Why you should start canning.

The purpose of our blog is to help others save money in ways they never considered before. One of those ways is to "Can". Corinne and I both have family members who enjoy canning...really, it can be fun and it's not as difficult as you might think...and it's delicious!

Canning Basics by Bekah

Canning is a great way to not only save money but to save fruit, veggies and many other perishables from going to waste! Here are a few canning basics...

First, buy an easy to understand home preserving book. I recommend “Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.” Edited by Judi Kingry & Lauren Devine (Right now $13.43 on Amazon.com)

-This book is easy to understand & starts you off w simple recipes as well as step by step pictures in the back of the book.

Second, buy a “Back to Basics 5 piece home canning kit” (Currently $9.72 on Amazon.com). These can also be purchased @ Wal-mart or your local grocer. Coupons are available in your newspaper for these kits, supplies towards the holidays. 

Third, buy a large pot . I use a Granite Ware Stock Pot from Wal-mart. I paid less than $18 for it. You can also use a soup pot that you already own as long as it is at least 3 inches/7.5 deeper than the height of the jars.

Fourth, purchase mason jars & lids. They are usually cheapest @ your local Wal-Mart. Plus “Ball” has been releasing some Awesome coupons which will make them cheaper & could score you some free lids.

Let's get started!

“Ok, so I've bought my supplies! Now What?”

Once you received your home preserving book, start looking for the recipe you want to make first. I recommend starting at the beginning of the book with Strawberry Jam. It is a very simple recipe that anyone can make. :-)

Here's what you will need:

7 cups granulated sugar

8 cups whole strawberries (approx)

4 tbsp lemon juice

1 package (1.75 oz/49 to 57g) regular powdered fruit pectin

*The traditional strawberry season is from June until mid August, but new farming methods extends it from April until mid December. As with any fruit, if you are planning on canning, purchase when there is a sale at your local grocer so you can buy enough to make several batches. Stores like, Homeland, often sell cases of fruit specifically for canning.

*Many coupons are also available for Fruit Pectin. Keep your eyes open for sales and stock up when you see them.

Once all your ingredients have been purchased follow the directions in your home preserving book. Canning is easy and is such a great way to save!