Читать книгу Canning & Preserving For Dummies - Amelia Jeanroy - Страница 12

Canning and preserving are ways to protect food from spoilage so you can use it at a later time. Some methods, like dehydrating (also referred to as drying), date back to ancient times; others, like canning, are a little more recent. There’s no doubt that being able to offer fresh-tasting, home-canned or home-preserved foods to your family and friends throughout the year is definitely satisfying.

Whatever food-preservation method you choose (this book covers canning, freezing, dehydrating, and cold storage), your efforts will give you the following:

 A pantry full of freshly preserved, homegrown foods. Having a stocked pantry offers a cushion against the fluctuating cost and availability of healthy foods. If you enjoy specialty foods from gourmet stores but dislike the high prices, home-canning is a safe and economical way to preserve large or small quantities of high-quality food.

 Convenience. You can build a pantry of convenience foods that fit into your busy lifestyle and that your family will enjoy.

 Confidence in the ingredients that go into your food. If you love fresh ingredients and like to know what goes into your food, doing your own canning and preserving is the answer.

 Protection against rising food costs and temporary shortages. The whole idea of canning and preserving is to take advantage of fresh food when it’s abundant. And abundant food generally means lower costs. If there is a temporary shortage of food, you will have what you need in your pantry.

 A sense of relaxation and accomplishment. For many people, working in the kitchen and handling food provides a sense of relaxation, and watching family and friends enjoy the products of your efforts gives you a great sense of accomplishment. Taking the time to select your recipe, choosing and preparing your food, and packaging and processing it for safety is fulfilling and a source of pride for you, the home-canner.

 A good time. Producing canned and preserved food in your kitchen is fun and easy — and who doesn’t like fun?

The price of food has skyrocketed in the last few years. Food safety and availability have become a concern for everyone. Canning is the answer to both the price dilemma and the desire to offer nutritious foods throughout the year. Home-canning and home-preserving instantly reward your efforts when you follow the proper steps for handling and processing your food.