If your garden is producing more tomatoes, peaches, peppers or other fresh produce than you can eat right now, canning is a great way to save some of that harvest for later. It can seem intimidating if you have never canned before, but having the right tools makes getting started much easier. At Ace Hardware of Fort Collins, we’ve got you covered. 

Here are three essentials to have on hand for your next canning project.

Start with a water bath canner

The Roots & Harvest Water Bath Canner is a convenient option for home canning. This large capacity electric canner lets you adjust the temperature from 120 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, with an indicator light that lets you know when it reaches the temperature you set. The snug fitting lid helps with energy efficiency, and the built in spigot makes draining easier.

And it is not just for canning. You can also use it to dispense hot beverages or heat water for cooking foods like pasta and corn on the cob.

Make filling and handling jars easier

The Norpro Wide Mouth Canning Set includes six essential tools to help simplify the canning process. The set includes an extra wide mouth funnel for filling jars and tools designed to safely remove hot jars and lids after sterilizing them in boiling water. Having these pieces together in one set means you can spend less time searching for the right tool and more time getting your food preserved.

Stock up on wide mouth jars

You will need somewhere to put all those delicious fruits, vegetables, sauces and salsas. Ball Wide Mouth Mason Jars hold 16 ounces and come with lids and bands for preserving. The wide mouth design makes them especially handy for filling jars with whole fruits and vegetables, and the jars are also freezer safe.

Once your jars are filled and sealed, you will have a pantry full of homemade food ready to enjoy later or share with friends and family.

Ready to give canning a try?

Start with a few recipes and a small batch, then build your canning supplies as you go. With the right equipment from Ace Hardware of Fort Collins, preserving your favorite seasonal foods can become a useful and rewarding kitchen tradition.