Canning
What to do with Large, Ripe Cucumbers
Do you still have large, ripe cucumbers lurking in your garden? Don't throw them away, make pickles. We had a beautiful October here in the Mid-Columbia, but the time has come to clean out the garden. Sadly. I have been concentrating on the late tomato harvest, but...
10 Ways to Preserve Garden Tomatoes
Canning, freezing, and other creative ways to keep enjoying your garden tomatoes all year long. 1. If you have LOTS of tomatoes to handle, why not make your own fresher, healthier catsup? Find the step-by-step instructions on the Pick Your Own site. 2. On the other...
Canning Your Homemade Salsa Recipe
Is it safe to can your homemade salsa? Under some circumstances, yes. Under other circumstances, no. "I have a great homemade salsa recipe. Everyone in the family loves it. Since I grow my own onions, tomatoes, and peppers I like to put up jars of salsa every year. Do...
What Is Pickling Salt?
Do you have to use special salt when making pickles? Here's a canning question I am often asked; "What is pickling salt?" Basically, pickling salt is regular, everyday salt with NO additives. Most regular table salt, iodized or not, contains additives that keep the...
Non-Reactive Pots and Pickling
Can you use aluminum cookware when pickling? It's pickling season here in the Mid-Columbia. My favorite local farmer is now taking orders for pickling cukes. Actually, his advertisement originally said "tickling cukes." Obviously the newspaper's classified ad designer...
Which Vinegar to Use When Pickling
What is the best kind of vinegar to use when making pickles? Here is a question I am often asked; "What vinegar should I use to make pickles?" The answer? You can use any kind of vinegar, as long as it is at least 5% acid. Each vinegar adds it's own personality...
Is It Safe To Use A Steam Canner?
Thanks to a University of Wisconsin Madison study, we now know that steam canners are safe - under certain conditions. For years we have been told not to use steam canners. Even though they can be found on store shelves and in gardening catalogs, they had never...
Food Preservation in a Cretan Market
It's always interesting to see what others are preserving at home! Earlier this year we had what I am calling, "My Great Greek Adventure." We spent two weeks in Athens and Crete. If you've ever considered traveling to Greece - GO! The people are friendly and...
How to Can Your Own Baby Food
It's possible to can your own baby food, but just the fruit. Now that August is here, and we are smack dab in the middle of the busy canning season, you may be wondering, "can I can my own baby food?" The short answer is "yes" but there are caveats: The only SAFE home...
