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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Pretty Preserves

I haven't been canning long, really only one season. (Last year I didn't get much canning done, but the year before that I canned a fair amount.) Even so, I find it is very rewarding. There is a sense of accomplishment when you pull those jars out of the canner - seeing the produce that you grew and knowing that it will be available to enjoy throughout the year.

Because of this, I like to SEE what is in those jars! Here are two different jars of canned tomatoes. They are both in identical Ball jars with the name facing out. The one on the left, however, has quite a bit of lime deposited on the outside of the jar. The jar on the right is shiny and clear.

The difference? About a tablespoon of vinegar in the canning water to help keep mineral deposits from forming on the outside of the jar during the canning process.

I am anxious to plant my garden this year, but I am also excited to do some canning!

3 comments:

Nicole said...

Oh I'm jealous! I use the vinegar trick, but often I still have to wipe off the jars with a wet dishcloth anyway, for them to get that sparkly clean.

Must be you have better water than us?

I'm sure looking forward to the gardening and preserving season - there are so many things I want to put up!

Jamie said...

I've never heard that trick! I've been canning for a few years now, and I love to see my jars all lined up in my hoosier. Nothing else gives me that same sense of accomplishment!

Lone Walker said...

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar in the water does the trick...jars never need to be wiped down. Been canning for over 40 years... Love your blog, you are a wonderful mentor to other young women...as the Word says...teach the young women!!!!!!

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