For those planning to can or preserve the spring harvest, getting a jump-start on supplies is advisable. Forty-seven of fifty North Georgia residents polled are planning to begin or continue preserving fruits and vegetables for better health and/or due to increasing food prices. While local stores plan to carry a limited supply of canning jars, rings and lids, the following sources will not likely run out.
- Ball and Kerr supplies
- Earthwave Living
- Pressure Cooker Outlet
- Pick Your Own
- Canning Pantry
- Jacks Country Store
Sometimes, canning jars alone are not enough to get the job done. If instructions and recipes are also needed, try these options first.
- Local County Extension Agent
- USDA Complete Guide to home canning
- National Center for home food preservation
- Presto
Don't overlook thrift store canning supplies. Just examine jars closely for chips and cracks. Used pressure canners can be a great bargain, but check gauges, gaskets and pop-out valves for fit and wear. Canning supplies can often be found in garage and moving sales.
Look for dehydrators and water-bath canners before the prices sharply rise in anticipation of the spring harvest. If tomatoes, pickles, jams and green beans are the extent of home preserving this year, a water-bath canner may be all that is needed. Dehydrating can also be done on screens in the sun.
There are supplies for every budget. It will definitely pay off in grocery savings and better health for the family. By making ketchup and spaghetti sauce at home, high fructose corn syrup can be eliminated from the diet.
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