There are many different preserving methods around. I’ve just invested in a Presto Pressure Canner. This allows me to preserve low acid foods, like vegetables and meat is a glass jar, giving them a shelf life of at least a year.
So Far I have preserved
- Beef Stock
- Chicken Stock
- Chinese Chicken Soup
- Beef Stew
- Red Kidney Beans
- Carrots
- Chile Con Carne
- Koren Style Steak with carrot and potato
I’m clearing out the chest freezer in preparation to make room for a side of beef. This will save us a lot of money on meat costs, and will mean that we can make sure that we are getting grass fed, ethical beef from a local producer:)
Things to remember about pressure canning.
- It is NOT the same as a Vacola Kit or Water Bath Canner. You MUST NOT process low acid foods like vegetables or Meat in a water bath canner/ Vac0la. Look us “Botulism” on Google Images, trust me, you won’t even THINK about trying low acid food in a Vacola after you have a quick look.
- If you want to get a Pressure Canner, look around at prices a bit first. Mine was much cheaper through Amazon.
- Stick to the USA guide lines when using a pressure canner. http://nchfp.uga.edu/ Always use the Current Guidelines. Many old recipes, and recipe books do not contain current safe canning practices.
- There are lot’s of demo’s on Youtube BUT, Not everyone is following the safe guidelines. You should not be canning milk, or soups, stews etc with milk in them.