Canning Kit - Beginner

[Muddy Dog]

Can someone suggest the minimum items needed for a beginner?

We want to start with something really simple like maybe apples or similar.

There are several "kits" for sale with multiple accessories, but not sure if most are needed.

We want to start off simple, but dont want to regret not including something that experienced people might know about.

Thanks

 

[jazzy]

when i started out this is what i got

a good book on how to can and its basics ***
a steel Pressure canner with gasket - i later upgraded to a steel on steel
jar lifter
magnet lid wand thing
kitchen timer
funnel for wide or reg jars
good jar opener -wrench thing
extra lids of both sizes and even got some of the re-usable tattler lids


i started canning simple like meals-in-a-jar type things such as my favorite stew, spaghetti sauce then later tried fruits, meats, veggies

ive done hot water bath but i just prefer pressure canning
its a real good skill to learn

later on i just started dehydrating most chop veg and fruits and canning meats, stews, sauces.

 

[Muddy Dog]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

 

[Neb]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

Temps above 212 degree F

Ben

 

[Tirediron]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

the pressure canner is capable of higher temperatures , due to pressure raising the boiling point of water, because at altitude the boiling point drops, and the chances of not getting hot enough to prevent spoilage

 

[Bacpacker]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

The BALL canning book is what my wife goes by like the Bible of canning

 

[Muddy Dog]

The BALL canning book is what my wife goes by like the Bible of canning

Any particular one?

I looked and there appears to be several different ones from Ball

 

[Bacpacker]

I'll have to look. Its a thin book and is generally sold where the canning supplies are kept

 

[Caribou]

Any particular one?

I looked and there appears to be several different ones from Ball

The Ball Blue Book is the basic canning book to start with. The more books the better, you don’t have just one cookbook. You’ll need a big deep pot for canning high acid food and a pressure canner for everything else. Look for someone to run you through the process the first time. A friend, the local community college, or perhaps someone at church would be places to acquire a teacher. You can learn it from a book but one on one is better the first time, you’ll still need the book.

 

[LadyLocust]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

A pressure canner is for low acid foods: meat, veggies etc.
Large pot can be used for water bath canning high acid food (& sugars): your apples, tomatoes, jellies, jams, fruit etc.

 

[Amish Heart]

The electric pressure canners are very easy to use

 

[jazzy]

a pressure canner is the smart thing to have--you can alwasy water bath with any deep pot--but to get to the right temp for certainb products you need pressure canner. if you get one with a rubber seal-gasket then make sure to get a back up gasket replacement. and alwasy check the timing and pressure needed for your altitude- that is important. the ball blue book is a great one to have for all things basic about canning.
i think home canning is critical for long term

 

[Bacpacker]

The Ball Blue book Caribou mentioned is the one I was thinking of

 

[Muddy Dog]

Thanks for all the help.

We look forward to experiencing something my grandma did many years ago.

Im sure the variety of tools and different methods have come a long way since then.

 

[jazzy]

it gets addicting. soon you will be canning anything you can get yer hands on

 

[snappy1]

Maybe this book, idk??
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Gui...1mSIPImGa5aPOQSa7u9nfPs&qid=1730058003&sr=8-3

Other than obviously putting the jars under pressure, what can a pressure cooker do that cant be accomplished with an open pan?

Please get a pressure canner, not cooker. I have a 16 qt Presto and a 23 qt Presto canner. I can stack pints in the 23 qt one so I use it often. Also, a newer way to waterbath without all the water and time waiting for a boil is to steam can. Uses your pressure canner which takes less water-mine takes 3 quarts- and therefore time. I have a Facebook group that I belong to called SNUG. There is an admin that does videos and has a great one on steam canning.
Best wishes!

 

[Tommyice]

The electric pressure canners are very easy to use

I love mine. I have the Presto one and it is so easy to use. You can only do small batches (7-8 pints or 5 quarts) but that's enough for me. It can be used as a water bath canner also. The only downside is it is electric.

 

[Amish Heart]

That's what I have. Easier to dig out than the big American one I have, so I use it more often.

 

[DWinCO]

I have been canning almost 50 yrs. It is my favorite summer activity. I would recommend getting the Ball Blue Book to start. I've even seen it in Walmart. I have my original one but I did recently get a new one...it is good and so are the recipes in it.

 

[Muddy Dog]

So, I found many different versions of "Ball Blue Book" and Im thinking this one is the newest one, and might do the trick??


https://www.ballmasonjars.com/produ...ng-38th-edition,-recipe-book/SAP_2194619.html

 

[Tim Horton]

Welcome to the wonderful world of canning and preserving.. It truly can be a delicious all consuming hobby..

Much good advice in these posts.. The best I can think to add is start with simple projects and build experience with many, many small successes as you learn and explore..

A knowledgeable, trusted, ...by the book... mentor is a wonderful advantage to have with this learning journey.. Best wishes..

 

[Muddy Dog]

Welcome to the wonderful world of canning and preserving.. It truly can be a delicious all consuming hobby..

Much good advice in these posts.. The best I can think to add is start with simple projects and build experience with many, many small successes as you learn and explore..

A knowledgeable, trusted, ...by the book... mentor is a wonderful advantage to have with this learning journey.. Best wishes..

I just ordered the newest edition today.

My wife texted a young lady who kills and processes meat rabbits.

With my wife present, we want to visit her and learn her process, including canning.

 

[Tim Horton]

I just ordered the newest edition today.

My wife texted a young lady who kills and processes meat rabbits.

With my wife present, we want to visit her and learn her process, including canning.

Been there, done that with the meat rabbits... Worked well..
If you smoke, debone, and can all the meat from the carcass it it very versatile in many dishes.. One of my favorites was to make a ...Tiger Meat... sausage.

Hamburger, bear, moose what ever I had on hand with turkey and smoked rabbit about equal parts..
Grind the meat, season lightly with summer sausage seasoning.
Form into meat logs in boat shaped tinfoil..
Smoke until well done beef temp..

Enjoy with crackers, cheese, tea, or Tim Hortons coffee..