PinkTulip Posted July 20, 2008 Share Posted July 20, 2008 I want to start canning and preserving fruits, veggies, etc. but I've never done this before. My grandmother did a ton, but she passed away when I was 10, and my mom isn't able to help me, health-wise. What beginner, basic resources should I look to for help? I've put a bunch of books on hold at the library, but wondering if there's a "gold-standard" resource I should be looking for. Thanks! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Anyone? Pretty please! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Closeacademy Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Buy the Ball Blue Book. It is less than $5.00 and you can fnd it any where you can fnd cannng supplies--Walmart, Target, Farm type stores.:001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gretchen in NJ Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Have you tried going to Food Network's website? I would also try Martha Stewart's website. Say what you want about her, but I haven't had anything fail when I have followed her advice. She has these great 101 articles about getting started in one area or another. I am not sure if she has one on canning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tracy in Ky Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 You want the most up-to-date information. Get the Ball Canning book from Wal-Mart (in the canning section)--it will probably cost you around $6. Also, go to your local extension office and ask for their booklets/publications on canning and freezing. These are free, suited to your altitude, and full of safe recipes and instructions. Also, they can answer any questions that you have. I have asked the canning lady at my extension office so many questions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-to-three-sons Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 about the extension office. They have such an amazing wealth of informatin. The only other thing I know - this probably sounds stupid - is to get a pressure cooker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurel Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 Buy the Ball Blue Book. It is less than $5.00 and you can fnd it any where you can fnd cannng supplies--Walmart, Target, Farm type stores.:001_smile: Yes, yes, yes. I had never canned before, and just started this year, and I have used the Ball Blue Book as my reference. It is super easy to follow, and there are a ton of recipes (a recipe for most everything you would want to preserve - canning, freezing, dehydrating, etc.). I've canned peaches and blackberry sauce and blackberry jam, and my friend canned peach jam, and everything has come out great. (Side note: If you don't want super-sweet jam, we used about half as much sugar in each of the jam recipes, and they came out great.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkTulip Posted July 21, 2008 Author Share Posted July 21, 2008 Thank you all! I finally located a copy of the Ball Blue Book, after going to 5 different places. Strangely, both Target and WalMart didn't have it, as well as two grocery stores and a specialty kitchen supplies store. But, Barnes and Noble does carry it, and I'll be picking it up this afternoon. Also, I have a trip to the local extension office planned for tomorrow when DH will be home with the cowboys. Thanks to each of you for your help - it's just what I was looking for! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathy in MD Posted July 21, 2008 Share Posted July 21, 2008 And when you get a pressure canner, be sure you get one with a pressure guage where you can read the actual PSI and not a rocking weight. It's been years since we bought one, but I'd use the rocking weight one only at sea level and I'm not too happy with it even then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.