One late summer activity that it seems every woman in our farming community does or has done before is can fruits and vegetables. Yes, canning, an old prairie practice that was needed for survival through the harsh winter months so families wouldn’t starve to death is still an every day summer happening in these parts. It is not just the older generation of women that can. It is all prairie dwelling women and they are no longer doing it for survival but instead because it the tradition of what you do each summer. These women can peaches and pears, make homemade applesauce and can it. They pick and can green beans along with salsa and tomato sauce from the tomatoes in their garden. Then there is pickling of just about any and all green vegetables. Our lovely daycare provider, Lori, inspired me with her canning last year as I watched the jars on her counter each morning increase in number. I promised myself this summer I would learn to can. Then last fall our (cleaning) princess Dianna brought me some of her prized canned items including the most delicious cinnamon applesauce and I was further inspired. Plus my kids have loved every canned gift we have received and my husband has fond memories of his mom canning.
Oh and if you want to learn to can like me…I will of course blog about it and then next summer you can come visit me on the prairie and we can together.
Let the canning begin! Call me and we can learn the tips and tricks together. I too want the thrill a home-canned jar of pickles, fruit, etc. brings!
I have been wanting to try canning for a couple of years now, but have yet to try it! I’ll probably begin with blackberry or strawberry jam and maybe some tomato sauce:)
Katie – besure you look into using your dish washer for canning tomatoes. I hear it is awesome and so quick! Marilyn L
I’ve hopped on the canning bus. I canned 35 jars of apple sauce last year.