Maybe it’s just me but it seems that home canning is growing in popularity again. I’m not sure if it seems that way because I’ve gotten back into it in the past few years and the rest of the world is coming around to my way of thinking or if the economy has folks being more thrifty.

Maybe it’s the fact that everything related to the food industry has gotten a little scary lately?

Maybe it’s cyclical, like lots of other things, and it’s just in the popular part of the cycle right now?

No matter what’s prompting you (or maybe you are just thinking of trying canning) home canning is good for you and it’s not all that hard to do. Time consuming, yes. But hard? Nope.

Besides…

1. You’ll know EXACTLY what is in the jar because YOU put it there.

2. Home canning is GREEN. By re-using jars, growing produce or using produce grown locally and not contributing to green house gases by purchasing food shipped on trucks you are doing something for the environment.

3. You’ll get the freshest most healthy food because home canning is done when the produce is in season. Also, if you are growing the food yourself you can use organic methods which make the food even healthier.

You can also get rather creative with canning supplies too. And I’m not just talking about canning jar crafts.

Sew Up a Canning Jar Bag to Hold Canning Jar Rings

Home Organization: Flowers in Your Fridge

Here are two posts I wrote for those of you just starting out in home canning.

Tips and Tricks for Peeling Peaches – And What to Do With Peach Juice (Tomatoes)

Home Canning – Things to Know Before You Begin

Ok, enough chatter.

On to the recipes!

Pickled Okra from Lana’s Cooking

Tomato Soup from Chiot’s Run

Homemade Claussen Pickles Copycat from Amanda’s Cookin’

 Homemade Blueberry Jam from The Heritage Cook

Canning Turkey from The Project Princess

Homemade Cherry Pie Filling from Amanda’s Cookin’

Canning Sweet Potatoes from The Creative Home

Hot Peppers from The Creative Goddess

Home Canned Tomatoes from Lana’s Cooking

Spiced Peach Jam from The Creative Goddess

Apple Pie Filling from Key Ingredient

Plum Jam from The Heritage Cook

While canning your own food can be a lot of work it is also a wonderful experience. I grew up in a household where canning was a regular part of life and nearly everyone in the house had a job to do to help preserve the summer’s crops. But even if you are new to canning you can start small, work safe, learn the basics and quickly become a pro. You’re wallet and your family will love you for it.