main items are the jars with lids and the canner.with friends or family. Canning is a bit more work
There are two types of canner: a Pressure Cannerthan freezing, but once done, all you need to do is
and a Water Bath Canner. Pressure Canners work atstore it. And it doesn't need thawing and cooking to
a higher heat are therefore better when used foreat. The equipment is cheap to buy and operate, and
low acid foods such as meat and poultry andyou really don't need much in the way of supplies.
vegetables like beans, corn and carrots. Water BathHome canning is a healthy way to fill your pantry
Canners work at the boiling point of water and arewith home cooked, preservative-free recipes such as
good for high acid foods such as jellies and fruits.soups, vegetables, baby food and so much.