Hi, my name is Kelly and I’m a canning addict. I get an adrenaline rush when I hear lids pinging. My pupils dilate when I find a stash of canning jars at a yard sale. My pulse races when I find a bargain on produce. I am no longer in control of my addiction; it now controls me.
My addiction started innocently enough. When I was young, I would help my mom, aunts, and grandmother can the bounty from their gardens. I remember looking at the jars and all their lovely, delicious contents. I knew the delight of opening a jar in the middle of winter and tasting summer’s goodness all over again. Who knew that this time-honored tradition would lead to the path I’ve chosen?
I can. I can anything I can get my hands on. I’ve gone from canning jellies, jams, pickles, and applesauce to making the leap into pressure canning.
Now soups, stews, meats and vegetables line the shelves of my basement. I’m constantly looking for a new recipe to feed my fix. Am I sorry I chose this path? Not at all. My family is fed delicious, nutritious foods that don’t contain mystery ingredients. I preserve summer’s bounty at its peak of freshness, knowing that my family will eat well all year. My friends enjoy the homemade gifts I share with them. Will I stop? Not as long as I’m able to twist a ring on a jar and lift the lid off the canner.
I know there are others just like me. Step forward and admit that you too have this love affair with canning and preserving. Help others learn that canning and preserving are alive and well. Our numbers are growing. Take the leap and join us. We’ve got canning to do.
You can also find kellyb at Yahoo’s Canning2. Interested in contributing to the Farm Bell blog? Read information here for Farm Bell blog submissions.
Leah says:
Enjoyed your post. Those jars of food are lovely!
On June 3, 2010 at 7:16 am
CindyP says:
Hi, my name is Cindy…I’m a canning addict! I’ve had my “problem” for 1 year now and I only see it getting worse! 😉
Great post, Kelly! More people DO need to get involved with canning, it is so empowering! I got an Excal dehydrator a few months back and I see so many things that need to be dried now!
On June 3, 2010 at 7:30 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
I’d love to know what is in the lovely clear amber-colored jar in the top photo! It’s gorgeous.
On June 3, 2010 at 9:26 am
Debbie in PA says:
I think that there’s nothing more lovely than assorted filled canning jars lining a shelf.I used to can like crazy, but have goten out of that mode in recent years. This year I am hoping for a bounty of tomatoes to can from my garden.
On June 3, 2010 at 7:38 am
Dede ~ wvhomecanner says:
I admit, I admit! LOL. Great post Kelly!
On June 3, 2010 at 8:40 am
Canned Quilter says:
Hi My name is Mickey and I am a canning addict! And a Quilting addict too! lol Been a canning addict for about 30 years and don’t see much chance of reform. Something about teaching an old dog new tricks. Little chance of intervention because the people around me enjoy the fruits of my addiction too much : )
On June 3, 2010 at 9:27 am
Deanna says:
My name is Deanna and I’m a canning addict too! My favorite place on the ‘net is the Harvest Forum on gardenweb.
Beautiful jars of delicious food are far more exciting to me than an expensive vacation, so I take time off work (i.e. vacation) to can!!
Deanna
On June 3, 2010 at 9:33 am
Gini says:
I am a new lover to the muse that is Canning! I just made a gorgeous apricot riesling jam this weekend. 🙂
On June 3, 2010 at 10:46 am
Jeannie Brazell says:
Yes, I’m one too, well said Kelly!
On June 3, 2010 at 12:10 pm
kellyb says:
Suzanne,
That beautiful, amber colored liquid in the top picture is “tomato water”; the liquid that results from steam juicing tomatoes. It is amazing stuff. Incredibly beautiful to look at but loaded with flavor. I use it as the base for soups all the time. Others drink it with/without a shot of vodka!!
On June 3, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Julie B says:
What a delicious addiction! I’m a canner wanna be. I’d like to see your pantry!!
On June 4, 2010 at 12:55 am
kellyb says:
Julie B,
I have seven 4′ x 18″ metal shelving units and three wooden shelving units that DH made. They are FILLED!! I’d love to show you a picture but I’m a bit “upload” impaired. If I can ever figure it out, I’ll share.
On June 4, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Moopsee says:
Very lovely post, Kellyb! I, too, am a canning addict and am very proud of it!! Great article!
On June 4, 2010 at 9:37 pm
mommy2jj says:
I am right there with you. I hate to even remove my canner from the stovetop because there just might be something to can.
On June 6, 2010 at 8:35 am
DonnaTN says:
A fun post and a great way to get us novice canners fired up!
On June 6, 2010 at 3:06 pm
Teresa says:
Amen, Sister!
Yes We CAN!!!
🙂
On September 12, 2010 at 7:58 am
Joy says:
I used to can but it was always a “big deal” involving bushels of apples or strawberries. My mother loved freezing things so that was my go-to preserving method. Now that I’m approaching retirement I’m hoping to revive my interest in canning. I was always VERY concerned about sterilizing everything and filled the house with steam so I reserved canning for big batches. Is it worthwile to just do small batches of things? You addicts can advise me?
On October 18, 2011 at 10:32 am
Jeanne says:
@ Joy, you should check out “The Complete Book of Small-batch Preserving” by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard. I have a copy that I refer to frequently. All the recipes are cut down to 3 or 4 jars, which is easily done in a deep stock pot with a frame of extra canning jar rings on the bottom (that’s how I do it). A used copy on Amazon is only $5.13, and the recipes are yummy!
On October 18, 2011 at 11:16 am