, 1954-01-19
Virgin Islands Agricultural Program News
Courtesy d DIR. p Bond
CANNING LOST ART3
courtesY 81 "a. B. 9. Bond

n LOST R +
NOW is the time to preserved supply Of fresh vegetables
and store them away for the approaching months when
fresh vegetables will not be found in our local markets.
This is the time since each farm has at least a small surplus
Of vegetables; and now fresh vegetables available at thelocal
markets are in larger quantities and cheaper than they will
be at any other time during the year.
It is hard to believe that home canning is 50 little prac-
ticed in these islands, especially when one realizes the fact
that a scarcity Of fresh vegetables exists here at least eight
months out Of each year. Moreover the person who must buy
at the local stores all that he eats must also spend a great
deal of money in order to eat properly the yearround.
In the United States and other parts Of the. world where
the growing season is limited because Of changing seasons or
because Of droughts SIMILAR to ours, people have learned that
canning and other methods of food preservation are a wise
and economical means Of providing a year-round food supply.
We, in the Virgin Islands, will probably find it equally wise
and economical to follow the same thought, and make plans
in our season of greatest surplus, to save for the season of
little
A number Of local housewives own pressure Gamers but do
not use them as such. They no longer bother to can or pre-
erve any part Of their food supply. There are others who are
afraid to use pressure Gamers and support the argument
that they are dangerous.
Pressure Gamers are not dangerous to use if they are kept
in good condition and used according to directions. In fact
the manufacturers of new model Gamers have removed the
danger element almost completely through the. addition of
various safety valves, in order to prevent accidents and pro-
teI tnose VINO DO not follow the correct directions Tor using
their Gamers.
There is nothing difficult in canning. Any housewife can
now learn the process after one easy lesson. Nor is it neces-
airy to have an expensive pressure Gamer. It is true that the
use of pressure Gamers save a great deal of time in pro
cessng and insures the keeping qualities of food. But in the
absence of a pressure Gamer. or if you are afraid to use one.
the awaterbath" method, in which the jar Of food are sub
merged IN a large clean utensil fitted with a tight cover, can
do the job nearly as we'll.
The housewife who does not have a supply of canning jars
and lids may find it expensive to obtain her first supply,
but since. canning jars can be reused the cost is reduced over
a period Of time. The only expense will then be the cost Of
replacing lids which, unlike the jar. can be used only once.
To replace the lids only is relatively inexpensive. Here is a
hint for reducing the cost Of canning jars: Many types of
commercial products are packed in treated glass jars on
which several brands Of the standard screw-lids can he used.
By obtaining a supply Of these jars the number Of standard
canning jars to be purchased can be reduced.
Directions and information on canning can be obtained by
addressing requests to: Extension Agent, Virgin Islands
AoricI1ltIraI# Research and Extension PROGRAM