Preserving Traditions: Rediscovering the Art of Home Canning

As the vibrant colors of the harvest season fill our gardens, I can’t help but reflect on the cherished memories of my childhood spent on a farm in Southeastern North Carolina. Those long, hot days spent preserving tomatoes and making jams with my grandmother hold a nostalgic warmth that inspires me even now. Each year, when the produce is abundant, I find myself drawn back to the age-old practice of home canning, eager to capture the essence of summer in jars.

Artisan jars filled with homemade preserves
Canning was once a necessity—especially during tough times like World War II—when families relied on preserving their garden bounty to make it through the winters. Fast forward to today, and what was once a standard household chore has transformed into a passionate hobby for many, including newcomers eager to embark on this culinary adventure. During the pandemic, home canning saw a significant resurgence, as people looked for ways to reconnect with their food, gardens, and traditions. What’s more, there’s a certain satisfaction in mastering a skill that not only connects us to our roots but also provides delicious rewards to share.

However, with this rekindled interest comes the crucial need for knowledge. Home canning is not without its risks, especially with the plethora of misinformation swirling around on the internet. It’s essential to approach this beloved practice with a solid understanding of safety measures. Misinformation like using untested recipes or neglecting pressure canner gauge checks can lead to serious health issues, including foodborne illnesses such as botulism. Therefore, as you don your apron and get ready to fill those jars, educate yourself on the fundamentals of safe canning.

“Understanding how to use tools correctly, where to find tested recipes, and which factors to control during the process is key to ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.”
It is this lesson that I wish I had learned more thoroughly in my younger days. The thrill of taking fresh produce from the garden and transforming it into something shelf-stable is an incredible journey—one that should be done safely and correctly.

To those of you who feel the tug of nostalgia or the excitement of mastering a new skill, there’s an excellent opportunity coming up soon! Join us on October 7 from 1-3 p.m. for a hands-on canning class at the N.C. Cooperative Extension - New Hanover County Center and Arboretum. We will be canning dill pickles and exploring the intricacies of the canning process. Led by Avery Ashley, the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent from Brunswick County, this event will cater to all levels of experience—from seasoned canners to beginners just dipping their toes in the water.

Learn the art of pickling from an expert
The cost is only $15, and preregistration is necessary due to limited space. This is a perfect chance to not only learn but also to ask questions about home food preservation procedures—especially if you’ve ever found yourself in a pickle (pun intended) about which method to use or what jars are best. Remember, canning does not just fill our pantries; it nurtures community through shared knowledge and experiences.

For those of you residing in Wilmington or nearby areas, I highly encourage you to grab your spot in this workshop. As a staunch advocate for maintaining our culinary traditions, I believe these sessions are invaluable in ensuring that the art of canning continues to thrive in our modern world.

Maybe, just maybe, through canning, we can preserve not just our harvests but also our ways of life. After all, what better way to celebrate the fruits of our labor than by bottling them up for ourselves and the generations to come? Together, let’s embrace this resurgence, one jar at a time.

For more information, register here and secure your place in this homemade adventure! Let’s keep these traditions alive, not only for us but for future generations who will relish the flavors of the past in their meals.

Celebrate the harvest season