What are you canning now?

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
You can use water bath for tomatoes. Again, the Ball canning book has all information on how to do it. If my memory serves me correct you add lemon juice and salt to balance things out.

Your mother is correct that you CAN NOT use the little metal lids more than one time. The reason is that the seal has been compassed and you risk not getting the proper seal on the second jar. The metal screw bands can be used over and over.

Keep asking questions.

Sandee

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
Very pretty soft color. Does it taste like corn? Never heard of it and do you use it like jelly on toast or on meats/poultry as a glaze?

Sandee

 

[Frogdogtimestwo]

The recipe calls for adding optional food coloring, but that is the natural color after boiling the cobs. It does not taste like corn, it is sweet and fresh tasting almost honeyish? I use it on toast only around our house. I make it because people get a kick out of it and why not use something you are going to throw out anyway.

 

[urban dreamer]

Ok so don't use little metal lids more than once, low acid foods should be canned with a pressure cooker/canner (what about tomaotes?) and I need to get that book. Right?

What do you do with all your little lids after you are done? Do you recycle them and can you buy those little lids by themsleves without having to by more jars? Where do you buy your jars/ pressure cookers/ little metal lids? Do you use both methods (pressure cooker and boiling water method for different foods, like beans vs. tomaotes)?

Keep asking questions.

You better belive it! Im really paranoid about jumping into something that I haven't researched to death.​

 

[dangerouschicken]

We use old lids for stuff we put in the freezer, like chicken broth off the chicken carcasses, where they don't have to have a tight seal, as the freezing kills the bad stuff, not the lids

Just put them in a seperate ziplock baggy after they have been used for canning, so you know which ones are old.

Tomatoes are fine in waterbath canning. I have even canned yellow and green varieties with waterbath canning (both are low acid) and they were still totally fine.

Edited to add: We freeze beans in ziplock bags rather than pressure can, as the flavor is better. If you do not want to deal with pressure canning, and you have access to freezer space, this is a good alternative. You can also dehydrate things like zucchini slices and they will keep for months in a ziplock bag in the cupboard. Just dump a few in your winter soups and they come right back to life

You can buy all your canning goods, including the Ball canning book, at Walmart, Kmart, Fred Meyer, BiMart and other places. Buy now as in summer they may have sold out!

 

[TifsBroodyBabes]

Quote:
You better belive it! Im really paranoid about jumping into something that I haven't researched to death.

Heres a good recipe and info about canning website that I love ! www.pickyourown.org

Tif

 

[Dragonfly Ranch]

Quote:
You better belive it! Im really paranoid about jumping into something that I haven't researched to death.

Heres a good recipe and info about canning website that I love ! www.pickyourown.org

Tif

We mark them as used and recycle into jars that we might use for storing garden seeds, spices etc.

Yes, you can buy just the metal lids, they are not overly expensive I think $1.50 for 12. Keep in mind there are two types of jars - regular mouth and wide mouth so watch which ones you are getting. If you buy a case of jars you get the works, jars, lids and screw bands - then only need to get the metal lids to replace used ones. In my area in California the best place I found for jars is Winco, then WalMart. Winco seems to have them year round and WalMart only during canning season. Also, watch Craig's list and garage sales. Put the word out that you are canning and some times people have jars that were left over from a relative/themselves they have never used and are willing to give to you. Unfortunately, the Internet is not a good place since the shipping costs are high.

Also, don't be afraid to tell friends and families that you want the jars back. Some people even up the price on the first jar and give a discount on the second jar if they get the jar back. Jars average around $.57 per jar for 1/2 pint and price goes up from there.

Again, keep the questions coming and people will get back to you.

Sandee

P.S. There is also the whole world of freezer type jams that can be done in recycled jars. Again, not to beat a dead horse but the book covers all that.

 

[Kim_NC]

Quote:
Heres a good recipe and info about canning website that I love ! www.pickyourown.org

Tif

We mark them as used and recycle into jars that we might use for storing garden seeds, spices etc.

Yes, you can buy just the metal lids, they are not overly expensive I think $1.50 for 12. Keep in mind there are two types of jars - regular mouth and wide mouth so watch which ones you are getting. If you buy a case of jars you get the works, jars, lids and screw bands - then only need to get the metal lids to replace used ones. In my area in California the best place I found for jars is Winco, then WalMart. Winco seems to have them year round and WalMart only during canning season. Also, watch Craig's list and garage sales. Put the word out that you are canning and some times people have jars that were left over from a relative/themselves they have never used and are willing to give to you. Unfortunately, the Internet is not a good place since the shipping costs are high.

Also, don't be afraid to tell friends and families that you want the jars back. Some people even up the price on the first jar and give a discount on the second jar if they get the jar back. Jars average around $.57 per jar for 1/2 pint and price goes up from there.

Again, keep the questions coming and people will get back to you.

Sandee

P.S. There is also the whole world of freezer type jams that can be done in recycled jars. Again, not to beat a dead horse but the book covers all that.

I also enjoy pickyourown.org. Lots of detailed instructions with pics, and she always posts processing methods, times, etc from approved guidelines.

Another thing about the metal bands/rings - you remove them to store your jars, and leave only the vaccum sealed lid on the jar. So the bands you get with purchased jars or lid/band combinations are plenty to cover canning in "loose" jars you might buy from craigslist, yardsales, etc.

 

[urban dreamer]

I went and bought the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving today. It has sooo much stuff in it! I was expecting just canned veggies/fruits and jams, but this has sauces, relish, and whole bunches more! When I was checking out, the lady (who was older) said "Wow, I didn't know anyone did that anymore." Im looking at some pressure canners now, but they are expensive. It may be a while before I buy one, but that would give me more time to read and do research and all good things come in time. I am so excited about my garden! I have cauilflower, strawberries, and onions out right now. I have green beans, and radishes germinateing inside. And as soon as it get warm enough for them, Im planning on having tomatoes, crook neck squash, zucchini, and banana peppers. I know that I will have more than my family will eat, so I will have plenty of leftovers to save. I feel accomplished

 

[Acre of Blessings]

Quote:
I don't know what I would do without my Ball Canning Book. I am soon gong to have to buy a replacement one since the one I have is so used up and I have only had it for about 3 years.

Guess I just gave away my second favorite past time.....CANNING!!!!!