Preserving for Beginners

Preserving is a cost effective and space saving way to keep your harvest all though the off season. It doesn't take a lot of equipment or outlay to get started. Its also a good idea to set up a swap with your neighbours. I have included all the information that you need to get started. Stay turned for my favourite easy recipes.

Equipment

A measuring cup (at least 2 cups in size)
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Spoons
A supply of clean jars
A large pot
A strainer
A funnel
A jar grabber like the one below

This will come in handy to pull the hot jars out. Save you from burning your fingers.

cleanliness is next to godliness

This is never more important as when you are making preserves.

Always wash your jars and dry with a clean tea towel before you begin. Jars and lids need to be sterilised, there is a few options to sterilise your jars I have found the best method is to place the jars on a wire oven rack upside down along with the lids, bake at 180 degrees for 20 minutes, after 20 minutes turn the oven off but do not remove the jars until the last minute.