Intro to canning?

[Greg Reising]

Howdy all. This year I plan on starting to can all that I grow and I really don't have any experience with it.

Does anyone have a recomendation for a good reliable pressure cooker?

Any hints or tips?

Thanks!

[LizM - Site Moderator]

Hey Greg!

One thing I can tell you is a pressure canner is really something you don't want to skimp on. They show up in thrift stores once in a while but you really want one with a gasket that's intact. I would say buy new.

Hopefully others can chime on on brands..

[LizM - Site Moderator]

I put up about 450 qt/pts a year. You're right about buying a NEW pressure canner, one that holds 7 qts; no more, no less. from @nancyslibrary on twitter

[Greg Reising]

Thanks LizM. I do plan on buying a new pressure cooker if I cannot barter or borrow one. I've looked at several models and have some ideas of what I want.

Wow, 450 qt/pts a year. What all do you can?

I have wanted to do this for some years but wasting so much fresh produce from the garden last year has made me really need to can this coming summer. It nearly killed me this past week to have to but cans of green beans! I do want to can veggies but I also want to make sauces and salsa.

[garden doc]

Hi Greg! I recommend two great references; "Keeping the harvest" by Chioffi and Mead, and the Ball complete book of home preserving. If you don't have a pressure canner, consider partnering with others and have a canning party.