Canning, Preserving and Storing the Harvest When we consider canning, preserving and storing the harvest, keeping food safe for later is the goal. Whether we are preparing for a gathering, an event, or preparedness, food is a necessary item. Preparing for what MAY come and not knowing how or what that could entail, adds another facet to the preparing. How long will we need to store it? Can we estimate how much will we need to store? What it the best method to keep it fresh? All of these … [Read more...]
Canning Green Beans from the Harvest
Canning green beans brings back memories of long summer days and warm sun. Listen for the fresh snap as you prepare the beans for canning, right from harvest. Every speck of work needed for canning green beans will be worth it when you eat fresh all winter long. First, let's review some of the basics of preparing vegetables for canning recipes. Vegetables almost always need to be pressure canned. The hot water bath canner that is used to as a food preservation method for many fruits … [Read more...]
Preserve Farmers Market Produce
I will preserve farmers market produce again this summer. Sometimes the garden just doesn't have a good year. For me, lately this is the norm instead of the exception. I don't know when I lost my green thumb but it seems to be conversely related to the increase in animal life on our farm. Animals take time. Stall cleaning, coop cleaning, cleaning up everywhere, all takes time. Twice a day watering takes time. Feeding grain or filling hay mangers takes time. And that leaves less … [Read more...]
How Much Food to Can and Store
How do you know how much food to can and store for your family? Harvest time is busy and there is never enough time to get everything done. Of course like many things, there is no one correct answer. It will depend on how your family eats, how many mouths you are feeding and how many times you eat dinner at home each week. Knowing how much food to can starts with assessing your needs. A Formula For Figuring How Much Food to Can and Store Will you require something from your … [Read more...]