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Long time canner, cheese-maker, wine-maker, etc. etc.

Abdul Muhamed

Active member
Joined
May 16, 2025
Messages
30
We buy virtually no processed foods in the store. We have a very large garden and can almost all the vegetables and fruit that we eat the entire year. While I do freeze some things, I can most-it saves space in my freezer for meat.
 
Welcome to the forum @Abdul Muhamed. You must have a vast amount of knowledge to share. What method of canning do you usually use?
I pressure-can almost everything. It is the safest way to prevent the botulinum toxin, and takes far less time Tomatoes are done in 10 min in pressure canner vs. 45 minutes in hot bath canning. I also pressure-can meat. The high temperatures achieved with it allows for safe canning of items not recommended in regular water bath canning.
 
I've heard pressure canners are usually better. Do you use the old-fashioned pressure cookers or something like an Instant Pot?
 
I've heard pressure canners are usually better. Do you use the old-fashioned pressure cookers or something like an Instant Pot?
I use a Presto 23-gallon pressure canner. It can hold 7 quart jars. Since during the summer we can up to 36 qts of tomatoes, beans, and corn, we need one that can do the job quickly and hold a lot. I try to make at least 2 veggies with every meal so while 36qts of green beans sounds like a lot, it lasts us just long enough to get to the next growing season. Pressure-canned vegetables are shelf-stable for years. I made a delicious pumpkin pie from a forgotten jar of pumpkin that was ten years old.

Water boils at 212 F. A regular water bath canner therefore can never reach temps higher than 212 F. That is fine for acidic fruits and vegetables. Pressure canners with 15 lbs of pressure reach temperatures of 257 F. That kills almost any pathogen including botulinum toxin which can cause botulism. Non-acidic foods should be preserved using a pressure canner for that reason.
 
Hi, Abdul. I am happy to see someone with your knowledge here. I am seriously considering trying to do some canning this summer. I thought I would go to the local farmers market, or find a local farmer and get produce as it is in season.

Do you have zucchini where you live? And do you can it?
 
Hi, Abdul. I am happy to see someone with your knowledge here. I am seriously considering trying to do some canning this summer. I thought I would go to the local farmers market, or find a local farmer and get produce as it is in season.

Do you have zucchini where you live? And do you can it?
I live in South-Central Pennsylvania, and yes we grow Zucchini. I don't can it, although you could. I de-seed it and grate it. You can add that to soups, meatloaf, etc. to add a veggie to your meal. I also make "imitation crab cakes" with it. 2 C shredded zucchini, an egg, bread crumbs, flour, and Old Bay seafood seasoning. Make them into patties and fry them. I then put tartar sauce on them or cocktail sauce.
You can also cut zucchini into long strips and marinate them. I then put them on a hot grill and sear them.
 
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