Canning Foods for Survival. Part 3 of 6 : Essential Materials Required to Start Your Canning Processes

You are going to need certain pieces of equipment to begin Canning.  You can’t think that you are just going to be boiling water and jars and throwing some food in them. This article on Canning Foods for Survival will be quite short and concise since it contains a more illustrative account later on on what you need including recommended purchases.

Oven/Stove – Obvious !

Pressure Canner – You can purchase a small, medium or large canner depending on your preference.  Some of the larger models will hold up to 7 jars.

Canning Rack – The rack will fit down into the canner and keep the jars an even distance from one another.  This will also prevent them from moving around as the water boils during the pressure heating process.

Canning Jars – The premium type of jars are mason jars.  The jars are glass and come in a variety of sizes with a metal plate and band that screw onto the jar.  The jars can withstand extreme heat.  The seals will keep your food fresh for up to twelve months. 

The jars range in size from about four ounces to a quart.  Before using any of the jars check to make sure there are no cracks, chips or broken glass anywhere on the jar.  That being said, do not attempt to use previous jars which contained other items you bought at the store such as mayonnaise, pickles, etc.  You can only use a lid once.

Funnel – A funnel will assist you in getting whatever it is that you have cooked into the jars without making a huge mess.  You don’t want to waste one precious drop of the food you have just prepared.  The funnel is especially helpful if you are canning liquids or sauces.

Jar Lifter – This contraption looks like a large set of tongs but it is made to withstand the heat and to grab the large size of the jars.

Timer – The timer is necessary as canning is a precise art.  You can’t overcook or undercook food.  It has to be cooked just right (sounds like Goldilocks doesn’t it?).  Be sure to read and become educated on correct cooking times for canning food.

Miscellaneous Items:  Measuring Bowls, Clear Jel, Food Strainer, Plastic Spatulas, Candy Thermometer, Labels—just to name a few items.  Again, you can purchase all of these items online or you most likely already have some of the kitchen items.  No need to buy new if you already have these items.

To conclude this article regarding essential materials for canning food produce, I would like to suggest to you another publication from DIANE DEVEREAUX …….

• This book has good information on pressure canning. It also has nice recipes.A nice addition for reference.
• Concise introduction to Canning basics
• Contains over 80 recipes
• An excellent reference publication : ” At last—a definitive pressure canning Bible. Easy to follow and accessible, this authoritative volume makes a great addition to any home preserver’s library. Highly recommended.”—Richard Maggs, UK chef and best-selling author.
• ” As an avid canner, I feel this is a must-have for those new to pressure canning as well as those seasoned canners. Not only is The Complete Guide to Pressure Canning well written, easy to read and follow, and beautifully illustrated, it also covers the soup-to-nuts of pressure canning and the recipes shared are out of this world ! “—Tammy Trayer, author of How to Embrace an Off-Grid Lifestyle and blogger at TrayerWilderness.com
• Rated 4.5 stars out of 5.0 from amazon.com

Click HERE to view more book details on the book’s amazon.com web page.

To access PART 4 of our Canning Food for Survival course,

Click / Follow this link.

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