Surprising Things You Didn't Know You Could Can
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Most people are familiar with canning: fruits, vegetables, and jams. However, there are many other fun things to can as well. So, what can you can? For example, you can also can meat, butter, and cheese. The process of canning meat is similar to that of vegetables; the meat is cooked and then sealed in a sterile jar. Corn is also cooked before being canned, but it requires a particular pressure cooker designed for canning. In addition, there are unusual canning recipes for foods like coleslaw and bread. Canning is a great way to preserve food for later use, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods all year round.
Canning
Canning is a popular safe method of food preservation if appropriately practiced. The canning process involves placing foods in sterilized jars and heating them to a temperature that destroys microorganisms.
Canning inactivates enzymes that cause the food to spoil through heating - and as it cools, a vacuum seal is formed. The vacuum seal prevents microorganisms from recontaminating the food. So, can you can anything? In short, no.
Canning Pros:​
Canning is a handy storage option that works for many foods.
Canning provides food with a longer storage life without the need for electricity.
​Canning Cons:​
Jars can be bulky and heavy.
Equipment used for canning represents a significant initial investment.
Canning is only suitable for some foods, even if you're pressure canning.
Canning involves a lot of work and may require more understanding of the science than you realize.
Canning has a potential for spoilage if you don't follow proper instructions.
Interesting Foods You Could Can
Canning is a great way to preserve food and make it last longer. It's perfect for jams, jellies, soups, or fresh vegetables—the list doesn't stop there!
Canning is a great way to preserve food, but did you know that there are some unusual things you can put in a jar? You might be surprised by how many of your favorite dishes can benefit from this method too. Check out these unique canning recipes:
Coleslaw
When it comes to the perfect side dish for your next meal, there's nothing more satisfying than a jar of Texas-style coleslaw. This colorful slaw looks excellent in jars, with the bright colors of cilantro and jalapeno zest that shine through.
Coleslaw can be tricky to work with when making the preserving process safe and easy. It needs acidic vinegar, such as white or apple cider, for safety purposes. Cream-based kinds of vinegar are not recommended by experts in home canning techniques due to their potential dangers when exposed to heat during processing.
Pumpkin
Texas has an abundance of pumpkins, especially at this time of the year. While it is not advised to can pureed pumpkins, it is okay to preserve cubed pumpkins in water and puree them as needed.
You may use these to make your favorite pumpkin pie recipe or save it to make excellent pumpkin chili any time of the year!
Butter
Butter is another surprising food you could can. Texas is home to the best dairy farms, so it's easy to stock up on real butter. You may butter that lasts for years if the seals are secure and held in a cool place.
Butter is dairy and non-acidic, so you should never water bath butter for canning. Use pressure-canning methods instead.
Cheese
Cheese–lovers often purchase more cheese than needed at cheese sales or when on vacation. However, hard and soft cheeses (What wine goes well with soft cheeses?) only last so long in their original packaging. Canning cheese is a great way to preserve it if it is done correctly.
While we don't often consider caning as food storage for dairy, it's a common homesteading practice as long as proper canning methods are strictly followed. For example, it is recommended to can soft cheese in a water bath and hard cheese in a pressure canner.
CKC Farm is a Grade 'A' goat dairy in Blanco, Texas, that specializes in making "artisanal goat cheeses (What wine goes well with goat cheeses?)" from the milk of their pampered dairy goats!
Turkey
Turkey is a staple of many American diets, especially during the holidays. After a big Thanksgiving feast, there are often plenty of leftovers. Canning turkey is a great way to preserve these leftovers for later use. Turkey can be canned whole, in pieces, or ground up.
When canning turkey, it is essential to use a pressure canner to ensure the meat is cooked correctly. Canning turkey is a simple process, allowing you to have a healthy, ready-to-eat meal on your pantry shelf. So the next time you have leftover turkey, don't let it go to waste; can it instead!
Looking for fresh turkey across Texas?
Bacon
Bacon (how long does bacon last?) is a delicious and versatile food that can be enjoyed in many different ways. However, it is not a typical canned food because of its high-fat content. Pressure-canning bacon allows you to have shelf-stable items suitable for those with limited refrigerator and freezer space. This process involves sealing the bacon in an airtight container and subjecting it to high pressure. This kills any bacteria that may be present, preventing spoilage.
When done correctly, pressure-canned bacon can last for years without losing its quality or flavor. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to enjoy the taste of bacon without worrying about storage or safety concerns.
Bread
Imagine the convenience of pulling out bread anytime for hungry kids or unexpected guests. Quick breads can be canned by baking bread inside jars. More than the convenience, baking bread in jars gives the bread an exciting appeal.
Baking bread in jars is not only convenient, but it also gives the bread a unique look. You can use any jar, such as a mason jar, a jelly jar, or even a soup can— bake as you would normally bake a loaf of quick bread. The result is a perfectly round loaf perfect for slicing and sharing.
One of the best things about quick bread in a jar is that you can play around with limitless flavor options. If you're feeling traditional, go for classic banana bread or zucchini. Or get creative and try something new, like pumpkin spice bread or chocolate chip bread. No matter what flavor you choose, quick bread in a jar will surely be a hit with family and friends alike.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with any meal. It is also easy to prepare, and the canning process ensures that it will have a long shelf life. However, it is essential to note that creamed corn should always be canned using a pressure canner. This is because traditional water bath canning methods will not evenly heat the jar, which could lead to bacteria growth and potentially dangerous food poisoning.
Additionally, creamed corn should be hot-packed to ensure that all kernels are adequately heated during the canning process. Following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy delicious and safe creamed corn for years.
Buy farm-fresh corn from local farmers around your area through the TexasRealFood Promptuary.
Tamales
Another southern staple, the tamales can also be canned through a pressure cooker. This is a great way to have tamales on hand for quick meals. Tamales are typically time-consuming to wrap and prepare. However, by canning them through a pressure cooker, you can have them available without all the work. This is incredibly convenient when you're running short on time.
Canned tamales are also great for taking with you on the go. Whether you're headed to a potluck or want to bring a dish to share at a picnic, they're easy to transport and always a hit. So next time you make a batch of tamales, set some aside to pressure cook and enjoy later.
What is the Difference Between Water Bath and Pressure Canning?
Knowing the difference between the water bath and pressure canning is crucial when preserving your food.
Water bath canning is a preserving method that uses boiling water to seal fruits, vegetables, and jams inside sterile jars. The temperature of the boiling water is relatively low, usually between 190- 212 degrees Fahrenheit. Because of this lower temperature, correct acids are required to destroy enzymes that can cause spoilage.
Without the proper acidity, spoiling bacteria could survive the boiling water bath and contaminate the food. For this reason, it's essential to use a tested recipe when water bath canning to ensure that the correct amount of acid is used. When done correctly, water bath canning is a safe and effective way to preserve food.
Pressure canning is a food preservation method involving canning at high temperatures. This process is used to preserve food with limited amounts of acid. The high temperatures help to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food spoilage. Pressure canning also helps to prevent the growth of mold and yeast. This canning method is typically used for meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables. Food must be placed in a pressure cooker or canner. The canner is then placed on a stovetop and heated until the desired temperature is reached. The pressure cooker or canner must be vented to release any excess pressure before it is opened. Once the pressure has been released, the food can be removed from the cooker or canner and sealed in jars or cans. Pressure canned foods will have a shelf life of 1-2 years if stored in a cool, dry place.
Using "Water Bath Techniques," Olde Tyme Canning is known for producing pickles and canned goods at the local farmers' markets in Wise County, Texas.
What Foods Can Safely Be Processed in a Water Bath Canner?
What can I can?
Fruit
Salsa
Pickles and Relishes
Chutneys
Pie Fillings
Fruit Sauces
What Foods Can Safely Be Processed in a Pressure Canner?
Vegetables
Meat
Poultry
Seafood
Stocks
Basic Equipment Needed for Canning
Canning is a great way to preserve food for the long term. Not only does it allow you to enjoy your favorite fruits and vegetables year-round, but it also saves you money by reducing food waste. However, before you can start canning, you need to invest in some essential equipment. A pressure canner is the safest and most effective way to preserve food, so it's worth the investment. You'll also need jars, lids, and a funnel. All of these items can be reused except for the canning lids.
Once you have your equipment, you're ready to start canning. The process is simple:
Fill your jars with your desired food.
Add water or syrup.
Process them in your pressure canner.
Within minutes, you'll have delicious preserved foods that will last for months or even years. So don't wait - get started on your canning journey today!
Get Canning!
You may think of canning as something your grandmother did to preserve cucumbers and green beans from the garden, but there are all sorts of surprising things you can put in jars. When done correctly, canned foods can last for years. So next time you're looking for something new to try, don't be afraid to pull out the canning supplies. You may be surprised at what you can make.
Whether you have a bumper crop or want to preserve some fantastic produce from your local Texas Farmers Market, TexasRealFood provides guides, tips, and helpful information on Canning and Preserving.
