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The 365-Day Harvest
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By the Inkslinger - October 20, 2009

Ball JarsThe season's first frost is upon us. But even if it means the end of the year's garden, we'll enjoy the harvest all winter long thanks to the dozens of jars and bags that pack our pantry and line our freezer.

In my house, we learned a long time ago that home food preservation is a lot easier than most people think. It's so simple that I have a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that so few do it anymore.

Some people think they haven't the time or the skills. Some people think they'll poison the family. Believe me -- you do and you won't. What you will get if you try it is a perfect way to eat local and eat better all year long while saving a bundle of money in the process.

To whet your appetite, we've got a new guide to the art of your very own harvest. Read it and eat...

photo: thebittenword.com

Comments
I take pride in eating food
Posted by dwilder | Wed, Oct. 28, 2009

I take pride in eating food that I have grown and preserved myself. Once you learn to do it you realize it's quite easy and all it takes is a night or two to process your food. We can tomatoes, make our own squash, applesauce, and pickles. It's pretty simple and I enjoy doing it as a family. It's some simple quality time.

IdaJ This year I grew my
Posted by idajane | Thu, Oct. 29, 2009

IdaJ This year I grew my own herbs along with a garden. How wonderful to grow what you eat.

It's sad how this has changed!
Posted by mplsfamily | Thu, Oct. 29, 2009

I learned to can by helping my mother. My first job was to rub the skins off of blanced peaches. Then I graduated to cutting them and stuffing the jars. Eventually I made my way through pears and tomatoes.

I have taught my children the basics of canning, but I meet many people who never learned. It's such a money saver and it's so sad that this doesn't get passed to the next generation the way it used to.

Wish I knew more
Posted by neutney | Thu, Oct. 29, 2009

Well, my mom didn't teach me the basic's and I would love to know more. I have been wanting to do this for our family for quite a while. We buy our produce from farmers markets as we live in a condo without a yard/garden. So, any tips or websites you can direct me to would be great!

Thanks a bunch.

Neutney, go to your local
Posted by dwilder | Thu, Oct. 29, 2009

Neutney, go to your local book store. We have a book on canning that I refer to a lot because it can be tricky remembering the different boiling times from year to year. The book I have is my mothers so it was printed a while ago but I know there are tons out there.