The Perpetual Preserving Thread

[Run Amok]

We made strawberry freezer jam this weekend. We prefer the un-cooked berry flavor and it's just easier to make. I went to the farmer's market to seek out picked fresh today local berries and I think it made a difference. Ridiculously good!

I am also thinking we will do a pineapple chipotle tequila infusion for summer margaritas. A restaurant up the street does this and it is ridiculously good.

I don't do much canning because we really do not have the room for it. I love hearing about other's projects though-- so whatcha got in the works?

[BonitaApplebum]

I want to make a bunch of pickles this summer. Pickle all the things!!!

[merigayle]

We usually do jam and pickled vegetables and sauce. I do not understand freezer jam, never heard of it. I cook my berries and add pectin and sugar and then jar them up. If you do not cook is it unsweetened?

[Run Amok]

No, it's sweetened. Freezer jam uses fruit, pectin, & sugar. But, it doesn't go through the full canning process. So, basically you just make the jam and poor it into jars and put the lids on, let it set & then put it in the freezer. There is no "canning" step (hot water or pressure). The net result is that it is not shelf stable. It will keep in your freezer for a long time or in the fridge for about a month after opening.

I never really saw it until I started visiting Seattle and most restaurants here tend to serve it. IMO, the flavor is a really strong & bright berry flavor because the fruit isn't cooked.

[diablita]

I really really want to learn how to pickle and can but am intimidated.

Confession:  I saw a Quincy when I was a kid where someone got botulism and almost died from a supermarket can and the thought of not properly canning and making my family ill scares the heck out of me.

[merigayle]

Interesting RA!

We have canned pickles and jams and followed all the rules. There are a lot of rules. I do not have a pressure canner though, or i would can more. I have a huge water bath pot. I usually freeze the tomato sauce.

[nadra24]

I think my very favorite food in the whole world is my mom's homemade bread with strawberry freezer jam. It's so delicious! I've also made freezer jam with frozen blackberries and it turned out really well. I like freezer jam a lot better than canned jam, it really does taste so much more like fresh fruit.

I grew up eating home canned peaches, pears, and applesauce. When I was little my mom also did green beans, which I hated but now would probably like. I've put up peaches myself, but I always forget about them and they don't get eaten. Maybe this summer I will get together with my aunt or my sister and help them put up their peaches, and just do a few pints for myself.

[The Turtle Whisperer]

I am also thinking we will do a pineapple chipotle tequila infusion for summer margaritas. A restaurant up the street does this and it is ridiculously good.

Say wha???

Have you tried this yet??? 

[Run Amok]

Say wha???

Have you tried this yet??? 

Not yet!

I agree Nadra! Im hoping to do some raspberry before we miss the season.

[BonitaApplebum]

I grew up eating home canned peaches, pears, and applesauce. 

MMmmmmmmm same. So good. I can't do store bought but home canned? Yum! My mom's applesauce is THE BEST.

[Run Amok]

Yes, home made apple sauce is so good and so easy and bears no resemblance to what you get in the store! It is so easy to make and keeps for a long time in the fridge (like months) that I don't bother to can it though.

[nadra24]

MMmmmmmmm same. So good. I can't do store bought but home canned? Yum! My mom's applesauce is THE BEST.

My mom's applesauce was the best because it had a shit ton of sugar in it! She doesn't make it anymore, they tore out their apple tree. We were never sure what kind of apples they were, and then instead of picking the apples we waited until they fell off the tree to sauce them. (That sounds like it would be less work than picking them, but it wasn't, the ground under the tree was covered with ivy) So buying apples never turns out the same. But oh man, best applesauce ever!