Getting Started With Canning

Kate · Posted: Wed Jan 19, 2005 9:49 am Post subject: Getting Started With Canning

Guido pointed out to me that people had been searching for canning recipes lately. I've been canning since I was in my teens and I love it.There's something about putting up your own fruits and vegetables. If your new to canning I've put a few tips here and will add more soon. If you have a question please feel free to post it in forums or send me an email....Kate

Befor you get started with canning,you need to prepare your equipment.
A large stainless steel pot.
A water bath canner or pressure canner (for non acid foods)

A tray lined with a dry dish towel to cool the just filled jars.

A clean damp cloth to wipe the jar rims before sealing.

A pair of tongs to lift the jars and lids from the hot water.

Preparing canning jars and lids.
Always use new lids to insure a good seal.

Wash canning jars, rings and lids in hot soapy water.Rinse well.

Place jars in a pot of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes. Hold jars in hot water until ready to fill. Place rings and lids in another smaller pan and boil the same as jars, also holding in the hot water.
If you have a dishwasher with a warer heat option, then you can stearilize you jars that way.

Always use the freshest possible fruits and vegetables and wash them well, removing any bad spots.
Foods such as tomatoes, which have a high acid content and fruits that are canned in a sugar syrup or jams and jellies can all be processed in a water bath canner. Foods such as vegetables that are packed in water, need to be processed in a pressure canner to ensure the food is safely sterilized.
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Life's short...eat dessert first.

kerismummy · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 4:22 pm Post subject:

i am looking to make some jam over the next couple of weeks and have been saving my jars. im not very good at it yet so will definately be using your tips. thanks x

Kate · Posted: Fri Oct 06, 2006 7:35 pm Post subject:

Great Paula, I miss canning and preserving foods. I'll be making some pepper jelly to give as Christmas gifts.
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Life's short...eat dessert first.

kerismummy · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 8:39 am Post subject:

the only savory jam iv made so far is red chilli and green jalepino last year but i didnt think it was that nice. my mums friend loved it though and ate the whole jar! i tried making plum and cinammon jam at the weekend, it looks good so far, ill have to let you know what its like before i post the recipe!

Kate · Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 6:58 pm Post subject:

Some jams can take forever to set up (jell). Your plum cinnamon jam sounds great! Guido can't tolerate cinnamon so I'm going to have to watch it when he gets here. I love my cinnamon!
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Life's short...eat dessert first.

kerismummy · Posted: Tue Oct 10, 2006 8:52 am Post subject:

i love cinammon too, if i make hot milk i always cook it with a cinammon stick in for the extra flavour.