Common Canning Problems
Common Canning Problems & Remedies Problem Cause Prevention Canned Foods Loss of liquid from glass jars during processing This is not a sign of spoilage; do not open to replace liquid. However,...
Category: Preservation
Pickle Basics
Pickled products truly add spice to meals and snacks. The skillful blending of spices, sugar and vinegar with fruits and vegetables creates a crisp, firm texture and a pungent, sweet-sour flavor....
Relishes
Pickled Corn Relish Ingredients: 10 cups fresh whole kernel corn (16 to 20 medium-size ears), or six 10-ounce packages of frozen corn 2½ cups diced sweet red peppers 2½ cups diced sweet green...
Canning Foods—the pH Factor
What Does pH Have to Do With Canning Foods? The acidity, or pH, of foods determines how they must be processed for canning. Acid foods such as fruits and pickles with a pH of 4.6 or lower may be...
Freezing Fruits & Vegetables
Freezing is a quick and convenient way to preserve fruits and vegetables at home. It is the method of food preservation that preserves the greatest quantity of nutrients. To maintain top nutritional...
Food Safety for Outdoor Cookouts
Grilling vs. Smoking Grilling: Grilling is cooking food over direct heat. Its intensity is similar to broiling, so tender meats and poultry are best for grilling. A grill is a utensil made of...
Pie Fillings
The recipes for fruit pie fillings all use a modified food starch called Clear Jel®. This starch produces the correct thickening, even after the fillings are canned and baked. Other starches, such...
Strawberry Basics
Selecting Strawberries Choose bright red, fresh and clean strawberries with a sweet scent. Choose berries with green caps still attached. Choose containers that are clean and in good condition. Make...
Preserving Pumpkin & Winter Squash
Cooking The easiest way to prepare the pulp of pumpkin or hard winter squash is to bake it in the oven. Wash the pumpkin or squash and cut in half crosswise. Remove its seeds and strings. Place the...
Basics of Jelly Making
Jellied Products Jellies are usually made by cooking fruit juice with sugar. Jelly should be clear or translucent and firm enough to hold its shape when turned out of the container. Jams are thick,...
Drying Herbs, Seeds & Nuts
Drying Herbs Drying is the easiest method of preserving herbs. Simply expose the leaves, flowers or seeds to warm, dry air. Leave the herbs in a well-ventilated area until the moisture evaporates....
Freezing Fruits, Step By Step
Harvested, fresh fruits continue to undergo chemical changes that can cause spoilage and deterioration of the product. This is why these products should be frozen as soon after harvest as possible...