Beech Tree News Network

A few years ago, a USDA survey (http://www.pickyourown.org/home_canning_statistics.htm) asked households about canning. The results showed that of the households canning produce, the following products were chosen: tomatoes 73 %, fruits 56%, vegetables 51%, jellies and jams 41%, and pickles 48%.  A more recent Time article by Brad Tuttle (http://business.time.com/2011/08/25/why-are-so-many-people-freezing-food/) commented on the convenience of frozen foods, pointing out the savings of time and money. He suggested taking home freezing one step further by “setting aside one day a month to cook—and then freeze—an entire month’s worth of dinners. Once everything’s squared away in the freezer, ‘cooking’ supper consists of nothing more than reheating.” Tuttle explained that shopping in bulk ideally would allow one to purchase produce, meat and staples when on sale. And, home canning or freezing food isn’t just women’s work; men also enjoy stocking the pantry or freezer. Many couples enjoy gardening and storing produce as a team.

Frozen foods are safe, but eventually flavor may be affected and that food should be discarded (http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/ResourcesForYou/HealthEducators/UCM109...). The list below includes recommended freezer storage times for many precooked foods:

Meatballs in sauce – 6 months

Meatloaf – 6 months

Muffins/quick breads (baked) – 3 months

Pizza dough (raw, homemade) – 4 weeks

Poultry (cooked, no gravy) – 3 months

Poultry (with gravy/sauce) – 6 months

Poultry and meat casseroles – 6 months

Soups, stews – 3 months

Tomatoes/vegetable sauces – 6 months

Although home canning and freezing foods is a great way to eat more organically (You know what was added to the foods, and you can find out whether chemicals were used in the growing area.), it is not necessarily inexpensive eating. A person must obtain the produce, the jars or bags for storing the foods, and have the storage space for canned foods and/or for a freezer (as well as pay for the electricity that powers the freezer). Consequently, many U.S. families who would like to have home canned and frozen foods are unable to afford this choice. When I was a child, home canned and frozen foods were considered less expensive. My family “put up” everything grown in the garden and orchard as well as meat.

Finally, finding the time to can and freeze foods at home can be difficult. Since produce has such a short window of readiness before ruining, storing it becomes a priority. This year, I’ve canned tomatoes, tomato juice, salsa, and cucumber relish, and I’ve frozen tomatoes, peaches, and apples (My favorite is the peach freezer jam.). And, despite the work, these home canned and frozen foods sure are good in the winter months.