Canning help?

**alarosalpn** · 05-30-2008, 04:58 PM

Could someone give me a general idea of what the 'start up' cost of canning/jarring is? I plan to go berry picking this year and I have a garden (hopefully we get veggies this year-last year it was a total loss!we didn't get anything!)
Anyway, I've always wanted to can things,make spag sauce,jellies,ect. But I have no idea what I need to do this,how to do this. Any help would be appreciated.
I'm trying to increase my list of 'make it myself'
Thank you

**MVS0122** · 05-30-2008, 06:21 PM

I can't help you with that, but I did just order a canning system myself and am really excited to "do it myself" too! So I'll be waiting to see what everyone else says...

**ShawnaRae** · 05-30-2008, 06:36 PM

Hi! For fruits and tomatoes you could purchase a water bath canner for $30 or less, brand new, + the cost of the jars. Depending on the recipe you use, you may need to purchase liquid pectin. I would say, you would be way under $50. For vegetables, soups, chilis, tuna, etc. you need a pressure canner, which can be well over $100. You can find used pressure canners and have your local extension office test it for you. They usually do that for 2 bucks.

If you have a big pot, you could use that as a water bath canner. You could also purchase some canning racks to go with.

If you do use a water bath canner for tomato sauce, follow a recipe from a canning book to start with. Only acidic foods can safely be canned with a water bath, and tomatoes are borderline. Lemon juice or vinegar is usually added to raise the acidity!

I would go for it! It will pay for itself in the long run! I hope this helps!

**Frugal Cook** · 05-30-2008, 06:40 PM

Your first expense of all else is to spend less than $10 for the Ball Blue Book of Preserving which is the recognized "bible" of preserving food and will tell you what you can and cannot do.

**alarosalpn** · 05-30-2008, 07:02 PM

Thank you! I will buy the book next week. I know definitely that I want to 'can' jelly and spag sauce. Maybe even some fresh green beans and peas.

**PrairieRose** · 05-30-2008, 09:21 PM

Watch garage sales and thrift stores for canning jars (not empty store bought pasta and mayo jars but actual canning jars).

**duckduckgoose007** · 05-31-2008, 11:47 AM

If you have freezer space, please try freezer jam. It is far superior to canned.
I also agree about buying the Ball book.
I've had some experience with canning, ask questions if you like, I will try to answer.
The only thing I have not used is a pressure canner.
Good Luck ans have fun....Liz