Canning is a perfect method of preserving as well as storing a variety of food items for further use. For instance, you can use this method to can products like fruits, vegetables, jam, jelly sea-foods as well as different types of meat among others.
Canning is a simple and fun activity that you can also perform at home. However, it is imperative to have certain canning supplies (must-have) that can help you achieve your goal. The following list outlines the significance of different supplies when canning various items.
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Canning jars provide perfect storage for your food
Canning involves a preservation technique that enables you to store different types of foods in mason jars also called cans. Cans are perfect for food storage and preservation since they are airtight such that they keep the food free from any bacteria.
If the jar is not properly sealed, then harmful bacteria can invade the food such that it becomes stale. Therefore, airtight cans help to preserve your food for a long period. To get the best results from your canning initiative, you must also know that home canning jars come in different types, shapes and sizes.
The food you are canning determines the type of can that you should pick. There are certain jars that can safely store your food at room temperature while other glass jars are ideal for foods that you can store in a freezer or refrigerator. For foods that require room temperature, glass jars with lids and rings are appropriate.
Canning jars can also be reused as long as they are not chipped, especially at the top since they can allow bacteria to penetrate the container. Chipped jars are not safe to reuse so make sure that you get the correct containers. You should also know that some canning jars have reusable lids. It is important to make sure that you use the correct lid for your jar to make sure that it is airtight.
Canning utensils help you to prepare the food
Canning utensils include a variety of items that are crucial in the canning process. Different types of food come in various forms so you must have the right utensils that you can use to prepare it before canning. For instance, items like peelers, funnels as well as strainers among others are crucial since they help you prepare the food items properly.
Some food items need to be cut to the right size and this is when different types of utensils come in handy. On top of different utensils, you must also have good canning towels that can help you maintain quality hygiene. For any activity in the kitchen, you must have towels by your side to wipe different utensils. You can also use a towel to wipe the rim of the jar before sealing it to ensure that there are no bacteria.
Good canning reference material helps you get it right
With the right information, canning is both exciting and easy to do. You can get information about canning from different sources and this is a very crucial thing that you should have. You can also consult other experienced canners to teach the basics of canning and how to do it safely and efficiently.
You need to understand the canning basics and you can perform all other steps on your own. Good referencing materials also help you to follow step-by-step instructions about how to can safely. The advantage of having reference material ready when you are canning is that you can constantly turn to it should you encounter any challenge.
You can also seek information about canning from community colleges. There are also other sources like online references where you can learn about food preservation. Essentially, good information about canning significantly helps you to do it perfectly and safely.
Canning equipment helps in the actual canning process
You must have basic canning equipment listed below so that you can properly can your food at home. You can perform your home canning using a large pot or a boiling water-canner that is capable of holding canning jars during the process you heat them.
You should make sure that all the jars are submerged during the heating process. The boiling water canner should not be something very special since you can buy pots designed for boiling water at home.
- Pressure canners are also essential for canning foods like meat, vegetables, seafood as well as other foods with low acids. These canners can reach a temperature of about 240 degrees Fahrenheit which is vital for killing bacteria. Safety and hygiene are two elements that should always be prioritized during canning.
- A canning rack is also a basic equipment that you must have when you are canning your food. It consists of a frame that is designed to hold your jars inside the boiling water canner to prevent them from getting in direct contact with the canner’s surface. However, you should not use this rack to lift jars when the water is hot.
- A jar lifter is another important piece of equipment consisting of tongs that you use to safely lift jars from boiling water. Boiling water is dangerous so you must have the right equipment to use to ensure your safety. The tongs are easy to use and you must have them when you can your food.
Pectin liquid helps to make jam gel
Pectin liquid or powder helps to make jellies, jams and other fruit spreads gels. This component which is obtained from apples or citrus apples is vital when canning items that are made from fruits and used as a spread for bread. You can buy the product in smaller packets or large container which can last longer.
However, other recipes of jelly do not require any pectin. They can gel on their own since they consist of fruits that have a high content of pectin.
Conclusion
I hope you have enjoyed reading the list outlining the significance of canning supplies that you must have. Canning is a perfect way of preserving food that you produce at your home or obtain from somewhere for future use. The process is both exciting and easy to do as long as you have the right supplies. You can share your views about this article in the comments section below.
