how to can fruits and vegetables

How to Can Fruits and Vegetables

Canned fruits and vegetables are a great way to store your harvest for future use. Here are five simple steps that can help you preserve your fresh produce.

Step One: Gather Your Equipment and Supplies

Before you begin it’s a good idea to make sure you have everything you will need. You will need:

Canning jars

Canning lids

Large pot

Tongs

Vinegar

Kitchen scissors

Knife

Step Two: Prepare Your Produce

Make sure to thoroughly wash your fruits and vegetables. Depending on the produce, you may need to peel, core, or juice your ingredients. Also, keep in mind that some fruits and vegetables need to be blanched before canning.

Step Three: Fill Your Jars

Fill your jars with your prepared produce. Remember to keep at least ½ inch of space between the food and the lid. It is important to not overfill your jars or they may break during the canning process.

Step Four: Seal The Jars

Once you have all of your jars filled you can seal the lids on with the provided bands. Make sure the bands are tight but not too tight. This is important to ensure a good seal.

Step Five: Boil Your Jars

Place your filled jars into the large pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil and let the jars boil for the amount of time needed for your particular recipe. When done, remove your jars with tongs and place on a dishtowel to cool.