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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.