Canning is a great way to preserve your garden’s bounty for the winter. And with frozen vegetables, it’s easy to can them without any blanching needed.
Here’s a guide on how to can frozen vegetables so you can enjoy them all year long!
If you’re like me, you probably have a lot of frozen vegetables in your freezer. And if you’re like me, sometimes you can’t finish them all before they go bad. So what do you do? You can can them! Here are a few reasons why you might want to know how to can frozen vegetables:
-You want to save money by preserving your own vegetables
-You want to have control over the ingredients in your food
-You want to be able to eat fresh vegetables even in the winter
The main challenge people face when learning how to Can Frozen Vegetables is that they don’t know how to properly thaw the vegetables. If you try to can them while they are still frozen, the canning process will not kill all of the bacteria, which could lead to food poisoning.
Another challenge is that frozen vegetables tend to be less flavorful than fresh vegetables. This is because the freezing process breaks down some of the cell walls, which release water and other flavors.
1. How To Can Frozen Vegetables
Frozen vegetables are a great way to have fresh produce on hand all year long. By learning how to can frozen vegetables, you can extend their shelf life and enjoy them even when they are not in season.
Canning is a process of preserving food by heating it to a temperature that destroys microorganisms and seals the food in an airtight container. It is a safe and easy way to preserve your vegetables for later use.
How to prepare the vegetables
Thoroughly wash and trim the vegetables. Cut into uniform pieces.
To blanch:
Plunge vegetables into boiling water for the time specified below. Remove and immediately shock in cold water. Drain well.
Blanching times:
Asparagus – 3 minutes
Beans – 2-3 minutes
Broccoli – 3 minutes
Carrots – 2-3 minutes
Cauliflower – 3 minutes
Corn – 3 minutes
Green peas – 2-3 minutes
Kohlrabi – 3 minutes
Limas – 3 minutes
Okra – 2-3 minutes
Spinach – 1-2 minutes
Summer squash – 2-3 minutes
Tomatoes – blanching is not necessary
Winter squash – 3 minutes
Zucchini – 2-3 minutes
To freeze:
Pack vegetables into freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and label. Freeze for up to 12 months.
How to can the vegetables
If you’ve taken the time to freeze your vegetables, you want to make sure that they’ll taste just as good when you’re ready to eat them. Canned vegetables can last for years on your shelf, and if done properly, will retain their flavor and nutritional value.
Here’s how to can frozen vegetables so that they’re ready when you are.
1. Choose the right vegetables. Not all vegetables are suitable for canning. Avoid any that are already starting to rot, as this will affect the taste and quality of your canned vegetables.
2. Blanch the vegetables. Blanching is a quick process of boiling vegetables to kill bacteria and enzymes that can cause them to spoil. It also helps to retain color and flavor.
3. Fill the jars. Carefully fill your jars with the blanched vegetables, making sure to leave enough headspace at the top of the jar.
4. Add a canning liquid. This step is optional, but adding a canning liquid can help to improve the flavor and texture of your canned vegetables.
5. Process the jars. Follow the instructions for your canning equipment to process the jars. This will typically involve heating them in a water bath for a period of time.
6. Store the jars. Once they’ve been processed, store your canned vegetables in a cool, dark place. They’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you need them!
What kind of vegetables can be canned
Only certain vegetables can be canned using the freezing method. These include corn, green beans, peas, and mixed vegetables. Other vegetables can be blanched (heated in boiling water for a short time) before freezing to help preserve their quality.
What kind of equipment is needed
You’ll need a large pot, a colander, canning jars and lids, a canning funnel, and a jar lifter. You’ll also need to make sure you have enough headspace in your pot for the amount of jars you’re working with.
How do I fill the jars?
Use a canning funnel to fill each jar with vegetables, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar. To help prevent spoilage, make sure to remove any air bubbles by running a non-metallic spatula or chopstick around the inside of the jars.
How do I process the jars?
Once the jars are filled, screw on the lids and rings until they’re tight. Place the jars in a large pot of boiling water, making sure they’re covered by at least an inch of water. Boil the jars for the recommended time (this will vary depending on the vegetables you’re canning and the altitude of your location).
What are the safety precautions
When canning frozen vegetables, always use a pressure canner. Pressure canning is the only safe way to preserve food using the canning method. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular pressure canner.
To safely can frozen vegetables, you will need to adjust the processing time based on the size of the jars that you are using. For pint jars, the processing time should be increased by 5 minutes. For quart jars, the processing time should be increased by 10 minutes.
Be sure to sterilize all of your canning equipment before using it. This includes the pressure canner, jars, lids, and rings. You can sterilize the jars and lids by boiling them for 10 minutes. The rings can be sterilized by boiling them for 5 minutes.
Once you have prepared your equipment, it is time to start canning. Fill each jar with the frozen vegetables, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar. Be sure to pack the vegetables in tightly so that they will be properly preserved.
Next, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or 1/2 teaspoon of citric acid to each jar. This will help to preserve the color and flavor of the vegetables.
Then, attach the lid to each jar, and screw on the ring finger-tight. Place the jars in the pressure canner, making sure that they are not touching each other.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular pressure canner to process the jars. For pint jars, the processing time should be increased by 5 minutes. For quart jars, the processing time should be increased by 10 minutes.
Once the jars have finished processing, remove them from the canner and allow them to cool for 24 hours. Be sure to check the seals on the jars before storing them. If the seal is broken, the food inside of the jar will not be safe to eat.
2. Tips To Can Frozen Vegetables
Canning frozen vegetables is a great way to have fresh vegetables on hand all year long. Here are some tips to help you get started:
– Choose fresh, firm vegetables that have been properly washed and trimmed.
– Blanching the vegetables will help preserve their color, texture and nutrients. To blanch, simply place the vegetables in boiling water for a few minutes before placing them in the canning jars.
– Make sure to leave enough headspace when filling the jars so that the vegetables have room to expand during the canning process.
– Use a pressure canner to process the jars according to manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that the vegetables are properly sealed and safe to eat.
3. Variations To Can Frozen Vegetables
It’s important to vary the vegetables you can to keep things interesting. Not only does this add nutritional value to your diet, but it also prevents boredom with your food selection.
With a variety of canned vegetables at your disposal, you can always find a delicious and satisfying meal.
1. Start by preparing your workstation. You will need a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a canning pot. Fill the pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. While the water is boiling, wash and trim your vegetables. Cut them into small pieces that will fit easily into jars or cans.
3. Once the water is boiling, carefully add your vegetables to the pot. Allow them to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender.
4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked vegetables from the pot and place them in a bowl.
5. Add 1-2 tablespoons of canning salt to the water and stir to dissolve.
6. Carefully add your jars or cans to the pot and fill them with the cooked vegetables. Leave 1-2 inches of headspace at the top of each jar or can.
7. Once all of the jars or cans are filled, screw on the lids and tighten them until they are finger-tight.
8. Return the pot of jars or cans to a boil and process for 10 minutes.
9. Carefully remove the jars or cans from the pot and allow them to cool on a towel or rack. Check the seals on the lids after they have cooled completely. If any of the lids are not sealed, refrigerate those jars or cans and use them within 2 weeks.
Conclusion
Frozen vegetables are a great way to have fresh vegetables all year long. By following these tips, you can learn how to can frozen vegetables safely and easily. Not only is this a convenient way to have your favorite veggies on hand, but it’s also a healthy and affordable option. So why not give it a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it!
FAQ
1. What is the best way to store canned frozen vegetables?
Canned frozen vegetables should be stored in a cool, dark place. The ideal storage temperature is between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. How long do canned frozen vegetables last?
Properly canned and sealed jars of frozen vegetables can last for up to 1 year.
3. What should I do if my jar of canned frozen vegetables does not seal?
If your jar of canned frozen vegetables does not seal, you can either refrigerate it and use it within 2 weeks, or you can reprocess the jar using the same canning method.
4. Can I add spices or other seasonings to my canned frozen vegetables?
Yes, you can add spices or other seasonings to your canned frozen vegetables. Just be sure to add them after the veggies have been cooked and before you fill the jars or cans.
5. What is the best way to reheat canned frozen vegetables?
The best way to reheat canned frozen vegetables is to place them in a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave. Just be sure not to overcook them, as this will cause them to lose their nutrients.
