Get a head start on the summer food preservation season
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EmailGet a head start on the summer food preservation season by getting your equipment ready and learn how to preserve your favorite foods.
Even though the 2014 spring is coming in slow to Michigan, eventually there will be a summer bounty of all of your favorite local produce, ready to be preserved. If you can’t wait to get in the kitchen to make your favorite salsa or dill pickles this summer take advantage of this slower time and to get ready for summer canning season.
The first item on your to-do list should be to enjoy your last summer’s produce, including frozen and canned items. Check the seals prior to consuming. It is important to use up your home canned foods within a year of preserving. Enjoy those delicious tomatoes you preserved last year!
Your next plan should be to examine your equipment and make sure it is safe for use this year, starting with your canners. Boiling water canners are used for canning all high acid foods like fruits, pickles, jellies/jams and acidified tomatoes. There isn’t maintenance needed on this unit, but make sure you have all of the pieces of equipment; the canner, lid and rack. Your pressure canner is the only safe way to can low-acid foods like vegetables, meats, fish and poultry. Check the rubber gaskets for flexibility; it shouldn’t be brittle or cracked. If you have a dial gauge, it will need to be checked for accuracy. Contact your local Michigan State University Extension office to see where you can get it calibrated.
Another key piece of canning equipment is jars and bands. Examine your jars for any chips or nicks along the rim. Any damage to the glass may cause your jars to either break during processing or cause seal failures. Replace bands that are rusty or distorted from use or storage. Remember to replace your lids each year. You cannot reuse lids after use.
A final step in getting ready for food preservation season is to check your resources to make sure you are using up-to-date and research-based resources. The National Center for Home Food Preservation and Michigan Fresh bulletins are available through MSU Extension. These are accurate resources for home food preservation. Double check your processing times and methods for the foods you wish to preserve with the resources listed above. Maybe you would like to try to preserve something new this year. If so, read the current recommendations to make sure you have the necessary ingredients and supplies.
Home food preservation is a wonderful way to preserve the local bounty to enjoy during the cold, winter months. If you are an experienced or novice food preserver, you can head start your summer preservation creations by verifying your resources and checking your equipment.
