Getting started with equipment.

Good morning!!

Today's post is about equipment you'll need to get started with your food preservation adventure! I cannot tell a lie. It will seem intimidating at first. Fear not! Once you get the hang of things, you'll be doing this blindfolded!

1. Canning jars, lids, jar lifter, lid magnet, debubbler. (I tried uploading a picture, but it failed.) Look up any of these items online. Amazon is sure to have what you need. As far as jars go, don't settle for anything but Ball, Kerr or American Harvest. Ball, of course, is the most popular. I'd go with Ball. I once tried the off-brand at Walmart called Mainstays. I thought I'd give them a go since they were cheaper. All but 1 jar failed to seal. Do not buy China crap! I sacrificed a test run so you, the people, don't have to.

2. Canners. Both pressure and water bath. Pressure canners are used for low acid foods (meats and most veg). Water baths are used for high acid foods (tomatoes, pickles, etc). Here are some links to the equipment. Amazon.com : all american pressure canner Amazon.com: Ball Enamel Water Bath Canner, Including Chrome-Plated Rack and 4-Piece Utensil Set: Canning Kits: Home & Kitchen Amazon.com: Excalibur Food Dehydrator 9-Tray Electric with Adjustable Thermostat Accurate Temperature Control Faster Drying, Black: Home & Kitchen

3. Kitchen timer. Timing is everything. You can find pretty much anywhere or you can download an app to your smart phone.

4. Dehydrator. You can, by all means, get the cheaper round ones. I do recommend the Excalibur, though. It's very durable, lasts a very long time (mine is about 8 years old), and does an impeccable job. As for the cheaper ones, I've gone through 3 of them. Motors burned out.

Do your research. Here is a link to a great canning guide for your reference: Canning Guide This guide can walk you through everything. It also has troubleshooting advice.

Here is another link. An extremely smart lady. Do yourself a favor and subscribe to her Youtube channel. Rose Red Homestead

Well, I think that's it for today! I hope it was informative as well as interesting.

Thank you for stopping by!