Canning Tips for Beginners & Veterans

Whether you are a veteran canner, or you’re new to the canning world, there is always something to learn.  We’ve put together a few resources that we thought would inspire you to advance your canning know how.

For the beginner:

• Take a class: If you are brand new to canning, we suggest you take a class to get a good grasp on canning basics.  Check our Facebook page or contact your local Cooperative Extension office to learn about classes near you.
• Attend a swap: Maybe you’re only going to can one or two things this year, that’s okay.  Attend a food swap and you’ll be introduced to wide assortment of jams and preserves. Your pantry will be stocked with a variety of goods and you’ll come home with inspiration for what to can next year. Find one near you.

For the pro:

• Try one-piece lids: If you’ve only canned with the traditional two-piece lids, give one-piece lids a try this year. Here’s a ‘how to’ from Food in Jars.
• Host a canning party: Share the magic of preserving with a dozen friends. Let’s face it, pitting 40 pounds of peaches will be a lot more fun with 10 of your friends!

For both:

• Buy a book: A little inspiration from some fellow canners can help you learn, grow and expand your canning knowledge. Here are a few of our favorites:
  • Blue Book Guide to Preserving
  • Food in Jars: Preserving in Small Batches Year Round
  • Preserving by the Pint
  • Preserving with Pomona’s Pectin
  • The Joy of Jams, Jellies, and Other Sweet Preserves
  • The Joy of Pickling

• Join the canning network: There are so many great canners out there and many of them share their knowledge through their blogs. Here’s a few we follow:
  Food in Jars
  Learn to Preserve
  Canning Across America
  Punk Domestics
  I’m Still Workin
  A Gardner’s Table

• Label it: Be creative with your labeling. Check out our Label It Pinterest board for ideas on how to personalize or stylize your labels and for links to free downloads.
• Consult the experts: The National Center for Home Food Preservation is an abundant resource for recommendations about home food preservation methods.
• Make a plan: If you haven’t decided what to can this year, check out our Pinterest boards for ideas.