An Introduction to Canning and Equipment
by James R. Coffey
Preserving the GardenHome canning is both art and science. Nothing is more satisfying than a full canning storeroom. The science, of course, is that is must be done right or it will not keep.
Canning tidbit: Canning, as we know it today, was invented by Nicholas Appert. This “Father of Canning” was awarded 12,000 Francs for developing his methods – which haven’t changed much through the years. Canning preserves food by sealing it airtight after a heating period which kills the germs and organisms that cause spoilage. If jars do not seal or the heating (processing) period is not long enough the food will spoil.
Why are we talking about canning in February? Because you’ll need to plan your garden around your future canning projects! You’ll also need to gather the necessary equipment. Some people like to can soups and meats in the winter – if so, here’s what you need to get started!
Canning Equipment
Jars: Use only name brand jars such as Ball, Kerr, Atlas, Bernardin or Golden Harvest. Years ago we used Miracle Whip jars, but they have been changed and the lid and band will no longer work.
Jar Lifter: This will help save many burned fingers!
Lids and Bands: The lid has a sealing compound – use only once! The bands can be removed once jars have cooled and reused for years. Rusty bands should be discarded.
Large stockpot or large pressure cooker [we’ll be discussing these next time!].
Food Processor [not mandatory, but a great time saver]
Food Mill, Sqeezo or Victorio strainer
Canning Funnel
Accurate clock or timer
Ladle & assorted pans & spoons
Start assembling your supplies! We will look at canning methods in our next column. Again – please send in your questions and recipes. I will try and find you an answer!
J.R. Coffey
Editor’s note: Many of the independent hardware stores carry canning equipment and supplies, including Denton Hardware, Easton Hardware, and JBK True Value Hardware in both Centreville and Chestertown. Bylar’s, on Route 8 west of Dover, also carries canning equipment and supplies. Please post if you know of other options on the Mid-Shore. Happy Canning!
All information and recipes in this column are true and correct to the best of our knowledge. The author and Mid Shore Life disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this material.
“Portraits and Figures” - New Art Show in Cambridge
DCA ANNOUNCES AUGUST GALLERY SHOW
The Dorchester Center for the Arts will present “Portraits and Figures” in their gallery in August. The works of Margaret Dyer, Hans Guerin, Katie Cassidy and Linda Roy Walls will be featured. The show is sponsored by Nichols Lawn and Landscape, L.L.C.
Margaret Dyer is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America. Her work has been featured in “Pure Color: The Best of Pastels 100 Ways to Paint People & Figures, Volumes 1 and 2; The Pastel Journal International Artist Magazine, American Artist and much more.
Hans Paul Guerin was born in Frankfort and is the sixth generation of artists in his family. His maternal grandparents founded the Schuler School of Fine Arts, and after obtaining his degree from Salisbury University, he graduated from the Schuler facility in 2005. He has conducted workshops and held gallery shows throughout the United States.
Katie Cassidy is a pastel artist from Easton who has taught adult classes, special workshops and children’s programs throughout the Eastern Shore for several years. She is well-known for her portraits and landscapes and has a strong following of students and clients. Cassidy, a graduate of the University of Maryland, has also studied classical drawing and painting with Italian Master Primo Conti in Florence Italy, and at the Academia Di Bella Arti, Perguia, Italy.
Linda Roy Walls is an Eastern Shore of Maryland photographer specializing in subjects on canvas featuring natural life and light. Linda focuses on weather, wildlife, and water and admits an added fascination for photographing local people, especially those who “live in the moment and look like it.”
The show will run August 5-28 and will be celebrated at an Artists’ Reception on Saturday, August 14. There will be music and light refreshments at this free event. For more information, call 410-228-7782.
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