February is canned food month! Travel back in time to learn about how the canning process started. Then start canning with a plan as we prepare our gardens this spring. Lastly, choose to celebrate Canned Food Month by considering the endless opportunities.  

Canning Quick History

Canning was invented in 1809 by Nicolas Appert. Robert Ayars opened America’s first cannery in 1812. John L. Mason patented Mason jars in 1858. In 1884, the Ball Corporation started to manufacture glass jars. Almost 100 years later, the USDA published the Complete Guide to Home Canning in 1988.

Canning with a Plan 

It is important to have a plan in place, so you do not overwhelm yourself during the process. Canning with a plan ensures you have the correct number of supplies and enough space to successfully can. An important item to have during the canning process is a timer or two. For example, while cooking strawberry jam a timer is needed for the boiling time of the jam and again for the time the jars need to boil.  

Canning Tips

• Start with a goal of what you plan on canning during a specified time frame. It is important to make the goal realistic and be flexible. You may get started and realize what you planned to do was more than you bargained for.
• Designate areas where you will wash the item(s), slice/prepare the item(s), and lastly where the item(s) will be set for cooling. Having a specified space will help to reduce food contamination during the canning process.
• Ensure you have all items for the process before getting started. Take a moment to inspect them for any damage or if they need to be cleaned. Put these items in a designated area for easy access. 

Gardening with Canning in Mind 

As you add to your garden or start your garden for the season, consider what you plan to do with the extras. Are the extras going to friends or family, are they being wasted, or are you planning to preserve them? By establishing a plan early on it can reduce waste and ensure you prepare for the preservation process. January is a good time for carrots whereas March is a good time for beans. Both vegetables can be preserved through canning methods. If you are not into canning the items, consider other ways to preserve those items.  

Canning a Celebration 

Choose a way to celebrate Canned Food Month:

• Attend a canning workshop if one is available in your area 
• Read the USDA Guide to Home Canning
• Donate canned food to a local food pantry 
• Teach your child(ren) how to safely open a can with a can opener 
• Prepare your lunch in a glass jar

  

• Clean your pantry by disposing of expired canned items 
• Cook a recipe using canned food items 
• Food Check-Out Week by Florida Farm Bureau 
• Read about USDA – National Insitute of Food and Agriculture
• Share this article with a friend 
• Create a plan to can your gardening extras 
• Sort through your cabinets to see if you have a Mason Jar or Ball Jar 
• Purchase a canned food item from a cottage food maker 
• Think of your own way to celebrate! 

Featured Image: UF/IFAS Photo by Tom Wright. UF/IFAS File Photo

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