Feeding a family of four often means expensive grocery bills. Canning may help you save money year-round when you head to the supermarket. A variety of fruits and vegetables work well for canning, based on your family's preferences and the food available to you. Proper canning procedures ensure that the food stays safe until you are ready to use it.
Benefits
If you grow the fruits and vegetables that you preserve, you have complete control over the way they are grown. Unless you buy organic products, store-purchased canned goods may contain pesticides and other chemicals, items that can be eliminated during the growing process if you so choose. Canned goods can supply your family of four with fruits and vegetables during the winter months when some produce is more expensive. You can also customize your recipes and canned goods to match your family's taste preferences.
Materials
You will need some special equipment to can enough food for your family of four. A canner is a special pot that seals the jars once they are filled with food. Jars, lids and rings, along with a jar lifter or tongs, round out the main supply list. You may also need pectin, pickling supplies or other mixes, depending on your canning list.
Choosing Foods
The foods you choose to can for your family depend mainly on personal preference. Pickles, fruit, tomatoes, beans, jams and jellies are common options. Think about the foods that your family normally eats. Sticking with staples the first time you can increases your chances of actually using up the supply. Document how much of each food you can as a reference for the next year. If you run out halfway through winter, you'll know to increase the amount the following year.
Process
The food preparation process varies depending on what you can and the specific recipe instructions. The actual canning process is the same for most foods, and starts with clean, sterilized jars. Better Homes and Gardens recommends washing the jars in warm, soapy water before sterilizing them by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Heat the water in the canner while you are preparing the food to ensure it is ready when you need it. Fill the hot jars with the food, leaving the recommended space between the food and rim of the jar, also called headspace. Move a rubber spatula around the sides of the jar to release any air bubbles. Wipe the rim of the jar before placing the lid and ring on it to ensure a proper seal. Then process the jars in the canner based on the specific recipe.
Food Safety
Canned foods for your family should only be processed in a canner, not in an oven or other method. According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, the heating method is unreliable. You need a new lid each time you seal a jar, as a recycled lid will not seal properly. Follow the directions in the recipe exactly to avoid spoilage or other contamination to your family's food supply.
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