What Can Be Water Bath Canned?
Foods that are high-acidic in nature can be preserved through a water bath canner. For example, fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and tomatoes can be water-bath canned. Low-acid foods such as meat, are unsuitable for a water bath canner. They can be preserved in a pressure canner.
Using a water bath canner at home is probably the easiest method to can food effectively. And, it is a beginner-friendly method, so if you are new to canning, start with high-acid foods, especially fruits, and can them at home in a water bath canner.
15 Foods That You Can Preserve In A Water Bath Canner
You might think as a beginner it is difficult to figure out which foods can be canned in a water bath canner, and on the contrary which foods can be canned in a pressure canner. Do not worry, I have a list of 15 food items that can be canned in a water bath canner to ease the process.
Check out the list of following food items:
- Whole, sliced, or juiced peaches
- Slices, half, or jams of pears
- Handmade apple sauce
- Pickles with apple butter and other pickled goods
- Radishes
- Zucchini
- Legumes
- All varieties of berries
- Sauce made with tomatoes
- Pie Fillings
- Fruit Preservation
- Jellies and jams
- Pickles
- Salsa
What Is The Method Of Water Bath Canning?
Canning food using the method of water bath canning is quite easy. All you need to begin with is a water bath canner to continue with the process at home.
Check out the following steps to learn about the method:
- Pour water into the water bath canner. You can use any large pan from the kitchen if you do not have a water bath canner.
- After that, place a canning rack inside, and put the canner on the burner. Allow the water to boil after turning on the flame.
- With the use of tongs, carefully place the canned jars in the boiling water. Make sure the cans must be fully submerged in water.
- Generally, a water bath canner takes thirty to sixty minutes. Here, the timing of the processing will depend on the food item you are canning.
- Process the cans over medium to low heat in the water. When it is finished, turn off the flame and take the jars out of the water gently.
- Keep the jars aside in a cool and dry place. Check the sealing, and your food is prepared for storage.
Is It Safe To Use A Water Bath Canner To Preserve Food?
Yes, using a water bath canner at home is completely safe to preserve your food. As long as the food jars seal sufficiently, and the jars are processed correctly in the canner, you know that the food will be safe for consumption in the long run.
Do not fret too much about the procedure of canning in a water bath canner, as food that has been canned in hot water can be kept fresh for a very long period. As a result, the food will be safe for consumption. Just make sure the sealing is tight to keep away air.
Equipment For Water Bath Canning
Even if you can simply water bath can with items that are easily found in the kitchen, there are a few specialized ones that you will still require. Food will deteriorate if canning is not done correctly.
Check out the following list of equipment for water bath canning:
- A water bath canner or a large pan to fit all the cans
- Canning jars and lids
- Canning rack, ladle, and jar lifter
- Paper towels
These are a few of the essential tools you will need to can food. You now know what to do the next time you want to water bath can fruits or any other food item.
Water Bath Canner Vs A Pressure Canner
There is much difference between a water bath canner and a pressure canner.
The basic point of difference is in their usage. A pressure canner is complicated to use, so you must be very particular about the instructions. On the other hand, a water bath canner is accessible to all.
Additionally, low-acid goods like meat are best preserved in a pressure canner; high-acid foods like fruits and vegetables are best preserved in a water bath canner. These are the most important points of differentiation between the two that you should keep in mind.
