​A summer canning recipe to try

A summer canning recipe to try

At Wares of Knutsford, we enjoy canning and we know our customers do too! After all, what's not to love about this traditional and natural means of preserving your food, which doesn't require chemicals or additives, and which can be done at home with a few basic canning supplies?

If you've been growing your own fruits or vegetables this summer, or have access to a farmer's market, canning is also a great way of using fruit and veg that are in season and to prevent any wastage. With a little canning, you can enjoy nutritious, tasty treats in the middle of winter - and have the satisfaction of a well-stocked pantry beforehand!

The main benefits of canning

Everyone has their own reasons to try canning, but these are our favourites:

1. It's a natural and chemical-free process that vastly extends the lifespan of food for years. There's nothing nicer than bringing out a jar of delicious canned fruit or veg in the middle of winter!

2. Canning is a great way to use up a glut of fruits or vegetables; ideal if you're a 'grow your own' fan.

3. There are various ways of canning, so you can find the approach that suits you best.

4. It's low-cost and efficient. In fact, your only real outlay is your initial supplies.

5. It's a great way to enjoy time at home doing positive, creative and nurturing activities.

New to canning?

If you're new to canning it can seem a bit daunting, but it's well worth learning the basics of pressure canning and buying high-quality supplies that will stand the test of time. The method of canning works by removing oxygen and microorganisms from food through a process of sterilisation, which then allows the canned food contents to last for years and remain safe to eat. By adding sugar or salt to the food in the canning process, osmosis also draws water out of the food and prevents any spoilage. It's a deceptively simple process that harnesses the power of nature and science to preserve food for months - and in fact years - without any chemicals.

You can read more about the canning process and the different methods that are available on one of our earlier posts, here.

Using Mason Jars for canning

At Wares, we recommend using Mason ball Jars for canning, as they have been designed specifically for the canning process and are made from glass, which is an environmentally-friendly choice. Although most people automatically think of tin cans for the canning process, glass also works very well as it can withstand the temperatures needed to sterilise the food. These ball Mason glass jars also come with replaceable lids that can be used for years. Find a full range of Mason ball jars, plus other popular ranges of canning jars that we sell on our website!

Tomato canning recipe for beginners

This is a great summer canning recipe for anyone new to canning and it will very easily use up a glut of tomatoes! You'll need fully ripe tomatoes and around 1.5 lbs will fill a pint jar.

1. Check your jars for any cracks and put them into your water bath, canner or canning pot. Fill it with water to cover the jars. Bring the water to a simmer.

2. Prepare the tomatoes by washing them, removing stems and cutting an X in the bottom with a paring knife.

3. Blanche the tomatoes in boiling water and then remove the skins before dipping each tomato into ice-cold water. Then place them in a colander to remove excess liquid. Remove the cores too, once each tomato is cooled and cut bigger ones in half.

4. Cook the tomatoes for five minutes with a little liquid.

5. Remove your jars according to the process you followed and add a 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid to each pint jar, or a tablespoon of bottled lemon juice. Then fill the jars with the cooked tomatoes, but leave half an inch at the top. Pack down the tomatoes so that there are no air pockets. Add more cooking liquid as you need to fully immerse them.

6. Wipe the canning glass jars, seal them with new bands and lids and place them back into the canning bath or jar following the manufacturer's guidance.

Store your beautiful canned tomatoes in the pantry, away from sunlight. These will last all through the winter and add a fabulous flavour to those winter dishes and a memory of those hot summer days when your tomato plants were at their best!

Inspired to start canning? Stock up on your canning supplies at Wares today, with our low-prices, wide availability, affordable delivery and excellent customer service. Why not sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay up to date with the Wares community?