A few words on canning

A few words on canning

HOORAY!!! It's canning season. I saw my DH tilling up our yard this week and immediately rushed out to the storage shed to haul in my canning supplies.  He grows it: I can it. That is our deal. I don't normally wait for him to produce anything though, I get all excited and find something to preserve long before I have to get out my garden pillaging basket.  I ran across a recipe a couple weeks ago that called for Mango Jam. I didn't have any so I used Orange Marmalade and it was delish!!! But far be it from me to ignore the original instructions so I'm going to pick up some mangoes and can them so I will have it next time.

I know there are many newbie caners out there or folks who would love to can but are worried about the cost and hassle. Well no need to fear!! You can start canning very simply. Though you will need a few things to start you can avoid the expensive, scary, steamy pressure caner for a bit. Start by water bath canning. It's super simple!

You will need:

A water bath caner with jar rack

Jar lifter

A canning funnel

Jars with lids and rings

A ladle

The ingredients required for whatever you are canning

That's it!

Water bath canning is generally used when canning items that are high in acid. Pressure canning can be used to can anything but is a bit more complicated and requires a more expensive canner. If you just want to start slow and easy to see if you like canning, grab a water bath canner.

I will be posting my mango jam adventure later in the week so if you would like to pick up the things you will need before I post it you will need the above list as well as:

2 pounds ripe mangoes

One cup of good quality white sugar

1 tablespoon real butter

I am going to use very small jars, 4oz regular mouth jars

See you later this week :o)