Who is a canner?

[CarriBrown]

I want to can for Christmas. I've been reading a little bit about it, and I'm a little confused about the hot water at the end. Do I have to buy additional stuff to can? Or do I just need the cans and lids?

 

[picklespickles]

bell makes really good pamphlets on it. i think you can even buy them at target sometimes. check and see if htey have website. i bet they do.

i am a cheater canner. i make jam and such in the microwave then freeze it.

 

[ChickMomma]

I dont know much about canning. I have only helped my MIL but she uses a pressure canner that has the gauge to read what pressure the canner is at. She says that without it it takes a ton more time to make sure that the jars are sealed.
S.

 

[GloriaH]

I can alot. The first thing I need to know is what you would like to can. Jams and Jellies?

 

[4-H chicken mom]

What do you plan on canning? The water bath I think you are referring to is basically to heat the jars with lids on so that they will seal properly.

 

[silkiechicken]

Here's a similar question about canning, what is more economical. Buying the jars and caning supplies for oh, 500 lbs of goods, or buying an extra freezer to use to store the food?

Benefits of canning is no refrigeration so no lost goods if power goes out. And shelf space is easier to get than freezer space at times.

Benefits of freezing being that it is much faster to do and zip loc bags reused a few times is cheaper than glass jars and new seals each year.

So between the two, which one is more economical?

 

[picklespickles]

hmmm. good question. i know the only one i'm willing to do is microwave cook and the freeze.

my ideals are old school but methods are pure modern day.

 

[CarriBrown]

What I'm doing is making Christmas baskets with homemade goods. I have Tricia's soap, some candles, I'm going to make bread and cookies/cupcakes/brownies/fudge and I want to make some jam or apple butter to put in the basket, too.
So basically, I'm looking for info on canning fruits/jams/jellies. Thanks!

 

[LoneCowboy]

I also can a lot. It depends on what you are planning on canning. This time of year probably jam or jelly. They are really quite easy. I opted to use the inversion method for sealing my jars last time. I didn't want to get the big pots out again to do the water bath.

I'm canning blackberry and strawberry jam for Christmas gifts for our customers.

Very good instruction inside the pectin box.

 

[DuckLady]

If I still lived in So Cal, I would have you over for a canning party!

You don't need any special equipment to can foods high in acid, like fruits and jams.
You can do the inversion method or water bath which is having a kettle deep enough to cover the jars by 2 inches of water. You do need to make sure the jars don't tip over or clank together. You will boil the jars of food in the water for various times depending on what you are canning.

The Ball Blue Book of Canning is my best friend for canning. Worth every penny.