Canning Basics

It’s strawberry season—and if you’ve ever brought home a flat of fresh strawberries, you know how quickly you need to figure out what to do with them! I used to just grab a carton or two at the grocery store, but once I started buying strawberries in bulk from local farms, I needed a quick…

Cooling your jars and knowing how to test canning jar seals are two of the most important steps in the canning process. A properly sealed jar is what keeps your food safe for long-term storage—so it’s important to check your seals before putting jars away. If you’re new to canning, be sure to read my…

When you’re canning jams, fruits, or other foods, one small detail can make a big difference: headspace. Leaving the correct amount of headspace helps your jars seal properly and prevents problems during processing. If you’re new to canning, be sure to read my water bath canning for beginners guide and see the canning supplies you…

When it comes to home canning, properly sterilizing your jars is an important step to help ensure safe, long-lasting results. Sterilizing jars helps eliminate bacteria and microorganisms that can lead to spoilage. The process is simple and only takes a few extra minutes, but it can make a big difference in your final results. If…

If you’re new to canning, you may have noticed that some recipes say to use a raw pack method, while others call for hot pack. Knowing the difference can help you get better results and avoid common mistakes. Both methods are safe when used correctly, but they affect the texture, flavor, and quality of your…