Canning Fruits/Veggies?

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Hi All,

We planted our first tomatos and herbs last night to germinate inside for 6 weeks before we can plant them outside. This leads me to my goal for this summer which is to go fruit picking and make my own jams/sauces.

Does anyone do this? What sort of machine do you use? I've been reading and it seems there's a lot of debate about water vs. pressure canning? I'm getting confused about the relative merits.

Any advice would be much appreciated! We live in a great area for farm visits and I really want to take advantage of that this summer (plus it's economical!).

Thanks!

[spotty_dog]

I too want to learn to do some canning and take advantage of local farm produce in bulk! I think my plan is to take a class through the local agricultural extension, just to be sure I'm getting the latest advice on technique.

[Bittersweet]

I think my plan is to take a class through the local agricultural extension, just to be sure I'm getting the latest advice on technique.

That is a fantastic idea! I’ve always wanted to learn how can, but have been scared to go it alone. Since I’m anticipating a lot of downtime (i.e. unemployment) after we move for DH’s residency, this may be the best time to take a class.

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

What is "agricultural extension" and how do I find it?

I grew up fishing, crabbing, and oystering (Chesapeake Bay) not farming...

[spotty_dog]

What is "agricultural extension" and how do I find it?

I grew up fishing, crabbing, and oystering (Chesapeake Bay) not farming...

It's a branch of the state agricultural school that operates on the community level, keeping people informed of how to do farming-type stuff. Google your county and "cooperative extension" or look up the state university and they should have information on their site -- you're in Ohio, right?
http://cuyahoga.osu.edu/health_nutri...y-preservation

[ladymoreta]

I have a black thumb, but my MIL is an awesome gardener. She makes spaghetti sauce with her tomatoes and herbs, then freezes it in individual 1-quart zip-lock bags. I wish I knew the recipe, but I'm sure you could find one online. All you need to do is mix it with a little can of tomato sauce and pour it over some spaghetti for a really yummy, easy meal. Sometimes she freezes some cooked Italian sausage in with it, and it's extra-good.

[DCJenn]

Excellent idea.

My mom also makes her own sauces with her tomatoes and peppers, etc. She also makes Copanata which freezes very well.

She did say that the sauce she made with her yellow tomatoes was much sweeter and much wetter than the sauce she made with the red tomatoes.

Jenn

(this year she's been taking a bee-keeping class all winter and they get the bees tomorrow)

I think the class for canning is an excellent idea. We always canned alot of veggies growing up - but alot of what people do isn't the safest method. A class will be great to get you up to date.

The jams/jellies are easy-peasy. I make jam and jelly every year - usually strawberry, peach and blackberry. There is a product called Sure-Jel that you can purchase at the grocery store (looks like a box of jello and is in fact powdered pectin). Inside the box are easy instructions for making all kinds of jams/jellies including cooked and freezer varieties. Delicious.