Teach people to can or freeze

[BruceWL]

I have frozen 7 gallons or so of green beans. Here is how. Bring water to a boil, prefer double boiler, add a large amount of beans, bring back to a boil for one minute or so. Remove beans to large bowl and run cold water on them to cool. Dump beans on a towl to let excess water run off. Put in freezer bags and put in freezer. Very easy to do. There is a type of freezer bag available that has a device to suck air out of the bag to prevent freezer burn. Anyone knowing of ways to freeze or can other veggies please tell us. Also, in the fall you can protect acorn or butternut squash by putting down 2 two by fours on the floor. Put the squash across across the boards not touching each other or the floor and they will not roat.

[open door]

I have frozen 7 gallons or so of green beans. Here is how. Bring water to a boil, prefer double boiler, add a large amount of beans, bring back to a boil for one minute or so. Remove beans to large bowl and run cold water on them to cool. Dump beans on a towl to let excess water run off. Put in freezer bags and put in freezer. Very easy to do. There is a type of freezer bag available that has a device to suck air out of the bag to prevent freezer burn. Anyone knowing of ways to freeze or can other veggies please tell us. Also, in the fall you can protect acorn or butternut squash by putting down 2 two by fours on the floor. Put the squash across across the boards not touching each other or the floor and they will not roat.

Great suggestion, Bruce. I raised a garden this year, and was it worth it!!! Work, yes, but ARE you rewarded!! The cucumbers just didn't make for some reason, the crows/racoons got all my cantaloupe and some of my corn, but everything else we're still harvesting!! It's very, very good, and will be enjoyable until next spring (if we're still here then).

[BruceWL]

Even though we are in August we can replant peas, onions and some other crops that prefer cooler weather. We replanted peas a few days ago. The nickname for sugar snap peas is snow peas.

[gonzo]

yes i did the samething, my wife and i noticed that food in general is starting to get very expensive.

[Right Wing]

This is a good idea. Another suggestion, for people who may not have the resources to farm - is to buy canned goods when they are on sale. Keep a stock. A careful shopper can often find canned goods at 3/$1.00 or even cheaper. It is not as good or nutritious as home grown, but another way to be a good steward.

[mikalikat]

Threads like this are so helpful! My darling uncle that was taken from us in November 2006 was a chef and knew so much about canning and freezing. I didn't even begin to learn what I needed to from him, so thank you, Bruce, for starting this. While we didn't have time to plant a garden this year, I'm buying seeds already for next year's garden in case (a) we're still here and (b) the Big O decided to ban the sale of seeds to control the food supply. Laugh. It's not that funny.

[BruceWL]

That is a good idea, Lori. I think I will buy some seed for next year.. Their is nothing Obama would do that would surprise me. With the threat of hyperinflation and food shortages being discussed that is the reason for my posting of canning and freezing.

[open door]

Threads like this are so helpful! My darling uncle that was taken from us in November 2006 was a chef and knew so much about canning and freezing. I didn't even begin to learn what I needed to from him, so thank you, Bruce, for starting this. While we didn't have time to plant a garden this year, I'm buying seeds already for next year's garden in case (a) we're still here and (b) the Big O decided to ban the sale of seeds to control the food supply. Laugh. It's not that funny.

I agree that he might do that. It was recently reported that he had legislation introduced which would require a license for ALL growers of food products - many think that is for commercial farmers only. Well, this governmnet uses language in its legislation that, once passed, can easily be changed from commercial farmers to outright ban the growing of anything by individuals. That's how they work, and they are masters at it, and is why they can't be trusted with any legislation of this nature.

[mikalikat]

FABULOUS website, people: Where to Find Pick-Your-Own Fruit and Vegetable Farms / Orchards for Local, Fresh Fruit, Vegetables and Pumpkins, Along With Canning, Freezing & Preserving Instructions!. Much very useful info on there.

[BruceWL]

I've been told that to freeze corn you blanch it for 4 to 6 minutes then put corn in ice water to cool. Cut corn from cob and put in freezer bags. The reason for the 4 to 6 minutes is how heavy the corn is filled out. We canned 8 quarts of tomotoes yesterday.