Complete Guide to Home Canning for Beginners
on Mar 20, 2024
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Are you all set up to preserve your garden harvest? Ready to try your hand at home canning this year? Does water bath canning vs pressure canning confuse you? The Farmer’s Market, grocery stores and our own garden are bursting with fresh, nutritious foods!
Since all these delicious foods are seasonally available and my family wants to eat them year round, I’m taking the time to do some canning for winter.
If you’re a beginning canner, this post explains everything you need to know about the canning process. Some of my favorite canning recipes are included, too.
Table of Contents
- Complete Guide to Canning for Beginners
- Supply List for Safe Canning Recipes
- Water Bath Canning vs Pressure Canning
- Pros and Cons of Water Bath Canning
- Can I Pressure Can Everything?
- Does Altitude Affect Canning Times?
- Can I Use a Water Bath Recipe for a Pressure Canning Recipe?
- How to Prevent Botulism in Canning
- How Long do Canned Goods Last?
- Can I Substitute Citric Acid with Vinegar or Lemon Juice?
- What are the Benefits of Canning Food?
Complete Guide to Canning for Beginners
Do you love fresh-picked corn on the cob? What about strawberry jam smeared on buttery, fresh-baked biscuits in the middle of winter? Hate how winter strawberries are hollow? Have you noticed your food bill going up?
Canning your own fruits and veggies gets rid of all those issues! It is easy and affordable to can once you know what you’re doing. Use the money you’d spend on winter produce on things you don’t have the space to grow like wheat, rice, coffee, and wine. 😉
Supply List for Safe Canning Recipes
Canning supplies can be hard to find in canning season. I always recommend you get prepared well in advance so you aren’t fighting with anyone over that last box of Mason jars.
You don’t need anything fancy for home canning recipes, but there are some very helpful tools that make the process safer and easier.
- Large stockpot or water bath canner with a fitted lid (Water bath canning only)
- Pressure canner (for pressure canning only)
- Canning rack to elevate jars off the bottom of the pot. I highly recommend a rack that hooks onto the canner rather than just a flat trivet.
- Canning jars, preferably with new lids and bands
- Jar lifter for safely handling hot jars
- Canning funnel to prevent spills when filling jars
- Ladle for transferring hot liquids into jars
- Clean kitchen towels for wiping jar rims and spills
- Magnetic lid lifter (optional but helpful for handling lids without touching them)
- Timer for processing times
- Recipes and canning guidelines from trusted sources
Water Bath Canning vs Pressure Canning
There are two ways to preserve food with canning – water bath and pressure. It is easy to get overwhelmed with these options and just the idea of canning in general. Don’t worry though! It’s simpler than you might think to have fresh picked corn in the middle of winter.
Pros and Cons of Water Bath Canning
Water bath canning preserves high-acid foods like fruits, jams, jellies, and pickles. This is the simplest way to start canning. All you need is a large pot, some canning jars, and a few basic utensils. I think most beginner canners start with water bath canning recipes.
It’s relatively easy to whip up smaller batches of preserves on a weekend. A water bath also maintains the vibrant colors and textures of your fruits and veggies. Your jars look as good as they will taste.
Despite its simple advantages, water bath canning does have limitations. As I mentioned above, it’s only suitable for high-acid foods such as tomatoes.
Water bath canning also requires attention to detail for processing times and temperatures. It relies on boiling water to seal and protect your food. Always follow tested recipes and guidelines to ensure food safety.
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Pros and Cons of Pressure Canning
Pressure canning opens up a world of possibilities for preserving low-acid foods like red meats, poultry, and most vegetables. The biggest danger in home canning is botulism. Pressure canning kills the Clostridium botulinum spores, giving you a pantry of safe jarred food.
Pressure canning is incredibly versatile because you can preserve low acid foods.
Unlike water bath canning, pressure canning requires a specialized pressure canner, which can be a bit pricey upfront. This is NOT the same thing as a pressure cooker!
The process process involves precise temperature and pressure adjustments. It also requires attention to safety protocols to prevent accidents and foodborne illness. Take the time to thoroughly educate yourself on how to use your pressure canner as well as the actual canning methods.
Pressure canning offers versatility, shelf stability, and food safety, but there is a learning curve. Start simple and small and then go from there.
Can I Pressure Can Everything?
While pressure canning is a versatile method for preserving a wide range of foods, not everything should be pressure canned. It isn’t so much a safety issue as it is a quality issue.
Foods like pickles, jams, or jellies would not withstand the pressure canning process. You’d be left with a jar of goo or worse.
Because water bath canning is perfect for some foods, there are also not recommendations or guidelines for pressure canning them. Never try to estimate what is safe. Always follow the recommendations. If in doubt, consult the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Does Altitude Affect Canning Times?
Yes, altitude can significantly affect the canning process. As altitude increases, atmospheric pressure decreases, which lowers the boiling point of water. If you live in a higher altitude, you will need a longer amount of time for processing in a water bath canner.
If you are pressure canning at a high altitude, you will need to adjust the pressure (not the processing time). Always consult altitude-specific guidelines regardless of the types of canning you are doing. Follow these guidelines to maintain safety and quality in your home preserves.
What fruit and veggies do you enjoy canning for winter? Or, is this the first time you will can your summer harvest?
Can I Use a Water Bath Recipe for a Pressure Canning Recipe?
No. Stick to recipes specifically designed for the method you intend to use to ensure safety and quality.
How to Prevent Botulism in Canning
Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum. You cannot see, taste, or smell botulism in improperly canned foods. If canned goods are not processed properly, they are in danger of growing this bacteria.
It’s crucial to follow proper canning procedures such as pressure canning low-acid foods, ensuring jars are sealed, and using the recommended time and pressure for processing. Use recipes from reputable sources.
How Long do Canned Goods Last?
Properly preserved goods an last for 1-2 years or even longer when stored in a cool, dark place. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming. If you aren’t sure, throw it out. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Can I Substitute Citric Acid with Vinegar or Lemon Juice?
Yes, vinegar or lemon juice can generally be used as substitutes for citric acid in water bath canning recipes, as they provide the necessary acidity. However, it’s essential to follow tested recipes and guidelines for accurate substitution ratios.
What are the Benefits of Canning Food?
The biggest benefit of canning your own food is enjoying all that summer freshness in the winter. How about fresh tasting strawberry jam or tender, juicy sweet corn? Plus, you won’t have to worry about expensive or out of season produce that simply doesn’t have the flavor or nutrition you want.
There are a few more benefits too. No more wasted food and quicker meals. Since canned food is precooked by the canning process, you really only heat things up at dinner time. You choose the jar sizes and can in jars sized right to feed your family.
One thing I really enjoy is knowing that when those winter storms hit I have a pantry full of fresh and delicious food for my family. No worrying about freezers thawing when I’m out of town either. Everything is safely canned and on my shelves through even the darkest of storms.
More Ways to Preserve Food for Your Family
- Freezer Sandwiches: Easy Recipes to Make Ahead
- Homemade Apple Pie Filling to Freeze or Can
- Year-Round Flavor: How to Freeze Carrots Without Blanching
- Green Smoothies for the Freezer Your Kids Will Love
Canning Recipes To Preserve The Summer Harvest
These delicious recipes will help you put your garden bounty by - so you can enjoy it all year long. Many of the recipes are family secrets! We hope you enjoy this list of canning ideas!
Guide to Canning Crushed Tomatoes Quickly
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How to Can Green Beans
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Preserving Corn – How To Freeze or Can Corn From The Garden
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How to Can and Make Sauerkraut
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Dill Pickles Canning Tutorial + Grandma's Secret Recipe
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How To Can Peas Safely And Easily
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Pickled Okra
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Beets: Cooking, Canning Plain and Pickling – Live The Old Way
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Canned Carrots Recipe
This is the quickest step by step carrot canning recipe. In less than an hour you'll know how to preserve your summer carrot harvest to enjoy all year long.
How to Pressure Can Potatoes - Step by step guide
Learn how to pressure can potatoes with this easy raw pack method. Perfect for anything from soups to roasts and more!
Bread and Butter Pickles Canning Recipe
Turn over-sized cucumbers into flavorful pickles, without bitterness, with this easy bread and butter recipe you can can up for winter time treats.
Canning Onions
Enjoy cooking with onions? Canning your own onions will have you making chili, stews, or even french onion soup quicker this winter as you'll just grab a jar as needed!
How To Can Zucchini Relish
I love zucchini but the amazing thing about it is you only need 1 or 2 plants. Sometimes even one is too much and you're wondering what else you can make with it. This Zucchini Relish recipe just might be the thing for you! Zucchini Relish is perfect for topping sausages and hot dogs or even adding to beans and corn bread.
How to Can Cherries
Winter can be depressing. Prepare for cold, dreary days where you're stuck inside and learn how to put a little bit of summer in a jar with this How to Can Cherries post.
How To Make Strawberry Blueberry Jam Recipe
Have you started making your own yogurt, cereal mixes or ice cream? This Strawberry Blueberry jam is perfect for a little toast in the morning, drizzled on top of ice cream on a hot day, or slathering over pancakes or waffles. Save some for December and January when snow covers the garden and all you can think of is fresh berries.
Homemade Strawberry Syrup Recipe Canning Instructions
I love strawberries but sometimes you just can't eat them all before they go bad, so read about my strawberry syrup recipe to store them for later use and remember...it's ok to hide a few pints from the kids for your own secret stash.
How To Can Blackberry Jam
Did you know you can can blackberries to enjoy year round? This Blackberry Jam recipe is an easy one to start canning with and with this easy, step by step tutorial you'll have jam in no time.
Small Batch Canned Peaches
Love peaches? Haven't canned before? This is the perfect beginners recipe for you, learn how to can and preserve some sweet peaches for the year with this helpful tutorial.
Delicious and Easy Pineapple Jalapeno Relish Canning Recipe for Summer Grilling!
Have more jalapeno peppers then you can eat? Well this is the recipe for you! This easy Jalapeno Relish a good start for beginners with how easy it is.
My Favorite Homemade Salsa for Canning - Made Easy!
Looking for a way to preserve your garden's bounty? My easy to can homemade salsa might just be what you need. It is wonderfully fresh come winter and spring so try it with the easy step by step tutorial.
Lemon Marmalade - Canning for Christmas —
Thinking of saving a little more pocket money and canning up some holiday gifts? This Lemon Marmalade is a good gift and just a lovely breakfast topping to a nice snack, try it out with this easy step by step guide.
Homemade Fig Preserves
Love figs but hate how they never last? Can them! With this beginners tutorial you'll be preserving figs like a pro, and have figs year round in no time!
Easy Strawberry Jam Recipe & Canning Jar Labels
Don't you just love a good family recipe? This easy Strawberry Jam recipe has been handed down and with her tutorial I felt like I was there in the kitchen too!
How To Can Apricots At Home
Apricots are perfect for topping breakfast oats, lunch nutbutter and apricot jelly sandwiches or glazing chicken with for dinner. Only think that would make it better would be topping home churned ice cream with it too. Thankfully you can and with this tutorial you'll have all those delicious options year round.
Canning Asparagus
Asparagus can be enjoyed year round if canned. You can enjoy that fresh picked spring flavor in the middle of the coldest, winter storm without paying expensive grocery prices for produce that isn't in season.
Learn How to Preserve Food in Other Ways.
Learn how to preserve food in other ways and also what else you can do with your harvest this year. Not only will these skills save you money but they'll help stock your pantry which provides a level of comfort and practicality you never realized was missing.
