Before You Get Started

Preparation and information are the keys to successful home canning. Make sure you have the right tools, the best ingredients, and the best step-by-step guide for the recipe you're canning, and you're set!


Equipment


Many of the tools for home canning are found in any well-stocked kitchen. Of course, certain utensils are designed specifically for home canning. Here is a complete list of the kitchen essentials and helpful aids you will need to easily prepare and put up recipes. Those tools are available where home canning supplies are sold or click here to order online.



  • Mason Jars or Freezer Jars

  • Two-piece SNAP LID® or Freezer Jar lids

  • Large deep pot to prepare recipe

  • Canner - either a large deep pot fitted with rack and lid (Boiling water canner for high acids foods) or a (pressure canner for low acids foods).

  • Accurate measuring spoons and cups


Other useful items:



  • Long handled spoons and spatulas

  • Ladle or handled cup to transfer recipe to jars

  • Canning Toolkit - Non-metallic funnel, tongs, canning wand

  • Jelly Bags (for jelly)

  • Wide mouth funnel

  • Jar lifter

  • Magnetic Wand to lift metal closures

  • Weight scale

  • Hand protection - oven gloves and rubber gloves

  • High Acid or Low Acid....and other processing factors


While the results will taste the same, the process of canning in Jasper will differ from the process of canning in Antigonish. Altitude plays an important factor in processing times for home canning.


Similarly, foods require different processing based on acid levels. High Acid Foods include fruits, fruit juices, jams, jellies and other fruit spreads, tomatoes with added acid, pickles, relishes, chutneys, sauces, vinegars and condiments. Low Acid foods include vegetables, soups, stews, meats, poultry, seafood and tomato or vegetable mixtures or sauces. Select the proper "Step-by-Step" method to ensure safe and delicious results.