Canning

Reasons for canning Store garden produce safely Use any time of year Prevent food spoilage Save money Have fun Control contents of food Use as a gift

Getting started What you need: Fresh ingredients Pressure canner or large saucepot with tight-fitting lid Mason-type canning jars Screw bands and new lids USDA-recommended recipe Equipment must be washed, rinsed, and sanitized before use

Canning safety Choose correct canning method for type of food Make sure equipment is in good working order Check jars for cracks and chips Wash jars and lids before use

Canning methods Boiling water bath Used for high-acid foods or foods with lemon juice or vinegar added Fruits Jams, jellies, preserves Tomatoes that have lemon juice or vinegar added Pickles, relishes, or other acid-based products Steam-pressure canner Used for low-acid foods Vegetables Meats Stews, soups, chili

Tips for quality canned foods Always start with fresh produce that is not too ripe Prepare one batch of food at a time Leave correct amount of headspace for food being canned

Storage Let jars cool Test seal Remove screw bands and wipe off lids Label and date jars Store in a cool and dry place

Using canned food Always check jars for signs of spoilage: Broken seals Seeping or spurting liquid when jar is opened Mold Bad odor Cloudiness Boil canned meat, vegetables, and other low-acid foods for 15 to 20 minutes before tasting, even if there are no signs of spoilage

Definitions Low Acid foods- foods that do not contain enough acid to prevent the growth of bacteria Acidify- to add an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar Head space- the unfilled area above the food in a jar Venting or Exhausting- the process of allowing steam to escape from a pressure canner Sealed- jars that are airtight and safe from bacteria

For more information... Your Local County Cooperative Extension Office has: Safe, tested recipes for canning Pressure canner dial-gauge testing Answers to food preservation questions Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.