Canning For Tomorrow!

Last month we discussed where to purchase local goods to enjoy for this hot summer weather, this round on Co-op Corner Blog we will be discussing canning season. While the gardens are over producing at this point, what can you do with the extra?

CAN IT! Canning dates back to the French in the early 1800’s. When Nicolas Appert started canning to help preserve foods for extended periods of time from going bad and spoiling. Today canning is still a great tradition that many carry on, but it is becoming a lost skill. Don’t fret, here at Co-op, we got you! At the Ashland City location, we offer several options for canning, this includes the famous Ball mason jars, seasonings, books, and more. Some of the best foods for canning include green beans, tomatoes, peaches, and jams. There are obviously more but these are very popular. Great tools you need for canning can include a canner, jars, lids, bands, salt, a wide mouth funnel, additional large bowls, jar lifter, and a good ladle! There are two different types of canners, a water canner and a pressure canner.

The water canner is very popular for people who are just starting their journey. This one is traditionally used for canning high-acid foods like fruits, pickles, salsa, beets, applesauce or jellies! Then there is a pressure

canner, which can be extremely dangerous if you are not watching your steps. This canner offers a vent with a pressure gauge to seal the ring around the lid of the jar where you get to the fabulous “pop” to allow you to know, you have done a good job!
Ideally the pressurized canner is designed for beans or meats which need to be cooked to a higher temperature to destroy harmful bacteria. A special ingredient we also discussed was salt, Ball makes a special salt made just for canning! Using your traditional table salt contains iodine, which can darken the color or make them cloudy of your canned goods. If you click on the link provided, you will be able to get a wonderful education from Ball Mason Jars to bring great success to your journey of canning. https://www.ballmasonjars.com/canning-preserving-guides.html