Canning: Timeless & Trendy
I just love it when old things become new again. Recently, we’ve seen a surge in younger women reconquering the domestic world. It’s becoming popular again for women to bake, sew, knit, and clean. Re-upholstering furniture isn’t just for grandmas anymore. Neither is crocheting. Homeschooling has become widely accepted and encouraged in our Christian culture.
Women have come back around to taking pride in their homes and families, as well as their careers. The Proverbs 31 woman has gone from being an unacheivable myth to becoming a desired goal in the lives of many. We’re taking Titus 2 to heart and learning from the mentors God has provided in our churches and in our families. I recently attended a class on canning at my church and was so blessed by what I learned.
Canning is the process of preserving meats, fruits, vegetables, jellies, and preserves that has been around for ages. Yet in recent years, it has almost become a lost art. However, the trend is back and more women are canning food than ever before. With the internet providing ample resources for tips and recipes, canning is easier than ever.
Proverbs 21:20 says, “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” How often do we assume that what we need will always be available for us? Yet when a blizzard or bad storm approaches, the stores are wiped clean in a matter of minutes. God tells us in His Word that we are wise if we store up our food and resources. Over and over in the Bible, God warns us against laziness and encourages us to work hard and prepare for our futures. We dont’ know what lies ahead and we need to be prepared for what may come.
Whether you have a garden or you like to buy fresh produce from your local market, canning is a great way to store up fruits and veggies for the future while it’s fresh and in season. Meat purchased on sale can be canned and stored, saving your family money. Jellies and preserves can be made using your fresh fruit and stored for gifts to be given throughout the year.
Besides the financial benefits and the security of being prepared, canning can offer an afternoon of sweet fellowship with other women. If you are a pro at canning, invite some ladies over to teach them how. If you’re new at it, ask someone in your church or family that knows how to do it to show you. Pull your resources together and share in the harvest. It can take a few hours to can a batch of jars, depending on what you’re canning, so take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with the women in your life. It’s an investment into your family, your finances, your friendships, and your future.
For specific canning information, visit the official USDA canning site at http://foodsafety.psu.edu/canningguide.html
