Do you love summer farmers’ markets but wish you could use those flavors for a Thanksgiving cobbler? Wish you could reduce the waste from store-bought canned goods? Did your backyard garden result in way more produce than your household can possibly eat before it turns? It’s time to get canning!
Canning isn’t just for your grandparents anymore, but they were certainly onto something — it’s the greenest way to take your pantry to the next level. Home-canned food offers plenty of benefits, like:
- Seasonal produce year-round. Fresh fruits and vegetables found at the height of their season at your local farmers’ market can make a tasty appearance on your table any time of year.
- Knowing what’s in your food. Since the only thing in your canned food is what you put into it, it’s a good way to avoid artificial additives.
- Room for creativity. You can try out new recipes for jams, soups, salsas and more.
- Eco-friendliness. Canning cuts down on food waste and minimizes single-use plastics.
- Saving time. Too rushed to make dinner from scratch? Reach for that yummy homemade soup or pasta sauce you canned in advance.
Before you get started, make sure you have the basics on hand:
