The Basics On How To Can Veggies

Thousands of people grow vegetable gardens year after year and at the end of the season they throw out a lot of veggies.  If they knew how to can veggies, then they could enjoy their vegetables for months and years to come.  Growing the vegetables can be hard enough given the different variables of the growing season.  However, if you are fortunate enough to last through the growing season and have lots of vegetables, then you should learn how to can veggies.  So stop wasting all of your hard work and learn how to can veggies today.

Canning dates back for years and people have done this many different ways, some using pressure cookers and some not using pressure cookers.  I believe the pressure cooking method seems to work the best and of course (to me) it is the most sanitary.  So here is a stepwise approach on the basics of how to can veggies.

First and foremost you need to grow a garden.  Plan your garden out this winter and get your deadlines for putting your seeds and plants in the ground so they have the most optimum time-frame to grow.  You need to research how to grow your veggies, so educate yourself so you know the basics.  Don’t forget to research some of the tips and tricks to get a garden that can yield 2-3 times the normal amount.  There are many secret tips to orgranic gardening and also aquaponics gardening.  Check out these methods and you just might get a lot of veggies that you could can and eat all year round.

Second thing is to get the right equipment.  There are many different kits that you can find at your local store, but the basics should include.

• Pressure Canner.  You need one with a tight-fitting lid and safety valve.  It will also have a dial gauge to measure the pressure. Make sure you read the instructions with the use of the pressure canner as there are risks with burns.
• Canning Jars.  There are many different sizes of jars and depending on the veggie that you are going to can will depend on the size of the jar.  Ball makes a lot of canning equipment and can be found on the internet and in many stores.
• Canning Lids and Rings.  The lids and rings should obviously be the correct size for the jars and are usually sold with the jar.  The rings can be reused so don’t throw them away.
• Jar lifter, Magnet wand, Funnel and Ladle are other accessories you may need.

Here is a great beginner’s video.

Third, is to prepare your vegetables.  Once you have grown your vegetables and have your equipment, then you need to prepare your veggies.  Pick the best veggies for the canning process and make sure you wash them thoroughly.  If you have to cut the vegetables for the canning process make sure you use a sharp knife so you do not damage the vegetable.  If you do not have a sharp knife, then check out the Samurai Sharpener.  The best knife tool on the market.

Fourth is filling the jars.  There are two methods to filing the jars.

• Raw Packing.  This is packing the vegetables raw in the jar.  Then placing hot boiling water in the jar to cover the food.  This method usually requires the vegetables to be tightly packed, but be careful as some vegetables will expand so you do not want to pack them too tight.  Examples include Peas, Corn and Lima Beans.
• Hot Packing.  This is packing the vegetables in the jar after soaking them in water or steam.  Then placing hot boiling water in the jar to cover the food.
• How much water you add to the jar to cover the food depends on the veggie you are canning.
• You may add salt to the mixture for seasoning and the rule of thumb is one teaspoon of salt per quart or 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pint.
• Prepare the lids to the jars according to the manufacturers directions.  Then place the lids on the jars and tighten the band finger tight.

Fifth is placing the jars in the pressure canner and cooking.  Place the jars in the pressure canner and cook according the manufacturer’s directions for the proper pressure and time.  Once the vegetables are cooked then remove the canner from the heat and let it depressurize.  DO NOT FORCE THIS with cold water.  Once the pressure is at zero, then let it set for a few extra minutes.  When you can handle the jars safely, remove them and place them on a dry towel to cool.  Once cooled check the lids for seals and store in your pantry for future use when you are ready.

As you can see, there are a few steps on how to can veggies.  However, once you learn this method you can maximize your produce year after year.  Learn the best methods to grow a garden that yields lots of produce and you can eat them throughout the year.  Keep your equipment sterile and clean.  Prepare your vegetables properly and begin canning your veggies, today!!