Before I start, I want to emphasize: to
can meat and other low acid foods, you HAVE to use a pressure
“canner”.
TOP 5 Reasons People Don't Can #1:
“FEAR”
I once heard that fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Turn that FEAR into healthy respect. Learn how to use a pressure canner properly. Follow the rules of safety and sanitization. This one bears repeating; follow the rules of safety and sanitization. Never compromise. Find sources that you trust. Create more positive information about canning in your brain. Learn how many people are doing it successfully. And when in doubt ask questions.
Thankfully I didn't struggle with this one, since I trusted my resources.
I once heard that fear is “False Evidence Appearing Real”. Turn that FEAR into healthy respect. Learn how to use a pressure canner properly. Follow the rules of safety and sanitization. This one bears repeating; follow the rules of safety and sanitization. Never compromise. Find sources that you trust. Create more positive information about canning in your brain. Learn how many people are doing it successfully. And when in doubt ask questions.
Thankfully I didn't struggle with this one, since I trusted my resources.
TOP 5 Reasons People Don't Can #2:
"KNOWLEDGE/HOW TO"
There are many resources for this. There are some posts listed below. Also there is Preparedness Pro blog, Canning Granny blog, the Ball Blue Book, the book that comes with your canner.
There are many resources for this. There are some posts listed below. Also there is Preparedness Pro blog, Canning Granny blog, the Ball Blue Book, the book that comes with your canner.
TOP 5 Reasons People Don't Can #3:
“LEARNING STYLE”.
Knowing your dominate learn is critical for some people. At lot of people are “visual” (need to watch it done) or “auditory” (listen to explanations) learners. For me this was the most critical element. While some are able to simply read something to learn it, I am a “kinesthetic” learner. I need to actually “do it” hands on, while someone guides me along. I learn best with this method. I knew I had a girlfriend that canned. I made a “date” and had her walk me through all the steps. Then I read my book that came with my canner.
So, figure out “how you learn” & start studying. Ask for help.
Knowing your dominate learn is critical for some people. At lot of people are “visual” (need to watch it done) or “auditory” (listen to explanations) learners. For me this was the most critical element. While some are able to simply read something to learn it, I am a “kinesthetic” learner. I need to actually “do it” hands on, while someone guides me along. I learn best with this method. I knew I had a girlfriend that canned. I made a “date” and had her walk me through all the steps. Then I read my book that came with my canner.
So, figure out “how you learn” & start studying. Ask for help.
TOP 5 Reasons People Don't Can #4:
"EQUIPMENT"
Just make a plan to get the equipment. Even if you have very little monetary resources, just start saving a little bit at a time.
While I am planning (dreaming) and saving for an All-American pressure canner, I went ahead a got a Presto pressure canner to get me started. Gather other equipment as needed.
You need a reliable pressure canner, a utensil kit & I would add you need clean dish towels. Oh, yes and canning jars....
Just make a plan to get the equipment. Even if you have very little monetary resources, just start saving a little bit at a time.
While I am planning (dreaming) and saving for an All-American pressure canner, I went ahead a got a Presto pressure canner to get me started. Gather other equipment as needed.
You need a reliable pressure canner, a utensil kit & I would add you need clean dish towels. Oh, yes and canning jars....
TOP 5 Reasons People Don't Can #5:
”Time Consuming"
Only you are able to make the decision if you want to invest your time into canning.
If time is your issue, find other things to do (in the kitchen) when canning.
I have asked for a rocking chair for my kitchen, so that I am able to sit and relax (probably going to be reading). But, you could also check fb, e-mail. Do the dishes. Clean out a drawer. Organize the kitchen. Drag a little t.v in there and watch t.v. Or not...
Only you are able to make the decision if you want to invest your time into canning.
If time is your issue, find other things to do (in the kitchen) when canning.
I have asked for a rocking chair for my kitchen, so that I am able to sit and relax (probably going to be reading). But, you could also check fb, e-mail. Do the dishes. Clean out a drawer. Organize the kitchen. Drag a little t.v in there and watch t.v. Or not...
There you have it the top 5 reasons.
Hopefully this will help you. now, feel free to go back to facebook and tell me what your fear is, if you have one. Are you ready to take that leap?
my canner was a hand-me-down, so no manual to go with it - any advise for getting one? are they all the same? i have a friend willing to teach me to can tomatoes- but we don't eat tomatoes LOL i will keep asking around and hope to try meat and carrots this year! thanks for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteI am like Dorothy, check online for a manual. Alot of manufacturer's are putting the manuals online now.
DeleteOften you can find the manual on-line.
ReplyDeleteCheck in the photo albums on the fcebook page, there are some general intructions.
One of the first things I tell newbies that want to learn to can, start simple. If you don't have a Pressure canner or a waterbath. Start with a waterbath, cheapest route at first. Then find something you like that you can waterbath, then do it. Then if you enjoy it DEFINITELY buy a "PRESSURE CANNER". I stress pressure canner because when I first started I was told I could use a pressure cooker to can with. Ball and USDA highly advise that you should not. So, I make sure the newbie knows that it has to be a PRESSURE CANNER! But, if you want to can, definitely be getting a pressure canner.... it's a must!
ReplyDeleteI think you missed the biggest reason - a lack of things to can. My [small] garden's veggies rarely make it past the day they are picked. Even last year when we had an "over abundance" of tomatoes, they cooked down to a single jar of sauce.
ReplyDelete