Welcome, seasoned canners and beginners!
If you have already discovered the joy of putting up your own food, then you know the rewards of having wholesome, homemade goods on hand whenever you need them. It’s in your pantry, stocked with beautiful home-canned food. It’s in that first bite of homemade jam on your morning toast. And it’s at supper, when those tomatoes you grew last season become part of your family’s spaghetti night.
Canning is more than just self-sufficiency and taking control of your food source (though those are important reasons). It’s also deeply satisfying!
No matter where you are on your food preservation journey, a little guidance goes a long way. Here are our top tips and tools for canning.
#1 – Check your jars, lids and bands before canning.
Keep in mind – your food will only be as good as your equipment. For safe processing, make sure there are no defects on your jars before canning. Look for chips and cracks, and remove those jars from your canning supplies. (Most canning jars can be recycled – check with your local recycling facility for specific requirements.)
Also, to save yourself a hassle, do an inventory of your lids and bands. Check that you have plenty on hand before you begin.
Stock Up on Jars: Ball Regular-Mouth Canning Jars
Buy Lids by the Bulk: Superb Canning Jar Lids Regular Mouth (USA Made)
Get the Essentials in One Kit: All American 10.5-Qt Pressure Canner Kit
#2 – Follow an up-to-date instruction book.
For safe canning, always use current information. Many canning guides, like The Ball Blue Book, release new editions often.
Our Recommendations:
Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving – 38th Edition
The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
The Big Book of Preserving the Harvest
#3 – Equip yourself with the right tools.
Important: Check your recipe to ensure you’re using the correct canner required (water bath or pressure canner). This essential for safe processing!
Use funnels, jar lifters and other canning tools to make the process go smoothly.
(Check out this post to learn more about the types of canners and their differences, or watch our video below.)
Discover Quality USA-Made Canners:
All American 25 Qt Pressure Canner/Cooker
All American 21-1/2 Qt Pressure Canner/Cooker in Color
Amish-Made Stovetop Water Bath Canner
Shop all our canning supplies here.
Note: Always follow USDA recommendations when canning.
