Canning

[Alison]

I know that this has come up a few times but I still need a bit more advice. Have been tempted to do a bit of proper pressure canning for a while. Have managed to get fruit preserved OK using a water bath method but am keen to branch out into a wider range of produce which means higher temps / pressure.

As many of you probably already know, we're not big on pressure canning in the UK and therefore I can't just walk into the shop to have a look at equipment. There's loads on sale in the US but the postage is very high and I'm rather nervous about getting the wrong thing. Any info on what anybody owns, pros / cons and advice on optimum size etc etc would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[SarzWix]

Sorry Alison, I only just spotted this thread

I got mine last year, and ended up getting the same one as PW although more by accident than design. The way I found mine was to search eBay (Advanced Search) for a 'pressure canner' where the seller was willing to post Worldwide. That does then shrink your choice down quite a lot.

Mine is big enough to fit 2 tiers of jars in, but I've only had enough jars full to use that capacity once. Perhaps if we ever get a polytunnel, I'll be glad of that capacity though.

I didn't get stung for import tax, but it is a possibility - they choose the odd thing at random it seems, so you just have to be prepared for it, and at the same time hope it isn't you

I'd definitely recommend a good book or 2 if you do get one, for basic recipes and timings to process things. And don't forget you'll have to invest in a batch of the right sort of jars too. They are re-useable, but you do have to replace the metal disc lids every time.

This is the one I've got; Presto 23-Quart Pressure Cooker / Canner - NEW IN BOX on eBay (end time 03-Sep-09 17:24:44 BST) and it seems to be the most reasonably priced one. The downside is that it will need a new sealing rubber at some point, but, the metal-to-metal sealing ones are about £100 more, so beyond my means at the time

I'm sure PigletWillie will have some more advice to add if he spots this thread.

[Alison]

Thanks Sarah - it's a shame we can't get them in the UK as it would be nice to see them before buying but suppose you can't have everything. Also that way could avoid pretty much doubling the price with postage! I already have a few Mason jars which I've used to preserve fruit in the water bath method but would like to branch out and try other things, especially now I have the plot (and hopefully a polytunnel next year) and can easily get a few more. Will do a bit more research me thinks!

[SarzWix]

It's a bit annoying that you pay as much (or more!) for the shipping as you do for the item. I've pestered and pestered both Lakeland and Ascott Smallholding asking them to import them, but had no response at all. We even considered doing it ourselves, but haven't really got the capital to start off with. At least the jars are getting a bit easier to find.

Anyway, we managed to produce enough jars of pasta sauce & salsa last year to keep us going til March, which at £2 a jar for Organic Pasta sauce is quite a saving, and even tins of Organic Chopped Tomatoes are 65p each on their own. We made a batch of gorgeous tomato soup too

[Alison]

Hmmm, pasta sauces, usually make some and freeze and also bottle some tomatoes when I run out of freezer space but am sceptical at the moment as to whether I could make that many jars until if and when I manage to get a decent harvest before blight hits! Am surprised that Lakeland haven't taken up the idea as they have been known to stock loads of extra stuff after buyers suggestions and they don't normally seem nervous about high priced items.

[SarzWix]

Oh, and the other thing that contributed to the decision to buy one was the thought that if I didn't, I'd need another freezer, and the price of one of them was much more than the canner, and took up more space

[Alison]

Hmmm, good logic - will try this on OH if he complains!

[kiwirach]

Alison, if you're still looking for advice re going ahead with this, look around a few of the US homesteading forums....canning is huge over there, as you probably know!.

also, i seem to remember on the downsizer forum there was talk about trying to do a bulk order of canners(if thats what you call them!) from the US, cos so many were interested in getting them.....might be something to look into....i dont know if they ever did go thru with it.

[Alison]

Never used that site but have had a quick look and can't see anything directly what I want but loads of stuff that is relevant. Not enough time today but can see I've got quite a bit of rainy day reading to do. Thanks.