I am going to start canning next year :o(

[Bubblingbrooks]

Not real happy about it, as I prefer to not process my food so much, but, with the way things are looking economy wise, I need to start doing true long term food storage.We freeze a fair amount, but that costs money 1/2 the year (freezers are turned off all winter up here).

 

[Wannabefree]

I didn't have a canner this year and so I dried a lot of tomatoes, peppers, and various things. My D can't have a lot of processed foods..allergic to MSG, so I have to get into canning eventually too. For now, dehydration is a GODSEND!

 

[Bethanial]

At least you can turn the freezers off and save some $ that way - here in the deep south, that's just not an option. But I've fallen in love with canning! Best wishes to you, and know that whatever you can yourself tastes WAY better than the canned goods at the store.

 

[DuppyDo]

Canning is a part of my long term strategy.I have about 40 qts of chicken put up in chicken broth. I'm starting to rotate them out now, as they last about three yrs.I freeze some stuff in the freezer but not allot, i prefer not to depend on electric for my food program.Not only because of the cost of electric , but the dependabilty as well.I've experienced freezer melt downs and don't like it.(who does?)
I don't own a generator and their is no sure bet on getting fuel to run one in a SHTF situation..I also have chicken soup and blueberries put up.
The best deals i've been able to find on canning jars has been at Walmart, $10.00 for a doz.wide mouth jars, which i lke for doing chicken.Its a pain in the butt getting chicken in the reg. mouth jars, but doable...
Sometimes i find a good deal at a yard sale.We don't have many stores that offer good deals on canning jars here on eastern long Is.,NY...I have a few hundred jars at this point,about 200 in use now.
I think you folks are on the right path
and wise to start canning stuff soon.I buy chicken breast when its on sale for 1.80 a lb. and can a bunch. I'm going to make a chicken pot pie in the next day or so , to keep rotating my stash..

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

hi bubbrooks!

i'm totally sold on canning - did it the first time this year and havent stopped all summer.

i was really squeamish at first.. but there is a lot of good info out there (check your local extension office/website).

and yep - the worst part is not having enough jars.

good luck!

 

[Bettacreek]

Canning really isn't too much different from straight up cooking your food. You just have to reheat it once you open it. You don't have to worry about freezer burn, electricity going out, freezer burning out, etc. I'm dying to get canning supplies, just can't afford it right now. :/ I'll have to figure out how to get a lot of jars real fast if I get a deer though, especially if I get two, lol.

 

[Wifezilla]

I just got back in to it. Haven't done it in decades. I don't even have an official "canner". It's just a big stock pot with an insert in the bottom for steaming. Worked fine. I only had 2 cans not seal on me and those went in the fridge.

As for saving money on a freezer, Abi has a good plan. Hers is on a timer. It only runs during the day. Since it is cooler at night and nobody is opening it (and it is pretty full) the food is fine and doesn't thaw. I need to throw a timer on mine.

Also look in to drying. Saves a lot of space. Not everything can be dried, but I consider it a smart thing to do. Sun dried tomatoes are totally nummy. I dried a lot of apples this year too. We ate them all already, but they sure were good

 

[Bethanial]

And canning is also the ultimate in "convenience meals." Pop open a jar, heat (if desired/able) and eat! Can't wait for the pressure canner so I can can my own chili, pumpkin sloppy joe meat, soups, etc.

 

[Bettacreek]

I just got a canner last night. My dad gave me his! I'm so absolutely excited that a "normal" person would think I just won a million dollars, lol. My friend has a bunch of quart jars that she's giving me as well. I'm dying to test this baby out!

 

[Jen-pi]

Would you believe I lost my pressure canner in a move?

I cant wait to get a new one!