Canning for Beginners – Tips from Seasoned Canners will give you some shortcuts to help you make the most wonderful preserved foods for your family and friends.
Have you ever started a hobby and thought, “There has to be an easier way?”
Canning and preserving foods are one of those hobbies that there are easier ways of doing it. Instead of taking the long road to learn how to can and preserve foods, find out what seasoned canners already know.
If you’re looking for some simple recipes to get started, Homemade Refrigerator Tomato Jam and Refrigerator Quick Pickled Red Onions are delicious recipes to try.
Sometimes the easiest tip can cut down on the learning process and make things much more fun!
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Canning Tips and Tricks from Seasoned Canners
1. Visual Proof
Sometimes you think you have the right ingredients before starting a project, only to learn partway through the process that your memory is playing tricks on you.
There’s nothing worse than having to stop what you’re doing to make a quick trip to the store. Line up all your ingredients for canning on your countertops and take inventory. You’ll be glad you did.
2. Measure Out Ingredients
Before getting started, measure out all ingredients and have them ready to go. You will make fewer mistakes, and your canning will be smoother and more efficient.
3. Start Simple
Start with simple recipes like jam or pickles to familiarize yourself with the canning process.
4. Use Proper Canning Jars
Choose proper canning jars designed specifically for home canning that can withstand high heat and pressure.
Also, check your glass jars for chips or cracks before using them to make sure they are in good condition. Damaged jars may not seal properly.
5. Use New Lids
Always use a new jar lid for canning to ensure a proper seal. Reused lids may not provide a secure seal.
6. Headspace
Follow the recipe instructions for leaving the appropriate amount of headspace (empty space between the food and lid) in each jar.
7. Bubble Remover
After filling the jars, use a bubble remover or headspace tool to remove any trapped air bubbles.
8. Wipe Jar Rims
Before placing canning lids on jars of food, wipe the rim of the jar clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal.
9. Canning Rack
Use a canning rack in your boiling water bath or pressure canner to keep the jars off a direct heat source. The wire rack will help prevent damage to the jars. You will also want a jar lifter to handle hot jars.
10. Factor in Altitude
Adjust processing time for higher elevations. If you live at a higher altitude versus living at sea level, adjust the processing time indicated in canning guidelines to ensure safe preservation.
11. Watch How-to Videos
YouTube has a variety of videos on canning. It’s the best way to show you what to expect and what to watch out for beginner canners.
12. The More, the Merrier
There’s no rule that says you have to do your canning alone. Having a friend join in on your project will make things easier, and you’ll create memories along the way.
13. Floor Mats
Standing up on a hard surface can be hard on your body. Why do that to yourself if you love to cook and can food? Having comfortable floor mats for canning will be worth every penny.
14. Good Canning Gloves
Having the proper gloves for canning will make all the difference in making things easier. The Ove Glove is what most canning professionals prefer.
Several canners have a set of welding gloves set aside for their canning.
15. Thrifty Canning
Check thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace for used canning equipment. Sometimes you can find expensive canning supplies for pennies on the dollar. Always be on the lookout for pint jars, especially during the winter season.
16. Consuming Preserved Food
Use home-canned food within a year for optimal quality. Also, inspect jars before using. Check for any signs of spoilage like mold, unusual odors, or bulging lids. If in doubt, discard it.
17. Jar Storage
Store filled Mason jars in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Storing canning jars in the dark helps maintain quality and prolong shelf life. Creating a pantry in your basement or root cellar is a great way to store your own food. It’s like having your own grocery store at your finger tips.
Beginning Canners Pantry Tour
So whether you do pressure canning or water bath canning, these tips will help you succeed with home food preservation. Canning for beginners doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Think of all the great recipes you can try. Tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, pickled green beans, homemade jam, and pie fillings are just some of the things you can make. The only downside is not having enough hours in the day to get everything you want preserved done.
Important Note: Be sure to follow safe canning practices with a complete guide from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
We’ve reached the end of Canning for Beginners – Tips from Seasoned Canners. I hope you enjoyed it!
Let me know in the comments your favorite canning tips and whether you prefer a pressure canner or a water bath canner. I would also love to hear what was your favorite canning for beginners tip?
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I created a canning for beginners pin for you below to adding to your canning Pinterest board to refer back to this article.
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Thanks for stopping by! I’m so happy you found us.
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