Why Can? 

Eat good food.
Save Money.
Reduce waste.
Eco-friendly.
Long shelf life.
Fun hobby.

What you need to get started:
• mason-style jars
• funnel
• ladle
• large stock pot
• tongs

Step 1: Thoroughly wash your jars and lids.

Step 2: Prep your fruits or veggies (don’t have a recipe? FreshPreserving.com is a great resource)

Step 3: Fill your jars (use funnel if needed). Remember, don’t overfill in order to prevent leakage after the boiling process. Place lids back on jars.

Step 4: Submerge filled jars into simmering water using tongs. Bring the water to a slow boil for approximately 10 minutes (depends on altitude and recipe).

Step 5: Turn off heat, let stand in water for 5 minutes then remove jars to let cool.

Step 6: Label jars with contents and date and store in a cool, dark cabinet. Typically, canned foods have a shelf life of at least one year, but sometimes much longer!

Pick up all of your canning materials at Ace Hardware of Fort Collins!

Tip: keep jars room temperature prior to canning to reduce the risk of cracking when submerged into hot water.

*This canning method uses the water bath technique; you can use the pressure canning method or freezer method depending on recipe.
*Please contact your stove manufacturer if using a glass top stove, as some are unsafe for canning.