4/5/10

12 Pressure Canning? Huh, Me?

Mention "Pressure Canning" and what comes immediately to your mind?

For me, it's a mini-atomic explosion emanating from my stovetop, creating a monster sized hole in my ceiling...

Last year, some neighbors of mine got together at a friend's house for an introduction to pressure canning.  I just had to see for myself what it was all about...

After a 30 minute demonstration, I was SOLD.  Did you know you can pressure can your own chicken?  I sure didn't.

I borrowed my friend's Presto Pressure Canner and canned 40 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken that was $1.19 a pound.  It was SO easy!  If you want to see a step-by-step tutorial, check HERE.

The chicken is cooked and ready to eat.  I have found many uses for it in chicken noodle soup, chicken enchiladas, chicken tacquitos, and chicken salad.  I gave my mom a jar and she proclaimed that it was just as good or even better than Costco's canned chicken.  *awwwwwww*

Do you want to try pressure canning?  Then do what I did and borrow a canner from a friend or neighbor.  Once you have tried pressure canning, you can then decide if you want to purchase your own canner.

Here are some reasons to think about WHY you should pressure can:

1.  Not everything can be canned the traditional water bath method.  Only high acid foods such as fruits can use the water bath method.  This includes juices, jellies, and spreads.

Peaches canned in water bath canner

2.  You will be able to can MANY different low-acid foods such as vegetables, meat, poultry, seafood and combination recipes:  soups, chili, spaghetti sauce with meat, and glazed carrots.

3.  If you are on a SPECIAL DIET (no salt, msg, or allergies) you will be able to control what goes in your food.  

4.  It can be COST EFFECTIVE to do your own canning.  The initial costs to begin canning may be higher to purchase the equipment.  However, you can find great deals online and through thrift ads for canners and jars.  The only equipment you would need to purchase from then on is your lids.  Food can be purchased in bulk and on sale, saving you even more money.

5.  VARIETY.  Think about the meat/protein that you have in your food storage.  We are not a bean loving family. All I had for a protein source was wheat (if sprouted), tuna fish and peanut butter.  We LOVE chicken and beef, but guess where that is?  In my freezer.  If the power were to go out for an extended period, we would eat like kings for a few days.  But what about after that?  

Since pressure canning chicken, this year I have done chili with ground beef, potatoes, and enchilada sauce.

Interested?

12 comments:

  1. That's really something to think about. My hubby got me an electric pressure *cooker* for Christmas, but I've been a little apprehensive about trying it. I've heard that pressure cooker risotto is wonderful. I'm going to work up my courage and try it. If that's a success, I'll definitely look into getting the canner.

    Thanks so much for your blog. I enjoy your recipes and writing so much!

    Diane

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  2. What timing! I was just price-checking pressure cookers this weekend . . . trying to decide between that or just getting a large stockpot for water bath canning . . . . Don't seem to know anyone who has a pressure cooker I can borrow, so I guess at some point, I'm just going to have to make a decision!

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  3. ok, seriously? Why have I never thought of canning my own chicken? After this baby comes I so have to do that!

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  4. Watch out canning gets in your blood! I loved the chicken that I canned a couple years ago. It is perfect to do Chicken Squares with as well. I love canning because I know exactly what is in my food...plus it looks so great on the shelves. $1.19 is a great price!

    (whatilove,whatido.blogspot.com)

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  5. Oh, Frieda! I have wanted to can chicken for the longest time. Thanks so much for the link to the tutorial and all your tips.

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  6. I'm so jealous you have access to this gorgeous pressure canner. There are no pressure canners in Germany, only pressure cookers. :-(((

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  7. Pipedi, I hope you gather the courage to try your electric pressure cooker...I love my stovetop one. Food is cooked so much more quickly and stay very moist. Try cooking potatoes or veggies for your first try and see how it goes!

    Abby, I hope you are talking about a pressure canner, not a cooker...The difference between water bath canning vs. pressure canning is the types of foods you want to can. What foods do you love?

    ap269, I'm SO sorry that pressure canners are not available in Germany...I had no idea! Join along for the blog ride and if you decide to pressure can, order one from Amazon.com ~

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  8. I canned chicken last year and I used that stuff right up and frankly I am a little in shock that you are not already a seasoned pressure canner, Shock I tell you. It's good to know that even the best are still on the learning curve/

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  9. I actually checked amazon.com a while ago, but they won't ship this kind of device to Germany...

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  10. Gee, I learn something new every day! I'm a little peeved that Amazon doesn't ship overseas....bummer!

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  11. Oops, yep, I meant pressure canner!!

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  12. Abby, *whew* If you love fruits and jellies, go for a water bath canner. You can get the whole kit and kaboodle for about $50. If you want to can veggies, soups and meats, go for a pressure canner and get the largest one your budget will allow (I'm using a 22 quart model). The best of the best is All-American, but I'm happy with the Presto.

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