Posted on 03/07/2009 10:48:43 PM PST by Kartographer
So, I hear you’re a fan of mine....
Agreed! But how do you think the RINOs got in, in the first place? They're a too-big portion of the party and our elected officials. They campaign as conservatives, even govern as such until they're in places like the senate, the house, or the cabinet, and then their true colors come out. So how do we keep them out?
You better believe it! A big fan.
Did you take a canning class or learn directly from someone? I don’t have a garden, but have access to a lot of Amish-grown veggies. It would be great to can them for the winter, but I am scared to death of killing myself, or winding up with exploded tomatoes all over the ceiling (death might be preferable).
There’s only 2 of us, so I’ve been making do with stockpiling commercially canned items as it’s not expensive, especially if you catch a sale. Should I rethink canning or is it not worth it in my situation?
And the trailer is pretty good too!
Favorite line is "cracked corn all around...."
Canning is especially good for two people. So many times the stores sell packages fit for one person, or four servings. but it is hard to get things with just two servings. The stuff is so expensive plus you are being charged for the packaging. Reusable canning jars are environmentally sound practice compared to the throwaways.
Local produce isn’t transported hundreds of miles.
Canned veggies from home grown sources is excellent quality and taste compared to the mass produced store bought stuff. Catch the farmers markets for fresh, in season produce and enjoy, while laying some back for later. don’t be ripped off by the supermarket selling in season items for 10 times what you would pay at the farmers market. And it supports local producers. Growing your own is even better but you have the investment of time, tillers etc. I think it is worth it.
Pint jars are good for two people. It is not hard to learn canning. My mother used to use a pressure cooker to cook vegetables. but they are not necessary. Just some deep pots.
There are many canning recipes. If you have access to Amish they always have cookbooks with canning recipes.
Once you buy the jars and rings, all you have to replace is the flat lids every year. auctions are a good place to buy canning jars. At least in my area (Missouri.
We use a roaster pan to make large amounts of apple butter and salsa. cook it down according to instructions. Crock pots for smaller quantitys. Nothing smells better than cooking apple butter! mmmm mmmmm
Heat the jars to sterilize them after washing and drying them.. We use a microwave to heat the glass jars in some cases. Put the hot cooked veggies or whatever into the hot jar. Put th lid on and screw the ring down. As they cool off the lids will make a pop sound. That means the lid has sealed. Some items require putting the sealed jars in boiling water for a specific amount of time too.
Canning isn’t hard to learn. There are many ways to process the food. But i have eaten green beans canned 10 years ago that were perfectly good. If the jars are kept in a cool dry dark place they could last several decades as long as the seal isn’t compromised by a rusted lid, freezing, or mishandling. Growing and canning your own food has a satisfaction no store bought food can bring you.
Thanks for the great post. I will have to think about it - I’m still scared. Maybe I can find someone at work who cans and we could do a batch together.
When you are talking about “heirloom seeds” are you buying survival seeds with an extremely long shelf-life ( and VERY expensive?) or are you just guying good quality seeds? And if the 2nd scenario is true, how do you store them?
Seed can be stored in closed containers like jars. Keep them dry and in a cool dark place.
Seeds found in pyramids from Egypt have been successfully germinated. Should indicate that seed is very easy to store, of any quality or quantity.
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