Canning Basics for Preppers.

Canning Basics for Preppers

Canning is not complicated and is easy to learn. It’s a simple procedure of applying high heat to food in a closed jar in order to prevent decay. By placing prepared food into canning jars and sealing them with two-piece vacuum caps, you can remove one portion of the decay process, which is normally contact with the fresh air. By heating the filled jars to the correct temperature (as listed in the recipe), you remove another part: The spoilage microorganisms and inactive enzymes that breakdown foods over time. By correctly cooling the jars and enabling the lids to vent the the gases and air from the jar, you’ll remove the remaining air from the meals and set the final seal. Now before you run off and try it, read on for specifics that will enable you to can safely. We will teach you the canning basics.

Canning Basics for Preppers: Ingredients

Use only the best, top quality ingredients. Preserve vegetables and fruit at their peak of ripeness. Make sure all fruits and veggies are thoroughly cleaned and scrubbed to remove any excess dirt or chemicals.

You must process all home canned foods. Low-acid foods-vegetables, soups, stews, ragouts, meats, poultry and seafood-with pH values higher than 4.6, must be processed with a pressure canner at no less than 240°F to ensure that you kill all the potentially harmful bacteria.

High-acid foods-fruits, fruit juices, jams, jellies and additional fruit spreads, tomatoes with added acid, pickles, relishes and chutneys, sauces, vinegars and condiments-only need to be processed at 212°F, so you can use a water bath canner for them.

Canning Basics for Preppers: Quality recipes and Instructions

Follow only current, tested home canning recipes that include the appropriate processing method for the food type becoming canned. A quality recipe will:

• Give a specific processing time and temperature needed for the food type being canned
• Specify the size of home canning jar used
• Specify the required headspace
• Come from a reputable source offering up-to-date quality recipes, following acceptable canning guidelines

Also, make sure to follow the canning jar manufacturer’s directions for preparing home canning jars and two-piece vacuum caps.

Canning Basics for Preppers: How to Can

After following a processing directions in the recipe, fill the water warmed jar with processed food, making sure to leave the recommended headspace. Remove air flow bubbles by sliding a nonmetallic spatula between the jar and food; press gently on the food to release trapped air. Repeat around the circumference of the jar.

Wipe the rim and threads of the canning jars with a clean, damp cloth. Center the heated lid on the jar. Screw the band down evenly and firmly until you meet resistance – fingertip tight.

After processing, or getting the temperature up to the specified range, remove jars from the canner with a jar lifter. Arranged the jars upright on a towel to amazing. Never re-tighten the bands or check the lids for a seal while your jars are still hot.

After 24 hours, check the lids for a seal. Sealed lids curve downward. Press the center of the lid to ensure it does not flex up or down. (Re-process or refrigerate any unsealed jars). Remove the bands from the sealed jars. Wipe the jars down with a clean, damp cloth and dry them off. Wash the bands in soapy water, dry them off, and store them away.

Canning Basics for Preppers: Storage

Label and store your jars in a cool, dry, dark place.

Now that you have the home canning basics  for preppers down, you can pull out fresh salsa on a dreary fall day or delicious  frsh peach jam on the coldest winters day. It will be as fresh and as delicious as the day you canned it. For the best quality, you should consume your canned foods within one year.

Once you are set up, canning can be a great way to save money. You can buy vegetables and fruits in bulk when they are in season at a discounted price and can them for later use. Plus there is nothing like walking into your pantry and seeing the shelves loaded with healthy food you prepared yourself!