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If you can boil water, you can preserve your high-acid fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, pickles, jams, and even salsas. In only three steps, you will have freshly preserved and homemade fruit mixes. Let’s break down those three steps, but first here is what you’ll need to get the job done:
- High acid foods, such as chutneys, jellies, or pie filling;
- 21-Quart Waterbath Canner or a 21-quart stockpot;
- Canning rack;
- Glass preserving jars complete with lids and bands to create a seal. Both Ball and Kerr preserving jars are excellent choices.
To get started, wash your jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Make sure to rinse them well after. Continue by keeping the jars warm until you’re ready to use them to reduce the chance of breakage when pouring hot food into them. A heated dishwasher or resting your jars in a pot of simmering water will take care of this. Now, fill your canner halfway so that there is enough water to cover the jars with one inch of water or more, and then heat to a simmer. Finally, put the lid on your canner and keep the rack off to the side until it’s time to use it.
The second step involves choosing and preparing a recipe. Avoid experimentation if you’re new to canning – a slight change in a proven recipe can lead to dramatic and dreadful results. There are hundreds of recipes available on websites like www.freshpreserving.com or in the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving. Next, fill your jars with your recipe inspired food. The recipe will tell you how far to fill the jars, but be sure to leave room between the food and the rim as the contents will expand during canning. Then, remove any air bubbles by simply sliding a small (non-metallic) spatula inside the jar while pressing your food against the opposing side of the jar. Finally, wipe any food remnants from the rims of the jars, center a new lid on the jar, and twist the band until it is just fingertip tight. If you over-tighten the lid, air inside the jars will be unable to escape. At this point, your jars are likely to fracture or explode due to the excess pressure.
The third step is as easy as boiling water and being patient. Place your filled jars into the canning rack and slowly lower it into simmering water, again ensuring the jars are covered by one inch of water. Place the lid on top and heat the water to a steady boil. You’ll want to boil the jars for the time specified in the recipe you chose, but don’t forget to take into account how altitude can affect the processing time. At an altitude between 1,001 – 3,000 feet, boil for an extra five minutes; for 3,001 – 6,000 feet, increase the timer by ten minutes; from 6,000 – 8,000 feet above sea level, boil for an additional 15 minutes; and, for 8,001 – 10,000 feet, tack on an extra twenty minutes in the boiling water. Once your timer rings, turn off the heat and allow the jars to sit in the water for five more minutes. Finally, take the jars out of the water and let them cool down on your counter for 12 hours.
That’s it! You’ve successfully canned your first of many recipes. Press on the center of the lid to make sure the jar is sealed. If it is, the lid won’t flex up or down; if the lid does flex, the jar did not seal completely. All is not lost, however. You can refrigerate your jars for immediate use.
Sealed jars can be stored with or without bands in your pantry for up to twelve months, just long enough for you to enjoy and share the fruits of your labor all year long.
With new appliances throughout Habitat Apartments, canning is a breeze. There’s plenty of counter space in the kitchen to cool off your homemade treats, stove-tops large enough to easily handle a 21-quart pot, and of course a pantry to store your food. Best of luck making your first batch last a year, however. You’ll be so surprised and impressed by how easy and tasty canning recipes can be, and it would take great willpower to not devour your first batch with haste (not to mention, they also make great gifts).
So if you’re looking for an apartment community to call home, contact us and we would be happy to answer any questions or give you a tour.