While going through the shelves I use for my home canned jars of food, I found a few jars of fruit that I had canned as an experiment a couple of years ago. I decided to open one jar of each to see how they held up.
The first was a jar of those little oranges - mandarin oranges or as they are sometimes called, Clementines. They had been canned in a light sugar water syrup. They had turned a kind of brownish color. That could be due to the fact that the shelving unit holding them is located in my living room and isn't in the dark. The fruit had turned to mush. Others may have successfully canned these, but as for me, I will use the mandarin oranges in a can from the grocery store.
About the same time I saw where some were canning grapes, so I gave that a try. This time I just covered the grapes with water. They stayed fairly firm, but had nearly no taste at all. I can think of no good reason to waste jars on tasteless fruit.
I will still can some fruits, but these two are not among them.
It is fun to experiment with canning new foods. But at this time when grocery prices are headed skyward, I believe I will be sticking to what I know works. For me, that is mostly meats, soups, stews and vegetables.
After all, the point of this whole food storage thing is to make sure my family has food when things get really bad. In my area, jars and lids are a hit or miss situation. I will be spending time getting rid of the experiments that failed and filling those jars with what will fill the bellies of hungry family.
As always, pray and prepare.
I am sad that your experiments didn't work out, but glad you shared your thoughts. You are absolutely right. We can't afford to waste time and money.
ReplyDeleteToday I found a few hidden items in the back of my freezer. I feel bad, but need the space so out they went.
I hope everyone is well. Prayers too for those in Ian's path of destruction.
CW...I think the time has come to cull what we won't use and fill in with what we know works. Experimenting is fun, but not when prices are so high.
DeleteAnd yes - ongoing prayers for those caught in the hurricane. From what I have seen, the damage is devastating.
I really appreciate you sharing both the succeses and the failures here. I finally ordered some Tattler lids and rings and they arrived today. I'm really wanting to get back to canning. Oh, and my new bed arrived today - yippee. I'm feeling more settled with each day that passes. Cheers, SJ
ReplyDeleteIf I am going to brag about my successes, I had better be able to acknowledge the failures. And perhaps it might save someone else some grief.
DeleteSo glad to hear things are coming together for you after your move. Settled is a good thing. :)
Do you think those two fruits might have been better if they had been used sooner? Apples and peaches are always good for canning and eating. There is an abundance of Ball and Kerr canning jars, lids, and rings here in several stores.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the land of Ian Vicki ! Got through with minor damage ... storms eye passed about 75 miles away ... It was windy here maybe 70 to 80 ... caught rain for backup ... filled tub ... power went out early weds. used stuff in freezer and fridge 1st ... have small alcohol wick stove for coffee and basic cooking ! used only 2 cans from prep stash but cut it close on wine ! everything back to normal today ! ...Blessings Vicki , Patrick
ReplyDeleteOh Patrick...I am so glad to know that you came through the storm alright. And aren't we glad that we prepare for such events! Better restock the wine. Never know what will come at us next! God bless, my friend!
DeleteYes Vicki ... Use the perishables 1st ... have a way to cook simple meals ... ( indoors ) ...have a solar panel to charge phone ... flashlights and lots of candles ... books , candy , ice , lots of water , coffee and wine ! ...pantry should always be full of cans ... quick cook rice and mashed potato powder plus condiments ... Blessings Patrick
ReplyDeletePatrick...I don't keep much in my fridge. Much of my food is home canned or dehydrated, and includes things like instant potatoes, stove top stuffing, hamburger helper, etc. My Achilles heel is the chest freezer, but I am working to can most of what is in there, starting with strawberry sauce for pancake syrup or ice cream topping. And after that, turning butter into ghee. And on to whatever meat is buried in the bottom.
DeleteI have a propane heater and a propane camp stove, both of which can be used with care indoors, but need to have one of the kids pick up another flat of the small propane canisters for me. Also have 4 flats of Sterno and the little metal thing-a-ma-jig that sets over the Sterno can and holds a pot for heating soup or water. Gotta have my coffee!!!
Got candles and flashlights and a couple of battery operated camp lights - with batteries. Many soda and juice bottles are now filled with water. But I ate the candy. :(
I know there are items I have forgotten. Am stocked with medical supplies. And am making more quilts and crocheted blankets. Have winter jackets, scarves, hats, mittens. Winter is the scary time for us here in Minnesota.
Yes Vicki , I would add that many of those empty wine bottles are filled with water and put aside ...these are the clear glass ones with screw top lids ...( not corks ) ...also in the pantry are all the fixins' for pasta , sauce , and parmesan cheese ...this is quick to make ... doesn't use much fuel and is a good way to use up bread . Don't forget the peanut butter and crackers ... I know I'm preaching to the choir here but to folks that might be new to this idea of prepping ... could be helpful , Blessings Patrick
ReplyDeletePatrick...It doesn't matter if we have been at this for a long time - we all could use a refresher course from time to time. One of the many things I love about those who comment here is that they freely share thoughts and ideas that are helpful to all. Too many think that being prepared means either having a homestead or spending a ton of money on pre-packaged freeze dried foods. Having the freeze dried is nice but not necessary. I can not afford it. Nor can I homestead here in my little aparment. But I can make use of Farmer's Markets and sales at the grocery store to get food to can or dehydrate. The 'dollar' stores are good resources for other supplies.
ReplyDeletePeople need to know that preparing is possible no matter what their circumstances and it is people like you, Patrick, who let them know. God bless.