Canning was super intimidating when I first started. Small-batch canning helped me get over that fear and actually preserve food that my family could use! Sharing the tools and resources I use to process smaller amounts of food.
Sections
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Water Bath Canning Equipment
Small Batch Canning Resources
Small-Batch Canning Recipes
Water Bath Canning Equipment
All the stuff you need to can with the water bath method.
All-in-one-kit. Canning pot, rack, funnel tongs, etc.
Water Bath Canning Pot Kit with Rack & Lid
You can use even a regular stock pot like this for canning as long as you can cover your jars by an inch of water or more. You'll also need to put a kitchen towel or trivet at the bottom so that the jars don't touch the pot directly.
IMUSA 20 Qt Stainless Steel Stock Pot with Lid
Jar lifters are essential for getting jars in and out of boiling water safely. These are sturdier than the other kind in my opinion!
Ball Secure-Grip Jar Lifter, Regular, Clear
I like using the little half-pint quilted jars to can small batches. They're also the perfect size for gifting.
Ball Quilted Crystal Glass Mason Jars, 4-Pack
Super cute flute jars. These are the pint size (16 oz) and use the regular mouth lids.
Ball Glass Flute Jars, 16 Ounces, 4 Pack
Regular mouth pint mason jars. These will likely be cheaper if you buy them in stores. Look for sales!
Ball Regular Mouth Pint Mason Jars 8 Ct
Use a fresh lid each time you can. This ensures the best seal every time. Make sure lids are not damaged.
Regular Mouth Lids for Mason Jars, 72-Count
Cute labels for gifting. I love that these dissolve in water so they're easy to get off!
DGBDPACK 400 Dissolvable Mason Jar Labels
Stainless steel canning funnel (I use these all the time outside of canning!)
TRUSBER Metal Canning Funnel & Strainer
Pectin for canning jams and jellies. Pomona's allows you to can with lower amounts of sugar (if you're into that!)
Pomonas Pectin Universal 1.1 Ounce (Pack of 3)
Calcium chloride helps keep pickles crunchy
5.5oz BALL Pickle Crisp Granules Canning
Small Batch Canning Resources
Books, recipes, how-to's etc. You don't have to do this alone! Find someone to teach you how to can IRL, but if you can't, try these resources.
Lots of small batch canning and fermenting recipes from Weck
WECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes
First canning book I bought and loved. It also has fermenting recipes too.
Can It & Ferment It: 75+ Small-Batch Recipes
Truthfully I have not made anything from this book, but the recipes look delicious. I like unusual foods and this has some fun ideas.
Preserving by the Pint: Quick Seasonal Canning
Great blog post on small batch canning
Small Batch Canning 101
Another helpful blog post on how to can small batches
Small Batch Canning: Scale down recipes & maintain safety.
Simple step-by-step guide to water bath canning with pictures to give you an idea of how the process goes no matter which recipe you use.
Water Bath Canning | Ball® Mason Jars |
Small-Batch Canning Recipes
My canning recipe for cranberry jam
Cranberry Jam: How to Make and Preserve for the Holidays - Not Quite a Homestead
Candied jalapeño relish is delicious on burgers and hotdogs, but my favorite way to eat it is as a baked dip with cream cheese and chips.
How to Make and Preserve Candied Jalapeño Relish - Not Quite a Homestead
So yummy!
Peach Habanero Hot Sauce
Small batch recipe for heavenly strawberry jam. Especially if you use fresh-picked strawberries… this jam will rock your world.
Small Batch Strawberry Jam, No Pectin and No Butter
