If you’ve decided the time is right to begin canning fruits and veggies, here are some basics.

Start with the right equipment.  You should have canning jars, two-piece lids, a canner (a special large pot with a rack that keeps jars from the bottom of the pot) and a jar lifter.  If you’re new to canning, start with fruits or tomatoes, use the basic boiling method and advance to others as your comfort level grows.  Prepare your food and try to can at the peak of freshness.  Pour the fruit or veggie into the jar, leaving around a half inch to an inch of space at the top.  Use a non-metallic implement to stir the food and release any trapped air.  Center your cap on the jar and screw the lid firmly, but not over-tightly.  Place the jars on the canner rack and add water until its a few inches above the jar tops.  Bring the water to a boil and continue boiling for the amount of time on your recipe.  From there, carefully remove the jars and allow them to cool for several hours.  Finally, check the seal of the lids.  If successfully sealed, the center of the lid will be noticeably lower.  At this point,  you can remove the bands, wash & dry them thoroughly and place them back on the jar.  For more details and canning recipes, visit Bella Online here.