Simpler Living Blog

FOOD PRESERVATION, TIPS AND TOOLS

Tips and Tools for Canning

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

Ball Mason Jars with tomatoes — Find a variety of sizes and styles at lehmans.pro

Buy Lids by the Bulk: Superb Canning Jar Lids Regular Mouth (USA Made)

Superb Canning Lids - Made in USA — Engineered to be the highest quality lids available, Superb canning lids have a specially formulated adhesive for more sealing power. Find them at lehmans.pro

Get the Essentials in One Kit: All American 10.5-Qt Pressure Canner Kit

Beginner's Pressure Canning Kit — This canning kit includes the high-quality All American 10.5-Qt Pressure Canner with its exclusive metal-to-metal seal. PLUS, it comes with essential canning supplies and tools. Available at lehmans.pro

#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 – 38^th Edition

Ball Blue Preserving Book 38th Edition — Get up-to-date information and recipes for canning, pickling, freezing and dehydrating. The Ball Blue Book has been a trusted guide for food preservation since 1909! Available at lehmans.pro

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.)