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Archive for the ‘Canning & Preserving’ Category

Many people will be home canning for the first time this season because more people grew their own produce this year due to the slow economy. If you are new to canning, here are 3 things you must know before you start.

1. Always use brand new lids – You will want to make sure you always buy new lids when you are canning. You will not want to reuse lids as they will not properly seal your canning jars. You can reuse canning jars and bands from year to year. Just make sure you always check the jars for any cracks or chips, especially around the rim. If a chip in on the rim of the jar you will not get a proper seal of your canned goods.

2. Always follow the recipe and instructions – Canning is very easy and safe as long as you follow the recipe and the instructions. If you adjust the amount of sugar in a jam or jelly recipe for instance, you may not get it to gel properly. More importantly, you will always make sure you process your canning jars for the proper amount of time. Remember to adjust the processing time based on your elevation.

3. Always Use the Proper Canning Methods – You will also want to ensure you process low acid foods using a pressure canner. Never process foods such as meats and

Can Ball home canning recipes be contaminated by bisphenol A (BPA)?

Let me first say the short answer is NO, absolutely not. Then let me say that bisphenol A will be the next in a long line of food scares created by mass production of plastics.

I understand your concern regarding recent reports from Canada about BPA found in some plastic food contact products. Bisphenol-A is a synthetic chemical compound primarily used to make polycarbonate plastic containers. Please be assured that Ball home canning food storage containers (freezer containers/freezer jars) and plastic food contact articles (cutlery, straws, serving/canning utensils and canning storage caps) do not contain Bisphenol-A (BPA).

What are the key steps to follow when preparing Ball home canning recipes?

o Always follow the specific instructions for selecting, cleaning, and preheating jars, lids and bands.

o Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have these then here are the basics.

o Select home canning jars that have no visible. Bands should slide on without signs of warping or corrosion.

o Wash jars, lids and bands in hot soapy water. Rinse well. Dry bands; set aside.

o Jars and lids must be preheated and kept hot until they are used. To preheat jars and lids completely submerge them in water that has been brought to a simmer.

o Keep them at this temperature until they are used, removing one at a time as needed. DO NOT boil lids.

o If jars are used for any recipe that is processed less than 10 minutes, the jar must be sterilized.

o To sterilize jars, boil for 10 minutes.

o Allow sterilized jars to remain at a simmering temperature until they are used.

Can fruit be safely canned without the addition of sugar?

Yes of course! Ball home canning recipes are the simple way to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. Fruit must be fully ripe, firm and at it’s most flavorful. Water or sugar-free fruit juice can be used instead of sugar syrup. Use only the Hot Pack method when canning fruit without sugar. Artificial sweeteners can also be used. Add it immediately before serving canned fruit. Or how about spices, herbs and flavoring extract to enhance the flavor of fruits without sugar.

How can I know if a home canning recipe is safe to use?

Always check any home canning recipes regardless of the source. In 1989, the USDA updated their home canning guidelines. Therefore be suspicious of any home canning recipe that you cannot date after 1989. Be sure the canning book or recipe you use complies with the latest guidelines.

The Ball Blue Book

Just like a squirrel packing his nest with nuts for the winter; so are home canning enthusiasts Getting Prepared for Canning and Preserving. Yes the crops have come in from your garden and if you are like most there is a surplus of fresh fruits and vegetables to deal with. So instead of being wasteful; a growing number of people are starting to learn about canning and preserving food. This is a healthy and economically sound way of providing tasteful meals for your family throughout the on-coming cold weather months.

So just what do you need to do to get prepared for canning all these wonderful fresh foods? Let’s follow this simple guide to get you ready to start on your path to successful home canning.

Basic Preparations for Canning and Preserving

As with any project you are about to begin, it always serves you best to have a plan of action beforehand. Here are some things to consider when you are preparing to can and preserve your fresh food:





Be Comfortable – wearing the right clothing can get things off to a good start.

Enclosed shoes – it’s a good idea to wear sneakers with a good arch support because you will be standing a lot during the canning process and that is hard on your feet and back. Sometimes the food drips and supplies could get dropped; wearing enclosed shoes will protect your feet from these mishaps. Aprons – some people prefer to protect their clothes with an apron. If you have one, wear it. T-shirts and Shorts – this is my personal favorite because it is easy to move around in this type of clothing. Keep in mind that whatever you choose to wear, make sure you don’t mind getting it dirty. Adjust the A/C down – or bring in an extra fan to the kitchen. It will get hot in there so try to keep yourself a little cooler.
Schedule the day for Canning – canning food takes a bit of time.

Allot Time – don’t schedule anything else on the day you plan to can your food. The preparation and processing takes up a good amount of time to complete. Plan your meals beforehand – either prepare a casserole that can be popped in the oven or get take out for dinner. After a day of canning you will probably be tired and not feel like cooking but you and the rest of your family still have to eat supper. So keeping this in mind before you start your canning session will ease the dilemma later.
Get the Kitchen Ready – you don’t want anything slowing down progress.

Clear off counters – you will need the space so don’t have anything extra out that will get in the way of your canning. Clean the counter tops – do a quick disinfectant wipe down before you start canning to ensure the area is germ free. Empty the dishwasher – you will need the dishwasher to wash your jars. After they are finished you can clean as you go along and then fill the dishwasher with the canning supplies you have used. This will save the headaches of a messing kitchen after the canning project ends.
Gather Canning and Preserving Supplies – you will want everything you need on hand before you get started.

Jars/Lids/Bands – make sure you inspect the jars for cracks or chips and wash them thoroughly in the dishwasher or hot soap water. Check the bands for signs of corrosion or bends. Replace with a new band if necessary. Only use new canning lids, these are not safely reusable. Check your fruits and veggies – only use unblemished fresh fruits and vegetables for canning. Wash each in cool running water using a vegetable brush to remove dirt and debris. Set up your canning equipment – get all your canning supplies together for the project at hand. Choose your method of canning. For instance if today’s project is freezing food then have all your freezer bags labeled and ready to go. Get out your pots for processing, colanders for draining, choppers, canning kit etc. Don’t forget the little things either like peelers, scrapers, cutting board, bowls, measuring cups; you get the picture.

Having everything ready when you are Getting Prepared for Canning and Preserving will speed up the process. Know what you need before you get started. With all the tools at your fingertips it will be a blessing in disguise as you begin your home canning project.