Canning and Preserving 101

Are you a canner? Someone who knows how to prepare and store the summer’s freshest produce, so that you can savor its flavor no matter how cold the weather, or deep the snow? Or are you more like me – a bit intimidated by the secret world of canning, pressure cookers and sterilization techniques, and extremely terrified of giving the homemade gift of botulism?

Call me crazy or just really boring, but learning how to can fresh produce is actually on my bucket list. I think there’s nothing better than a jar of homemade salsa, preserves, or pickled anything. Proper canning of fruits and vegetables prevents the growth of microbes, including botulism, and helps ensure freshness, but the secret is to follow the rules and directions, which have been tested to ensure that the end product is safe to eat. Luckily, for those of us not quite ready to jump in the water bath, there are a variety of methods for preserving summer’s bounty, and lots of helpful resources available. Continue Reading..