By: Beatrise L. Summerville, SC
There was a time when almost every home had shelves lined with neatly labeled jars — jams, pickles, tomatoes, peaches, all carefully made by hand. Today, canning and preserving might seem like a thing of the past. But the truth is, this simple, satisfying tradition is making a comeback.
If you’re looking for a hobby that’s rewarding, practical, and a little nostalgic, canning could be just the thing to pick up again.
Why Canning Is Making a Comeback?
It’s no surprise that so many seniors are seeing canning in a whole new light these days. With the price of fresh produce climbing and food waste on everyone’s mind, canning offers a smart, satisfying way to stretch your dollar and make the most of what’s in season, whether it’s a farmer’s market find or something from your own backyard. When you’re the one filling the jars, you know exactly what’s going into your food, no strange additives, no extra sugar, just good, wholesome ingredients you trust. There’s also a real pride that comes with seeing a row of jars you made yourself. It’s a simple pleasure, but one that feels deeply rewarding. And let’s not forget: a homemade jar of jam, pickles, or salsa makes a gift that truly means something, a little piece of care and tradition you can share with the people you love.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
You don’t need a fancy setup to begin canning at home. Here’s the basic list:
- Mason jars with new lids and bands
- A large pot (for water bath canning high-acid foods like fruits and tomatoes)
- A jar lifter (for safely handling hot jars)
- A wide-mouth funnel and ladle (to make filling jars easier)
Clean cloths (to wipe jar rims before sealing)
Homemade Strawberry Jam
A Simple First Recipe: Homemade Strawberry Jam
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and lightly mashed)
- 4 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large pot.
- Bring the mixture to a full boil, stirring often.
- Boil hard for 15–20 minutes, or until the jam thickens.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top.
- Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids, and process the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Once cooled, you’ll have delicious jam that tastes like summer and makes wonderful gifts.
Important Canning Safety Tips
- Always use trusted recipes from sources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation or your local extension office.
- Check jar seals after cooling. A properly sealed lid won’t move when pressed.
- Adjust for altitude if you live at a higher elevation, since water boils at a lower temperature the higher you go.
Whether you’re looking for a practical way to stretch your grocery dollars, a creative hobby, or a way to reconnect with simpler pleasures, canning and preserving offers all of that and more.
Important Canning Safety Tips
- Always use trusted recipes from sources like the National Center for Home Food Preservation or your local extension office.
- Check jar seals after cooling. A properly sealed lid won’t move when pressed.
- Adjust for altitude if you live at a higher elevation, since water boils at a lower temperature the higher you go.
Whether you’re looking for a practical way to stretch your grocery dollars, a creative hobby, or a way to reconnect with simpler pleasures, canning and preserving offers all of that and more.
About the Author
Beatrise L. grew up with a love for Southern cooking and is known for her delicious homemade preserves. She splits her time between Summerville, SC, and visiting her grandkids in Georgia, always bringing a jar or two of something sweet.
Zest Picks: Inspired by This Page
Tip: Don’t want to buy each tool separately? All-in-one canning kits make it easy. Brands like Ball, Granite Ware, and Presto bundle everything you need—jar lifter, funnel, lid lifter, and more—into one convenient set, with some even including the canner itself. Check out a few top picks below.
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