I just started canning foods for my family the year before last and I was hooked after my first batch of salsa I canned. Every part of the process was like second nature to me and I had a sudden relax feel come over me. The thought that I was making something for my family at a fraction of the price and knowing what was in the end product that did not contain ingredients that I could not pronounce was one of the best feelings for me. I am always on the look out to go back to basics with our food items. Canning is one way that I am able to do this. Also a wonderful way to get my stock piles of items up quickly at a low cost to me.
As of now I have only water bath canned items. This year I am venturing in the pressure canning area. I already have a 23 quart pressure caner that was given to me. It is in awesome condition and works great as a pressure cooker too. Anyways, this year I plan on canning corn, green beans, carrots, potatoes, beets, tomatoes (sauce, paste, stewed, plain tomatoes, spaghetti sauce), soup starters that contain turkey and chicken, salsa, jellies, jams, fruits, and anything else that happens to come to mind. So, for the price of seeds and water to take care of my garden and few jars (I already have a nice pile waiting to be used) I will be able to can and stock up our cupboards with fresh vegetables from our backyard garden. I am super excited!
There is nothing like in the middle of winter cracking open a jar of fresh garden salsa to make you smile. The smells and taste are just as fresh as the day I sealed the jar. Yummy! Same goes for fresh pears or anything else you can can. The taste is way better than the cans you buy at the store that is for sure. Also the whole process of doing it yourself is reward enough and wow does it make your home smell wonderful!
Now one thing I do is I do follow the guidelines on safe canning very closely. The health of my family is at stake here and no corners are cut. It is just not worth it to me.
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