We have been canning for years. Just recently we got a great handbook for free from the county extension agent on canning and making jellys, jams, soups etc.
The instructions are easy for all kinds of canning. YOu can get teh books free by contacting your local county agent or USDA office.

julie

Yeah, canning is a good skill to possess. My mom and several relatives of mine have been doing it for a long time as well. I am going to do it when I have a greenhouse of my own someday.

Nothing like homegrown organic jams, veggies, and the like. Kraft foods doesn't have anything on this one.

I would like to grow some Okra, Asparagus, Carrot, and Cucumbers, and can them all, every year, over and over again.

Does canning require special pots, pans, and jars?

I have a pressure cooker that I can use like an autoclave. Would I be using it for my canning activities, when I finally get going?

Would it actually involve a real can or could you use a jar instead?

I have no idea how I would get my hand on the proper type of equipment to use real metal cans.