4 Steps to Stress-Free Canning

Each year around the Holidays, our close friends give us a gift of canned beef. It is such an anticipated treat, and we can enjoy it anytime during the year. Home canning has regained popularity in recent years. If you are interested in trying your hand at canning, follow these tips for to ensure a smooth process:

1. Educate Yourself – Canning food is not particularly tough or time-consuming, but timing is critical. Research and follow the pressure, time and temperature guidelines when canning to ensure that you produce safe food.

2. Purchase Supplies in Advance – Make sure you have all the supplies you need before getting started, including glass canning jars, metal lids, jar lifter, canner and canning rack. There are many different canners out there to choose from, but the pressure canner offers the most flexibility. In addition to fruits, jams and jellies, it can used to can meats, dairy and veggies.

3. Stay Organized – Because timing is so critical when canning, it is very important that you stay organized throughout the process. The goal is to move the food as quickly as possible from the preparation stage to the sealing stage to reduce the risk of food spoilage. You can do this by taking a few minutes before you jump in to organize your supplies, read your instructions, and plan out your steps. Keep your instructions handy for quick reference during each step.

4. Label – Don’t forget to label your jars with the contents and the date it was canned. If you are making these for gifts, use fun labels to dress your jars up and make them more festive.
Preserving food not only avoids waste, but it can be a great way to save money. If the store is having a great sale, you can stock up and preserve the extra through canning. Homemade jams and jellies, as well as many other canned foods, can also make great birthday, housewarming, hostess, and holiday gifts. If you get started now, you will be ready just in time for the holidays!

-Donna Lindley, Certified Professional Organizer and owner of Rochester Hills, MI-based Organize Your World, Inc.

Visit Organize-It to view our selection of Canning Products.