So, you are ready to start preparing for the "Cyber Canning Event"?

Starting the the last thing first, since the rest has already been discussed.
Last but not least, you need to have at least 8 lbs. of meat to can. I am going to recommend that you buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts for you first canning project. It is just simpler and less work to prepare them for canning.

"Pressure canning is way easier than making an origami elephant" ~Perky~

Let's get our equipment purchased & prepared for the “Cyber Canning Event”.

First you need to purchase (or have on hand) the following items listed below. We want to go ahead and purchase these as soon as possible. That way if you order something online it will arrive in time for the event; or if you have trouble finding something like the canning jars, you have time to search. There are links through out this article of where to purchase.

1. Pressure CANNER <<< (link to buy a pressure canner. Not a pressure cooker or water bath canner) This is currently the best buy, IF it will fit on your stove.

IMPORTANT TIP: When you are getting ready to purchase your canner, measure your stove CAREFULLY. You want to insure that the entire canner will fit on your stove & not hit any appliance that may be OVER the top of your stove. I would purchase the largest size, that will fit on your stove.
If you need a smaller (16 qrt. canner), you'd honestly get a better price at Walmart.

2. Canning tools <<< (link)

3. A least one case of canning jars. I recommend that you purchase wide mouth, pints sized canning jars.
I recommend that you first try to find the canning jars at a local grocery store. You can also order online and pick up from your local Ace hardware. Then last, but not, least you can order them from Amazon. This link is for regular mouth jars.

4. You will also need to have various items like dish towels, paper towels, vinegar, a timer (one on the stove or microwave will do).

Disclaimer: The links to Amazon, are to my personal Amazon Store. I do receive a small commission, if you purchase through my store. BUT there is no additional cost to you. I only recommend items that I use, have purchased & usually include free shipping (for the standard purchase). I do not receive any commission from other stores. 

Perky Prepping Gramma's Store

Here are some additional articles to read over for preparation for the event.

Canning Fears

Attitude, altitude, aptitude... (this links to another person blog)

Tools & getting started and organized

Safety: Avoiding Cross Contamination

Canning Chicken  

A. General Instructions for Canning Meat

  

Safety; Avoiding cross contamination...

I am an absolute stickler about cleanliness, sterilization and cross contamination. It may seem to be common knowledge, but it is always good to be reminded of safety procedures.
First: Always cleaners on hand. Clean your preparation surfaces & your sink. I also do my stove.

Insure your sink is super clean & wash your hands often.

Sterilize ALL your equipment you use. I always have two sets of various items prepped (sterilized), just in case. Yesterday, I was pressure canning some ground sausage and my funnel became contaminated by making contact with raw pork. So, I tossed it in my contaminated pile in the sink and used my second funnel, which was already sterilized.

When I am canning, my sink it set up something like this:

I have a spot to place utensils that are being used and are in contact with raw meat.

I have container that holds items that have only been in contact with cooked meat.

Then I have a bag, to place items that have been cross contaminated. 

Probably the most important things to remember is ALWAYS avoid cross contamination between raw meat and cooked meat. Hope this reminder is helpful. 

TOP 5 Reasons People Don't Can

I started canning in October of 2012, so I consider myself a “newbie” still. The first thing I canned was meat. That's right, I jumped right in with both feet. Then I started hearing people expressing fears about canning...

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.

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.

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.

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....

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...

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?

Tools & getting started and organized

Safety: Avoiding Cross Contamination

Canning Chicken  

A. General Instructions for Canning Meat