new at canning

[paulasue38]

We have a large garden this year and I took it upon myself to start canning! I'm not using a canner - just big pots of boiling bath. So far I've done really well - canned about 36 jars of black raspberries and pickles. (Thanks to cooks.com instructions.) I think green beans will be next as soon as they mature, and red raspberries for sure when they come out. Any tips for this canning newcomer?? Also, we have yellow squash and green zucchini growing like crazy - any ideas for that?? Please email me directly to opaulasue@enter.net. Thanks!

[cheedo1@hotmail.com]

the # one rule in canning make sure that everything is sterile no blemishes on the fruit or veg, and that all the ingredients are fresh as they can be. anything moldy throw out into the compost bin,when you go to seal the jars wipe the rim off just in case some of the spice got on the rim,leave a 1/4' head space, as veg or fruit will float to the top. filling all the way up will and or could pop your lids off, and that could be really messy,,,don't want to go there,
other thatn that follow directions as stated, they are there for a purpose. you'll find that over time that when you've done it enough times that it will become second nature to you and them you can short cut some things,,,,,, but not all things,,,,
hope these little tips helps you out a tad
happy canning and good for you that your learning to can,what a great feeling to say i did this with my own two hands, a recipe, and a patient family.
something you may wnat to consider is that if your not sure you'll like the recipe, but really want to try it,just make a couple of jars, that way you'll know if your gonna like them or not, rather than making 20 quarts and end up disliking them,i do that ll the time and it saves time and money, but in the end it will be worth it,
happy canning

remember,STRESSED spelt backwards is "DESSERTS"
happy cooking
Ron

[dairytooth]

If you are canning green beans i would recomend using a presure cooker to can them in i know a few ppl that have done it the water bath method and ended up with a bunch of spoiled green beans it didnt kill all the bacteria in the water bath

[Beatrice]

When you use you large pots of boiling water for the canning process, Do you have something metal on the bottom so that the jars do not break?

[CannedGoods]

Beatrice- water bath canners come with a rack. I have used a washcloth in a pinch, but recommend the proper set up for continued canning.

[CannedGoods]

Please do use a pressure canner for low acid foods to avoid botulism. Food can look fine but still be contaminated. The only way to safely can green beans is under pressure. The USDA publishes an updated (2009) guide to home food preservation on the web. You can download part or all of it to PDF. Check out the national Center for Home Food Preservation at www.uga.edu/nchfp

[weed311]

Purchase the "Blue Book" preserving guide by Ball. You can find it most places that sell canning supplies for about $7 or 8. Has a lot of good info for a novice. I use it often.