Canning jars

[TheGrey]

Hi all-

I am new to pressure canning, but I finally tried it out on some asparagus that I bought at Sprouts. I watched the pressure gauge like a (very nervous) hawk, but it actually was pretty easy. I am looking forward to when the farmer's markets open up; I am sure I'm not the only one tired of paying ridiculous prices for bruised and overwaxed produce in the stores!

With the price of meat on the rise, I'm also going to give canning beef a shot, soon.

My question for the experienced canners is: when do canning jars go on sale? In the springtime?
I've also heard people talk about how they found great deals on canning jars on Craigslist, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's an urban legend...

[hatidua]

Check out Ace Hardware (their online/mail order division), their prices on jars six months ago was better than I've seen anywhere, including used ones on Craigslist.

[Caithford]

Wrong time of year. Late summer is when the sales at Walmart happen, and when people put stuff up on Craig's list. I second Ace Hardware, they usually have good stuff.

Where'd you get your pressure canner? I'd like to get one. Have had success with water bath canning, but would also like to can low acid foods.

[TheGrey]

Thanks! I'll keep an eye on Ace's prices, and will start stashing away a bit of cash for the end-of-summer sales.

I bought my canner at Mill's Fleet Farm when I visited family in Minnesota. They had a sale. It's a Presto. I've heard through rumor that you should buy an All-American Pressure Canner, but they're just too expensive.

Really, it was a lot simpler than I expected. I also found a nice pickling recipe for asparagus, if you're looking for that in-between step. I haven't looked yet- is there a thread for recipe exchanges for canning and pickling in this sub-forum?

[rbeau30]

Ace hardware has reasonable prices on most anything plus a comprehensive supply section.

Don't forget to get the book that they usually have in stock. "Ball BlueBook of Canning" it has LOTS of recipes in it. The only book I use, and I have been canning for years.

Wrong time of year. Late summer is when the sales at Walmart happen, and when people put stuff up on Craig's list. I second Ace Hardware, they usually have good stuff.

Where'd you get your pressure canner? I'd like to get one. Have had success with water bath canning, but would also like to can low acid foods.

Caithford, watch Amazon for sales on the canner you want. I got my Presto 23-quart on for 75 dollars with free shipping, after I blew up my other one.

[hobowh]

I got my canner at ace as well it was about 80 bucks

[ColoFarmer]

Estate sales are good, older generation LIVED on home canned food, and never got rid of most of it, I've bought boxes on estate auctions for $1...One time they sold 15 or 20 boxes of jars, sold by the box until everyone quit bidding, then sold the rest for $1. Lots of times they come with the rings, and with lids that were past their prime 30 years ago. I do think more people are realizing the value of preserving your own, so I don't think the deals are as common now...

I've got the pressure canner that Grandma used when my Mom was a girl. You can still buy one just like it, I've replaced the seal and pressure popoff for safety, but works great.

[rbeau30]

I've got the pressure canner that Grandma used when my Mom was a girl. You can still buy one just like it, I've replaced the seal and pressure popoff for safety, but works great.

Should still have it when your grandkids are old enough to start canning. Can't beat American made stuff.

I have been through 3 presto canners. One was lost in the divorce, along with everything else in the house. (The woman had lots of time to move everything out the house while I was in the desert) The second one I used on a turkey fryer and turned the burner up too high (don't do that). So I am the happy owner of my third canner.

[tactical_2012]

Quick question for you canners do you need to use citric acid. I picked up a ball blue book on canning and a lot of the recipes called for citric acid or lemon juice. I was wondering do you really need to use these especially in SHTF secenario and if you don't will the food last?

[bogie]

Quick question for you canners do you need to use citric acid. I picked up a ball blue book on canning and a lot of the recipes called for citric acid or lemon juice. I was wondering do you really need to use these especially in SHTF secenario and if you don't will the food last?

If you are canning low acid foods, you have pressure can. If foods are already acidic, like most fruits, adding the citric acid is done to prevent food discoloration and maintain flavor. I don't believe it's necessary.

You can use other acids instead including: ascorbic acid, acetic acid (vinegar). You can buy a huge package of ascorbic acid and keep on hand for SHTF. Rule of thumb is 3000 mg (~1 tsp) of ascorbic acid per gallon of water. You can use vitamin C tablets which are also ascorbic acid: crush 6 500 mg tablets per gallon of water.