How can I ensure that my food is safely prepared? Botulism (from the Botulinum Spore), is a deadly form of food poisoning that is caused by growth of bacteria on food.  Botulism exists as spores or cells; the spores can survive for many years in soil and be harmless, however when the proper conditions exist those spores reproduce into cells which multiply very quickly.  All of those cells combined...

Most people realize that canning is a lot like baking, you must adjust your canning time based on the altitude of where you live. Fruits and vegetables can be safely canned in a boiling water bath or pressure cooker. However, because the temperature of boiling water is lower at higher elevations, you need to increase the processing time.  For example, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit up to 1,000...

Preserving Food Using Canning: Most fresh foods are very perishable, they spoil and mold because they have a high percentage of water.  In addition, they will also lose their quality. Microorganisms such as bacteria, mold and yeast live and multiply quickly on the surfaces of fresh food.  In addition, they live and multiply on the inside of bruised, insect-damaged, and diseased food. Oxygen and...

Acid Foods Foods which contain enough acid to result in a pH of 4.6 or lower.  Includes all fruits except figs; most tomatoes; fermented and pickled vegetables; relishes; and jams, jellies, and marmalade’s.  Acid foods may be processed in boiling water. Altitude The vertical elevation of a location above sea level. Ascorbic Acid The chemical name for vitamin C. Lemon juice contains...

Canning Salsa and Mango Salsa Ingredients: Tomatoes Tomatilos (mexican tomatoes) Onion Celery Green Pepers Jalapeno Peppers Garlic Cilantro Salt Lemon Juice If you want your salsa flavored have your other ingredient ready.  We will use Mango, however you can add blueberries, papaya, pomegranate, star fruit, kiwi or anything else you desire. Directions: Wash and prepare all of your vegetables...

Getting potatoes on the farm. My sister is married to a wonderful potato farmer who shares his bounty each and every year.  This year he allowed us to come over and get a truckload of potatoes which we were able to take our fill for the year and share with many of our friends at church.  He truly blessed many peoples lives this harvest. Each year we store the potatoes in a cool dry place and they...

Pressure Canning/Cooking Pressure cooking is a method of cooking that uses a tightly sealed vessel. The sealed vessel does not permit air or liquids to escape below a preset pressure. The boiling point of water increases as pressure increases, therefore pressure is built up inside the cooker which allows the liquid in the pot to rise to a higher temperature before boiling. Pressure Cooker All pressure...

Home Canned Apple Slices in Red Hot Syrup Lemon Juice Soak: 1 Gallon Water 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice Peel, core and slice approximately 20 pounds of apples. Place them into a large bowl of lemon juice soak and ensure they are fully submersed.  This Lemon Juice Soak will keep the apples from turning brown. Red Hot Syrup: Cinnamon Red Hots 20 Cups Water 8 – 10 Cups Sugar 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice 1/3...

Apple Pie Filling is a wonderful item to can, it is one of my families favorite item.  In fact when my husband and I first got married this was the first thing that I canned.  I canned 12 quarts of filling expecting that we would eat one per month. It was not to be, my husband loved it so much all 12 quarts were gone in about 2 to 3 months.  Then for another 9 to 10 months we talked about how...

How to Make Homemade Canned Pears! It’s easy! (Your pears will last 12 to 18 months). Ingredients and Equipment: Pears Jar grabber (to pick up the hot jars) Lid lifter Jar funnel Jars with new lids and rings At least 1 large pot Large spoons and ladles Sugar 1 Water Bath Canner Note:  You CAN use a large pot instead, however make sure that the water covers the jars by at least an inch. Canning...