Maybe there s more than enough produce to go around between family and friends, or perhaps it would just be nice to find a way to enjoy the summer s bounty throughout the fall and winter months. Putting by used to be a skill that every woman learned, but today most of us have limited experience. Here are some easy ideas for preserving the harvest. Canning is the traditional method to preserving homegrown produce. It can be intimidating, however.
Some techniques require special equipment, and safety is an important consideration.
If you do decide to try canning, there are some excellent references available in libraries, handbooks from the Ball Company or your county extension service, or on the Internet. Be sure and follow directions carefully. Relishes, salsa, pickles, jams and jellies are another option for preserving foods. The procedures for long term storage are similar to canning, but these foods can often be kept in the refrigerator for a couple of months without complicated preservation techniques. Almost any food can be frozen.