By: Alexus Masterson, MPH,
Family & Consumer Sciences Educator
Ohio State University Extension, Muskingum County
When you think of food preservation, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it is picking fresh corn from the garden and freezing it, or helping your grandmother can green beans and tomatoes. Food preservation can look like a variety of things to each person, but canning is the most common way we see food being preserved with endless possibilities! Some family favorite recipes may have been passed down through generations and would be fine to use if they have been tested and are safe. When canning at home, using current and researched-based recipes should be used. Old or untested recipes from friends, the internet, cookbooks, or grandma’s collection should not be canned. Home canning recommendations have changed over the years as testing has been done, as well as certain foods. Be sure to check out the Muskingum County Extension Office for current recipes and resources when thinking about home canning this season.
Canning at home depends on the type produce you are wanting to preserve. Certain foods with high acid such as fruits, pickles, relishes, jams, butters, and jellies can be processed in a water bath canner as the likelihood for bacteria is low with these foods (Virginia Cooperative Extension, 2022). Pressure canning is the only canning process that reaches the 240 degrees Fahrenheit needed to destroy food-borne bacteria and create a vacuum seal necessary to prevent spoilage. This method is required for foods and recipes such as meat, poultry, vegetables, seafood, and chili (Ball Mason Jars, 2023). The Ohio State University Extension has great resources for canning, click or type the link below to explore fact sheets: https://ohioline.osu.edu/topic/food.
There are so many memories when we think about those old family recipes, research the ones you love to see if you need to change it to keep the tradition alive! Some benefits to home canning also include, readily accessible food, peak freshness, and having the control of where your food comes from. During the pandemic, food preservation was a hot topic as food supplies in grocery stores were limited. So, by implementing food preservation in your home you can keep memories alive, create new ones, and provide for your loved ones. Happy canning!
Sources: Ball Mason Jars. (2023). How to Can : A beginner’s Guide to Canning Food. https://www.ballmasonjars.com/canning-and-preserving-101.html
Virginia Cooperative Extension. (2022, May 6). Boiling Water Bath Canning. VCE Publications. https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/348/348-594/348-594.html#:~:text=Boiling%20water%20bath%20canning%20can,information%20for%20correct%20processing%20times.
