What Supplies Do I Need To Start Canning?

The following is a straight forward, barebones list of the basic supplies you’ll need for canning.

Canning is a food preservation method that involves sealing food in jars to prevent spoilage and preserve it for an extended period. To get started with canning, you’ll need a variety of supplies and equipment. Here’s a list of the basic supplies you’ll need:

1. Canning Jars: You’ll need canning jars with two-piece lids (a flat metal lid and a screw-on band). The most common sizes are pint and quart jars. Make sure they are in good condition with no cracks or chips.
3. Canning Pot or Water Bath Canner: A large pot or dedicated water bath canner with a lid and a rack is essential for processing your filled jars. It should be deep enough to cover the jars with at least 1-2 inches of water.
4. Jar Lifter: This tool is used to safely lift and lower hot jars into and out of the canner.
5. Canning Funnel: A wide-mouth funnel helps you fill jars cleanly without spilling contents on the jar rims, which could prevent proper sealing.
6. Bubble Remover/Debubbler: This tool, often a plastic or wooden utensil, helps remove air bubbles trapped in your canned food, ensuring proper sealing and preserving.
7. Lid Magnet or Lid Wand: These are handy tools for picking up canning lids without touching them with your hands, maintaining cleanliness and sterility.
8. Head Space Measuring Tool: This is a simple plastic tool that helps you measure the appropriate headspace (the space between the food and the jar’s rim) required for each type of food.
9. Canning Salt or Vinegar (if needed): Depending on the recipe, you may require canning salt or vinegar to ensure the safety and quality of your canned products.
10. Kitchen Towels and Dishcloths: These are used to wipe the jar rims clean before placing lids on them.
11. Labels and Pen: To label your jars with the contents and the date of canning. This is crucial for keeping track of freshness.

Are there additional items needed for successful canning?

You could get by without these, but the following will help you improve, and serve as useful as you excel at canning:

11. Jar Storage: You’ll need a cool, dark, and dry place to store your canned goods once they are sealed and cooled.
12. Canning Recipe Book or Guide: Especially if you’re new to canning, having a reliable canning recipe book or guide can provide you with step-by-step instructions and safety guidelines.
13. Canning Timer: A kitchen timer or smartphone timer can help you keep track of processing times accurately.
14. Thermometer: To monitor the temperature of your canning pot or canner to ensure it reaches the required level for safe food preservation.
15. Pressure Canner (for low-acid foods): If you plan to can low-acid foods like vegetables and meats, you’ll need a pressure canner instead of a water bath canner.

Any other advice needed to be the most successful canner?

Consider the below advice:

Always follow safe canning practices and guidelines to ensure the preservation of your food. The specific supplies you need may vary depending on the type of canning you plan to do (e.g., water bath canning for high-acid foods like fruits or pressure canning for low-acid foods like vegetables and meats), so be sure to choose the right equipment for your canning projects.