20 Foods to Can
20 Foods to Can
Canning is a versatile and rewarding skill that can help you save money, reduce food waste, and enjoy delicious homemade meals all year round.

Canning on the Homestead

As a homesteader, I've learned that canning is an essential skill for preserving the bounty of our garden and livestock. It's a way to ensure that we have access to nutritious, delicious food all year round, even when fresh produce is out of season. In this blog post, I'll share 20 foods that we love to can on our homestead.

Tomatoes

canning tomato sauce
Tomatoes are one of the most versatile foods to can. We use them in everything from spaghetti sauce to chili, and having jars of canned tomatoes in the pantry means we always have a base for our favorite recipes. To can tomatoes, we blanch them in boiling water for a minute or two, peel off the skins, and pack them into jars with a little salt and lemon juice for acidity.

Pickles

garden pickles
There's nothing quite like homemade pickles, and they're surprisingly easy to make. We grow cucumbers specifically for pickling, and we love to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create our own unique pickling blend. To can pickles, we pack the cucumbers into jars with our chosen seasonings and a vinegar-water-sugar mixture.

Salsa

homemade canned salsa
Fresh salsa is a summer favorite, but we love to can it to enjoy all year round. We make ours with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices for a flavorful, spicy kick. Canning salsa requires a little extra work to ensure it's safe to eat, but it's well worth it for the convenience and taste.

Applesauce

We have several apple trees on our homestead, and canning applesauce is a great way to use up excess fruit. We like to leave our applesauce slightly chunky and lightly sweetened with cinnamon and a touch of sugar. Canning applesauce is simple and straightforward - just cook the apples, mash them up, and pack into jars.

Green Beans

canned green beans
Green beans are another versatile vegetable that we love to can. We prefer to can them whole, which requires a little extra effort to trim the ends, but it's worth it for the crisp texture and fresh flavor. To can green beans, we pack them into jars with a little salt and water, and then pressure can for safety.

Peaches

Fresh peaches are a summer treat, but canned peaches can be enjoyed all year round. We like to can our peaches in a light syrup with a touch of cinnamon for added flavor. To can peaches, we blanch them in boiling water, remove the skins, and pack them into jars with our syrup mixture.

Carrots

canned vegetables
Carrots are another vegetable that we like to can for their versatility. We can them both diced and whole, and we love to use them in soups and stews throughout the year. To can carrots, we blanch them briefly in boiling water, pack them into jars with a little salt and water, and then pressure can for safety.

Pears

Like peaches, canned pears are a delicious way to enjoy this fruit all year round. We like to can our pears in a light syrup with a touch of vanilla for added flavor. To can pears, we blanch them in boiling water, remove the skins, and pack them into jars with our syrup mixture.

Beets

canned beets
Beets are a nutritious root vegetable that we like to can for their sweet, earthy flavor. We can them both sliced and whole, and we enjoy them in salads and as a side dish. To can beets, we blanch them in boiling water, remove the skins, and pack them into jars with a little salt and water.

Jam

Homemade jam is a delicious way to enjoy fresh fruit throughout the year. We like to make strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry jam, but you can use almost any fruit. To make jam, we cook the fruit with sugar and lemon juice until it's thick and syrupy, then we pack it into jars and process them in a water bath.
canning

Corn

Canned corn is a staple in many kitchens, and we love to can our own sweet corn. We prefer to cut the kernels off the cob and pack them into jars with a little salt and water. To ensure safety, we pressure can our corn.

Apricots

Apricots are a delicious fruit that are often overlooked in canning. We like to can them in a light syrup with a touch of almond extract for added flavor. To can apricots, we blanch them in boiling water, remove the skins, and pack them into jars with our syrup mixture.

Pumpkin

Canning pumpkin is a great way to have pumpkin chunks on hand for pies and other recipes throughout the year. To can pumpkin, we roast it in the oven or pressure cooker until it's soft, remove the skin, and then cut it into small cubes. Then we pack it into jars and process them in a pressure canner.

Pickled Beets

Pickled beets are a tangy and delicious way to enjoy this root vegetable. We like to add a mix of spices to our pickling liquid for added flavor. To can pickled beets, we cook the beets until they're tender, remove the skins, and pack them into jars with our pickling liquid.
canning

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a staple at holiday dinners, and canned cranberry sauce is just as delicious as homemade. We like to make ours with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange juice for added flavor. To can cranberry sauce, we cook the ingredients together until they're thick and syrupy, then we pack it into jars and process them in a water bath.

Peppers

Canned peppers are a great way to add flavor and texture to a variety of dishes. We like to can our peppers both diced and whole, and we use a mix of sweet and spicy varieties for added complexity. To can peppers, we pack them into jars with a little salt and water, and then pressure can for safety.

Sweet Potatoes

Canned sweet potatoes are a delicious way to add this nutritious vegetable to your diet all year round. We like to can them in a light syrup with a touch of cinnamon for added flavor. To can sweet potatoes, we cook them until they're tender, remove the skin, and pack them into jars with our syrup mixture.
preserving food

Chili

Canning chili is a great way to have a quick and easy meal on hand for busy nights. We make ours with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a mix of spices for a hearty, flavorful dish. To can chili, we cook the ingredients together, pack them into jars, and then process them in a pressure canner.

Plum Jam

Plum jam is a delicious and unique way to enjoy this fruit. We like to make ours with a mix of sweet and tart plums, sugar, and lemon juice for added brightness. To make plum jam, we cook the ingredients together until they're thick and syrupy, then we pack it into jars and process them in a water bath.

Blackberry Syrup

Blackberry syrup is a delicious way to add flavor to pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast foods. We make ours with fresh blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice for added tartness. To make blackberry syrup, we cook the ingredients together until they're thick and syrupy, then we pack it into jars and process them in a water bath.
Canning is a great way to preserve food and enjoy it all year round. With these 20 foods, you can have a well-stocked pantry full of delicious and nutritious ingredients to use in your cooking. Plus, knowing where your food comes from and having control over the ingredients can be a rewarding experience for any homesteader.

Canning Safety

However, it's important to note that canning requires proper technique and safety measures to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. Always follow a trusted canning recipe, use clean and sterilized equipment, and process your jars according to recommended times and pressures. With these precautions in mind, you can safely enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the year.
In addition to these 20 foods, there are many other options for canning on the homestead. Don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite fruits and vegetables, and try out new recipes to find what works best for your family. Canning is a versatile and rewarding skill that can help you save money, reduce food waste, and enjoy delicious homemade meals all year round.
Recent Posts
  • omega 3 for dietThe Benefits of Incorporating Omega-3 in Your Winter Diet
    In Cooking
    Omega-3 fatty acids are a simple yet powerful addition to your winter diet. They provide numerous benefits that support the body and mind through the colder months, helping to boost immunity, improve mood, reduce joint pain, support heart health, and keep skin hydrated—all essential during winter. […]
  • ruffed grouseRuffed Grouse Hunting Tips: A Fall Favorite in Northwestern Ontario
    In Country Living
    Grouse hunting is one of the great joys of fall in northwestern Ontario. It’s not just about the hunt—it’s about the time spent in the woods, the challenge of spotting these elusive birds, and the satisfaction of bringing home a wild game dinner. Whether you’re hunting for the first time or have been doing this for years, following these tips will improve your chances of success and make your time in the field more enjoyable. […]
  • foraging safelyForaging Safety: What You Need to Know Before Heading Out
    In Country Living
    Foraging is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy wild foods, but it’s essential to do so safely and responsibly. By learning to identify plants accurately, foraging in clean and legal areas, and practicing sustainable harvesting, you can enjoy the rewards of foraging without putting yourself or the environment at risk. […]
  • planning garden in the fallPlanning Your Spring Garden Now: What to Do Before the Snow Falls
    In Gardening and Livestock
    As homesteaders, we depend on our gardens not just for food, but also for the satisfaction that comes with growing our own sustenance. And in regions like northwestern Ontario, where the growing season can be unpredictable and short, every bit of preparation counts. The more you do now, the less you’ll have to worry about in the spring, allowing you to focus on planting, growing, and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables!) of your labor. […]
  • holiday forageCreative Ways to Use Fall Forage in Your Holiday Cooking
    In Country Living
    Incorporating these foraged items into your holiday cooking is not only a creative way to celebrate the season, but it’s also sustainable, cost-effective, and a great conversation starter when you’re serving family and friends. […]
  • leftoversSustainable Meal Planning: How to Save Time and Money with Smart Leftover Use
    In Country Living
    As homesteaders, we’re always looking for ways to simplify our lives while living in harmony with the land. Smart meal planning with leftover use is a key piece of that puzzle, helping us balance the demands of the homestead while ensuring we’re feeding our families in a sustainable and thoughtful way. […]
  • eye glasses displayZenni Optical: A Homesteader’s Take on Affordable Eyewear
    In Country Living
    For homesteaders looking for affordable, customizable eyewear, Zenni is a great option. Just be mindful of the quirks that come with high-tech lenses like the Eyeqlenz. After all, as homesteaders, we’re no strangers to adapting and making things work—whether it’s in the garden, the barn, or with our tech! […]
  • homestead pantryStockpiling and Organizing Pantry Essentials for Winter
    In Country Living
    Taking the time now to stock and organize your pantry will save you so much hassle later when the snow is falling and the roads are icy. Not only does it ensure you’re prepared, but it also gives peace of mind knowing that your family will be well-fed no matter what the weather throws your way. […]
  • hp instant inkHow HP Instant Ink Made Printing Easier on the Homestead
    In Country Living
    Whether you’re printing for your family, your work, or just for fun, HP Instant Ink takes the hassle out of the equation. You’ll never run out of ink, never have to drive hours just to restock, and your prints will look professional every time. Plus, with flexible subscription plans, you can tailor the service to your needs without breaking the bank. […]
  • welcome signHomestead Craft Projects for Cozy Fall Days
    In Country Living
    These homestead craft projects are the perfect way to embrace the slower pace of fall while still staying creative and productive. Whether you’re foraging for materials, repurposing old items, or learning a new skill, these projects bring a little bit of handmade warmth into your home as the weather turns colder. […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

As an affiliate marketer, we may earn commissions from the links on our website.