The Rewards of Canning

Many of us have experienced the joy of going to the pantry and gloried over the rows and rows of jars on the shelf. Jars of food we had put aside ourselves. Knowing the ingredients met our personal standards and was preserved without added chemicals.

A few weeks back I had the privilege of teaching this principle to three young mothers while putting up Italian Meatballs. We discussed the processes and procedures of canning, and then the subject got around to knowing what we were putting in our bodies. Two of the ladies were expecting babies in the near future and were concerned about all the preservatives in much of the food purchased in retail stores. When we finished the session, it was well understood that the home-canned products were natural and wholesome.

A few days ago I receive the wonderful confirmation that the labor put forth that day was definitely worth the effort. A few jars of the meatballs, plus pears, were sent to my daughter, who was recovering from surgery, when Grandma went to help out. My daughter has two energetic boys (4 and 6 years old) and a beautiful 4 month old daughter to care for.

Our six year old grandson called and told me that his daddy made Meatball Sandwiches for dinner and they were wonderful. When asked how daddy made them he said that they were put in sauce (home canned pasta sauce) and then on rolls. When asked if they were as good as the sandwich shop, he stated BETTER! His father was in the background and said to send more pears. They loved them.

It does a body good to know that you are providing products that are wholesome and healthy. I encourage each person to continue with your quest to become more self sufficient and put food aside throughout the year. As I have said before, “Canning is not just for the summer harvest.”

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Thanks, Bill