Fall time is one of the best times of the year. The leaves change color, there's pumpkin flavored everything and the weather starts to cool down. This is also the time of year when your prepper garden is giving off its last burst of fresh fruits and vegetables of the season.
Of course, there are things that you can plant during fall and winter to grow, but a majority of your produce is grown in the spring and summer season. Hopefully, you were bulk producing your produce so that you would have enough to enjoy it in the moment but also help you to prepare for the future.
One of the best methods for storing your fresh fruits and vegetables is to learn the process of canning.
What you need to get started
Before you get started learning how to can food at home, you will want to make sure that you have all of the materials handy. This can include:
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Canning Instructions
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The food you want to pack in
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Materials for your canning method of choice
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Canning jars
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Canning lids
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Canning tongs
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Accessories like a cutting board, spatula, large spoon, saucepans, colanders and other things that will make learning how to can food at home easier.
Water Canning
One of the most popular and easy canning techniques is called a water bath canning process. However, only highly acidic food like jams and jellies can be stored by the water bath method. Other things like meats and vegetables have to be processed through pressure canning.
To start water canning, you’re going to start off with a large stock pot and a rack that fits in on the bottom to place your jars on. Then you will want to fill the pot with enough water so that the jars you are using can be covered at least an inch over with water.
After completing your recipe, ladle your jam or product into your jars, leaving around an inch space between the lid. Put on your lid and use a spatula to process out any air bubbles and make sure there is a tight seal around the jar. Using tongs place the jars in the pot vertically with at least half an inch in between each jar. Bring the water to a roaring boil and follow your recipe instructions for how long to leave them in the water.
Pressure Canning
Pressure canning can be an easier method when learning how to can food at home, only because there is a piece of equipment you need to get it done. Most pressure canners come with instructions on how to use them. Generally speaking, you will want to perform the same steps as with the water canning process, but you will want to keep an eye on the pressure canners gauge to make sure there is never a sudden loss in pressure so that you avoid underprocessing, or unsafe food.
It’s also important to remember that before you begin the process, you check your pressure canner for any leaks or broken seals that could affect the pressure system. Also, you will want to make sure that you are adjusting your pressure system for the altitude that you are in.
Civil Dispatch
We are all about making sure you are prepared for whatever life throws your way! Especially when SHTF, you want to make sure that you and your family have all the necessary items to survive. Civil Dispatch is the perfect tool to add to your survival kit to make your communication method secure, reliable and fast.