A few weeks ago, I mentioned Canning Across America. That project is still going strong. In fact, it is becoming very obvious that canning is now becoming "COOL"
- Just look at this new "YES WE CAN" T-shirt you can buy online!
- If you do a #canning search on Twitter you will be hooked up with hundreds of canners across the world.
- Sites such as Homegrown.org have large canning/preserving sections and they are growing daily.
- And if you don't want to take my word for it, look at this article in the New York Times. The reporter took a canning class and is now a canning convert.
According to the article, people are canning for a variety of reasons, namely:
"The worst recession in decades and a trend toward healthier eating are inspiring many Americans to grow their own food. Now the harvest season is turning many of these gardeners into canners looking to stretch the bounty of the garden into the winter."
Ah yes, the whole growing your own food movement has indeed sparked a renewed food preservation movement. I love this! I have been canning and preserving my whole life and became a Certified Master Food Preserver way back in 1991. I am thrilled that others are wanting to join in the fun.
Come on everyone! Don't be intimidated! Home canned food captures the 'fresh-from-the-garden' flavors in a jar. And they make great holiday gifts!
I grew up in a large, lower middle class family, so canning was simply a reality. I never gave it any thought until I hit my mid 30's and discovered nobody else my age was canning food.
It's as much an automatic thing for me as planting the garden in the spring.
Posted by: Troy | October 17, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I totally get where you are coming from Troy. I had the same surprise when I gave homemade jelly as Christmas gifts to my college friends and they thought it was so "quaint" and "charming". LOL
Lately, I enjoy mixing it up a bit when I can. I like to try new flavor combinations and unusual recipes. But I especially love receiving jams and jellies from other gardener friends. It is so nice to have the summer flavors preserved in a jar without having to even turn on the stove! YUM!
Posted by: Theresa Loe/LivingHomegrown | October 19, 2009 at 09:42 AM
At least something good may come out of the bad economic times. I have been doing this for a short time and wish I had been doing it all along. I told my husband, how much I love it and he loves the fresh and canned vegetables that come from my garden. I think it is a win, win situation.
Posted by: Jill | November 21, 2009 at 12:50 PM