It's winter time, and the last thing on most people's mind is the garden and putting up food! However, this is a great time to start preparing for the canning season! The "early bird gets the worm!"
Here are a few simple suggestions to get you thinking and STARTED with canning!
1. STOP throwing out or recycling those mayonnaise jars and pickle jars--they are GREAT for canning, especially for fruits and juices!
2. SHOP at your local thriftstore and look for jars, canners, or other canning accessories. Do not wait until the canning season. If you do....they won't be there!
3. If you do find some jars at the 2nd-hand store, carefully examine the jars for cracks and chips. Run your finger over the mouth of the jar to ensure it is smooth and free from imperfections.
4. DO go to estate and garage sales and inquire about canning supplies--often you will hit the "mother-lode" and save BIG TIME on jars, etc.
5. Put out the word at your workplace, church, neighborhood, that you are wanting canning jars, etc. You will be surprised at the response! People have basements, garages, and attics filled with empty jars waiting to be filled by YOU! (and often they are FREE!!!!!)
6. Each time you go to the store, pick up 1-2 packages of canning lids. Lids can be expensive; the cheapest source I have found is at Wal-mart. To accumulate a good supply over a period of time helps in the overall cost. When the canning season is upon you, you can spend your money on the produce instead, and have the peace of mind that you have plenty of lids on hand.
7. Be Ready to look for canning equipment sales towards the beginning of summer! Also, be aware that many stores start closing out canning supplies in late August/early September...a great time to stock up for the following year!
It may not seem the time to be thinking about canning, but there's no better time than now to prepare! So, good luck and HAVE FUN!!! You're way ahead of the game!
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