Canning 101: Basics, Tips and Tricks
At Grateful Acres Farmstead, we cherish God’s gifts by preserving our Ozarks harvest for the pantry. Whether it’s summer tomatoes or garden herbs, canning lets us savor the season all year. It can seem daunting, but it’s simpler than you think, and we’re here to help you start.
Our YouTube video, “Canning 101,” breaks down the basics—types of canning, tools, and handy tips—so you can dive in with confidence. Let’s get started!
Why Learn Canning?
Canning is a practical way to store homegrown or bulk-bought food, saving money and reducing waste. It’s perfect for building a pantry that’s ready for cozy soups, jams, or pickles any time. Here in southern Missouri, canning’s a tradition that keeps our kitchen stocked and our meals hearty. Plus, there’s something satisfying about rows of jars filled with your own preserves.
Watch Our Canning 101 Video
Our video gives you a clear overview of canning basics, from the two main methods (water bath and pressure canning) to the must-have tools and tricks. It’s short, no-nonsense, and packed with what you need to get started.
Key Canning Basics
Here’s a quick look at what the video covers:
Types of Canning:
Water Bath: Great for high-acid foods like jams, jellies, and pickles.
Pressure Canning: Essential for low-acid foods like veggies, meats, and broth.
Essential Tools: Jars, lids, bands, a canner (water bath or pressure), jar lifter, funnel, and bubble remover.
Tips & Tricks:
Sterilize jars to prevent spoilage.
Check seals after cooling to ensure safety.
Use tested recipes from reliable sources like USDA guidelines.
Label jars with contents and dates for easy tracking.
The video walks you through these points with clear examples, making it easy for beginners.
Pair with Our Herbal Teas
Canning days are busy, so treat yourself to a calming break with our Tas Tea Lemon blend from our shop. Our ingredients are grown right here at the farmstead and perfect for sipping while your jars process.
Canning’s a practical skill that connects you to your food and the seasons.
It’s rewarding to open a jar of your own preserves in the dead of winter, knowing you made it yourself. At Grateful Acres, we see it as a way to honor God’s provision, turning abundance into meals that feed body and soul.
Ready to try canning?
Watch our Canning 101 tutorial and get the basics down. Plus, visit our shop for teas and farmstead goodies, or check out our YouTube channel for more recipes and tips from our Ozarks life. We’re grateful to share this skill with you!