A Beginner's Guide to Canning and Preserving

2025. 09. 04.

Summer and fall are the season for canning and preserving. At these times, the markets are full of fresh vegetables and fruits, which can easily be made into jams, syrups, preserves, or pickles, so that we can enjoy the flavors of the season even in winter.

Why is it worth canning?

Canning is not only a tradition, but also has many benefits. One of the biggest advantages is that it offers a much healthier alternative to store-bought products, as you decide how much sugar, salt or preservatives you use. This can be especially important if you are paying attention to your diet or want more natural flavors. It is also an economical solution: in season, you can get fresh fruits and vegetables at a much more favorable price, so homemade jam or pickles often cost less than the store-bought version.

Plus, it's also beneficial from a sustainability perspective. You don't have to use unnecessary packaging materials, as you can refill the bottles over and over again.

Basic methods for beginners

It's worth learning about the most important methods, each of which is ideal for different purposes. You don't have to try them all right away, you can start with a simple jam or pickle, but it's good to know what options you have.

One of the most classic methods is heat treatment. This can be done in a pot of boiling water, but automatic canning machines are becoming increasingly popular, as they precisely control the time and temperature. This guarantees that the preserves will be preserved safely and there is less chance of error.. For tomato juice and fruit juice, it is worth using a strainer, awhich removes the seeds and peel, giving the result a nice, silky texture.

The other popular method is drying, which is also an ancient preservation method. The point is to extract the water from the fruit or vegetable, so that spoilage microorganisms cannot grow in it. A big advantage of a dehydrator is that it can work at a consistent temperature and for a longer period of time, so you don't have to watch when to turn or remove the slices. Apple chips, prunes or even dried tomatoes can all be easily made at home.

Pickling is also very popular, which not only preserves but is also extremely healthy. Cucumbers, cabbage or even peppers undergo lactic acid fermentation, becoming full of probiotics that are good for digestion. It is important here that the vegetables are completely covered in brine, so it is advisable to use pickling jars.

Last but not least, the easiest solution is freezing. This doesn't require any special skills: you can simply freeze the cleaned fruit or vegetables in portions. If you're planning for a longer period of time, a vacuum sealer is a useful tool, as it removes the air from the bag, keeping the food fresh for much longer. This is especially useful for berries, fresh herbs or even ready-made meals.

Overall, each method has its own advantages: heat treatment allows you to make classic preserves and jams, drying allows you to make healthy snacks, pickling allows you to make vitamin-rich winter pickles, while freezing provides a quick and practical solution. If you are a beginner, it is worth trying out a technique or two, and as you become more confident, you can expand your repertoire.

Canning and preserving is an exciting, creative kitchen activity that will leave you with a pantry full of homemade treats. The right tools can save you a lot of time and effort, making it easy for even a beginner to succeed.

If you would like to purchase the most practical tools, visit the gammo.eu website, where you will find everything you need for successful preservation!