Home Canning Tips to Can and Preserve Garden Produce by Expert Laura Devine

Lauren Devine is a food science major with a lifelong love for all things food related: cooking, gardening, harvesting, and preserving. She has fond memories of picking fresh produce from her great-grandfather's garden, and watching her great-grandmother do home canning.

Small wonder that she accepted an internship at Jaden Home Brands, now located in Daleville, In. The internship blossomed into a full-time job and Lauren has been with the company for almost seven years. She has worked with recipe development, test kitchen, online video demonstrations, and educational seminars. Her current focus is on community outreach and grassroots event planning
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Lauren Devine was interviewed on April 30, 2009 and had interesting information about the economy's impact on home canning. In 2008, the company conducted a survey on their website, www.freshpreserving.com.

According to Devine, "over 70% of the respondents were planning to do more home canning to help them save money on groceries." Devine also stated year-to-date sales for Jarden Home Brands were up 30% and website traffic was steadily increasing. We are seeing the same momentum continue through this year."

When asked why she thought there is a resurgence of interest in home canning, Devine replied "the media has been a great influence ... people are frightened by the recent food recalls, and have concerns about food safety so are turning to gardening. There is also the issue of more food allergies, as well as people limiting their intake of sodium, sugar, preservatives, and additives. There is even more interest in a sustainable lifestyle and trying to eat locally to support the farmers in their community."

In addition to her job as Fresh Preserving Community Manager at Jarden Home Brands, Devine is the co-editor of The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving. Devine stated: "this book takes home canning up a notch for those who feel comfortable with food preservation techniques and are looking for more gourmet or specialty recipes."

The cookbook has 400 recipes for traditional favorites like basic jams and salsas, as well as foods offering a trendier flavor profile. The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving can be purchased online at:
http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Complete-Book-Home-Preserving/dp/0778801314

What core equipment does Devine recommend for the beginner?

• Four piece utensil set, including a jar and lid lifter, funnel, and and bubble remover tool
• Water bath canner for preserving high acid foods such as jams, jellies, salsas and pickles
• Pectin - original, liquid, or no sugar needed varieties for cooked or no cook jams and jellies
• One friend or mentor who knows how to home can

The last, someone who knows how to home can, is vital in her opinion. She says "the best way to learn to can is from someone who already knows how. Just grab a friend who knows what they are doing. Don't get discouraged. Read through the recipe, get everything out and together." She also recommends that beginners focus on canning high-acid foods like jams, jellies, fruits, and pickles.

In June, Devine will be traveling as part of a multi-state tour called "Preserving the Harvest". This sponsorship between the National Home Garden Club, and Gardening How to Magazine, is an effort to teach people how to preserve foods. "Preserving the Harvest" will be in Minnesota, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, Georgia, California, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina, teaching gardeners how to can their freshly picked produce. To sign up for a class, follow this link: www.gardeningclub.com/club/default.aspx

When asked what she liked best about her job, Devine replied, "Reaching people and teaching the process. I love to hear them say, this wasn't so bad. I can do this."

Fresh Preserving Website: www.freshpreserving.com

You will find valuable information like: online video demonstrations, online tutorials, recipes, craft ideas, preserving guides, and a preserving club.

(Devine)

Devine, Lauren. Fresh Preserving Community Manager Donna Cosmato. 30 April 2009.