Canning has come a long way since Aunt Edna’s beets and beans. The process is experiencing a renaissance today that is producing both the best classics and new combinations in small-batch boutique home productions.

“There are some misconceptions that canning is difficult,” said Emerie Brine, Bernardin’s Chef and Brand Manager. “One of the greatest fears people have is preserving food in a manner that is unsafe for consumption.”

Any food preparation requires care and attention. Follow tested recipes and canning processes, and you will only have to worry about how to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

RECIPE: Sweet Ginger Peach Preserves

Pick your recipe

Canning involves some science; you cannot just preserve your favourite recipe or introduce new ingredients. So start simple with classics like strawberry jam or dill pickles. From there, explore recipes like salsas, chutneys and stews. The recipe will ultimately determine the canning process: freezer, boiling water canning or pressure canning.

Source ingredients

Whether purchasing your ingredients or heading outside your own backdoor to your garden, when sourcing ingredients you want to use the best, freshest, blemish free produce. Looking for locally grown ingredients will help you achieve this goal offering the freshest and tastiest of flavours. It is also important to consider the seasonality of your ingredients to ensure the best flavours and help you time your canning efforts. Keeping these tips in mind when sourcing ingredients will ensure the best results when showing off the fruits of your labour!

RECIPE: Agro Dolce Tomato Conserva

Arrange equipment

Avoid jars with nicks, cracks or uneven rims that may prevent sealing or lead to breakage. Also avoid glass lids with rubber rings. Health Canada recommends using self-sealing lids and not reusing old lids, even if they appear in good condition.

Ready to can?

Lay out all the equipment and ingredients. Ensure all fruits and vegetables are washed and all equipment and countertops are sterilized. Follow these simple steps to preserving. It is important to note, cooking times may vary by elevation. If you’re still hesitant, work with someone who’s done it before or organize a canning party with friends and family.

While an intact seal means food will keep indefinitely, for best quality, consume canned food within one year. With fresh ingredients and innovative recipes, though, it will be a challenge for it all to last that long!