Shows
Perfectly Preserved PodcastThe Best Way to Keep Jars Warm Before ProcessingCracked jars and under processed food sound like a canner’s nightmare, right? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we dive into how to keep jars warm before processing. Jenny explains why you must warm your jars before filling them, and why the best warming method depends on your personal circumstances. She’ll walk you through the most time-efficient ways to warm your jars whether you’re steam canning, water bath canning, or pressure canning. You’ll also be surprised to learn why you don’t need to sterilize your jars before starting the canning process. ...2024-10-2323 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastTackling Pressure Canner Problems TogetherIs it time to phone a friend with your latest canning struggle? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we help a dear listener with her problematic pressure canner.While we wish it weren’t true, not all pressure canners are created equal. Jenny deep dives into the Barton pressure canner user manual and product specifications. You’ll hear where this particular pressure canner and its manufacturer fall short. Her discussion gives listeners a tale of caution when selecting new canning equipment and shares best practices for using other pressure canners. She shares advice on water measur...2024-10-1633 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastIs it safe to can in my pressure cooker?: Pressure Canning Appliances ExplainedAre you in search of a pressure canning appliance that can do it all? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss kitchen appliances that are marketed for pressure canning.Jenny discusses the technical differences between pressure canners, pressure cookers, and electric pressure cookers. You’ll learn the capabilities of a pressure canner that allow it to safely preserve shelf-stable food. Tune in as Jenny debunks the use of Instant Pots or other electric pressure cookers as pressure canners, and shares all the ins and outs of the Presto Digital Pressure Canner. Low-acid press...2024-10-0929 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Can Hot Sauce, BBQ Sauce, and CondimentsReady to spice up your meals and share the love with homemade condiments? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to can hot sauce, BBQ sauce, and other condiments.Jenny clears the air of misinformation to bring you safe and tested recipes for your most-loved sauces. Listen to be in the know on how to select suitable tomatoes and vinegar for these products. You’ll learn how to safely modify a hot sauce or BBQ sauce recipe without lowering the acidity. You also won’t want to miss how to make ketchup with a uniq...2024-10-0229 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastPressure Canning Wild GameIt’s time to further your homesteading skills and diversify your pantry with a crash course in preserving wild game! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to pressure wild game.Jenny shares her first-hand experience with preserving buck as her very first pressure canning endeavor. She discusses the benefits of pressure canning wild game, including meat tenderness and improved flavor. You’ll learn the pros and cons of raw packing versus hot packing your meat and the best ways to flavor wild game. Further your wild game knowledge with information on preserving sausag...2024-09-2430 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastPressure Canning SeafoodIf you’re interested in preserving all things from our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams, it’s time to tune in. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to pressure can seafood.We share why seafood must be pressure canned and how to handle it for safe preservation. Find out what ingredients to add to preserve seafood’s taste and texture, and steps to take to ensure a tight seal when dealing with fatty fish. You’ll also learn the ins and outs of canning salmon, tuna, crab, oysters, shrimp, and more things that swim...2024-09-1834 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastMaking Apple CiderWith apples in abundance, it’s time to make the most of them by using every last drop. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to make and preserve apple cider at home. You’ll learn what tools you need for a smooth apple cider making process, and which apples are best for apple cider. Jenny also shares advice for using every last bit of your apples like a true food preservationist and how to pasteurize your cider while maintaining the fresh taste. You’ll also learn how to ferment apple cider to make an a...2024-09-1126 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Make Flavored VinegarsIf you’re looking for ways to preserve now that will enhance your cooking later, look no further! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share how to prepare and store flavored vinegars.We discuss container options for flavored vinegar and how to properly prepare them, including corked bottles for your cottagecore goals. You’ll learn how to infuse your vinegar with just enough of the right herbs for the best flavor, along with unique flavor pairings. Jenny also walks listeners through how to select vinegar from distilled white, to apple cider vinegar or wine vinega...2024-09-0521 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastEverything PumpkinFew things say fall more than pumpkin, but did you know it can only be preserved with some guidelines in mind? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to preserve everything pumpkin. We discuss what sets pumpkin apart from other foods, and what that means for how to preserve it. You’ll learn what it takes to work around pumpkin’s low acidity and high density when canning, as well as how to dehydrate and freeze pumpkin. Jenny also shares some favorite apple recipes for more fall preservation. Tune in, get inspired...2024-08-2826 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastTaste of Home: Preserving Regional FavoritesIs there a preserved food that feels and tastes like home to you? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share preserves that hold a special place in various regions of the country. You’ll learn about the most-loved preserves from across the nation, and tips to make them as delectable as can be. Jenny discusses what makes a preserve special, her secret ingredient for blackberry jam, and how to make sure your family salsa recipe is safe. You also may be surprised to hear the one condiment you can preserve to brighten any winter day. ...2024-08-2123 minPerfectly Preserved Podcast3 Things to Pressure Can for Back to SchoolBack-to-school season means busier days ahead, and pressure canning is here to ease your load! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share three things to pressure can to help your family this school year.You’ll learn how to make delicious recipes from The Pressure Canning Cookbook by Jennifer Gomes. These include Gram’s Hamburger Soup, Chili Con Carne, and Every Bean and Ham Soup. You won’t want to miss Jenny’s expert advice for ensuring seals on pressure canned jars, special steps to avoid botulism, and how to make sure your press...2024-08-1521 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastBest Canning Advice Our Listeners Have ReceivedDon’t just take canning advice from us, hear from our listeners! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share the best canning advice our listeners have received. You’ll learn tips and tricks from others, including the best way to find new safe and tested recipes and the one canning item you should only buy from a name brand. Jenny shares the canning equipment that listeners say you must try, along with guidance on how to gain confidence with canning. She also gives away the best pointer she learned during the Master Food Preserver Course...2024-08-0719 minPerfectly Preserved Podcast3 Things You Should Can This WeekCanning season is at its peak. Wondering where to focus your time? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share three (plus a few more) things you should can this week. We’ve curated a list of our most beloved and practical foods to can so you don’t have to feel scrambled. We share why berry jam yields high satisfaction and what is missing from your jam if it’s not quite right. We also offer ideas for bottled fruit, and warn of one fruit we don’t recommend bottling. You’ll learn what you should ca...2024-07-3130 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastPreserving MushroomsIt’s time to expand your horizons and elevate your pantry staples with preserved mushrooms! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss everything you need to know about how to preserve mushrooms so you can start today. We get into which varieties of mushrooms are safe for home preservation and why preserving foraged mushrooms is not recommended. You’ll learn how to prepare mushrooms for canning and how Jenny’s pressure canned mushrooms turned out. We also teach you how to freeze and freeze dry mushrooms, and walk through Anna’s pickled mushroom recipe. We hope...2024-07-1721 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastWhat to Know For Your Very First Summer CanningIf you’re just starting out with canning this summer, look no further! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss what you need to know if this is your very first summer canning. We have everything you need to get started with canning right here in this episode. We teach you how your elevation will inform your canning practices and about all of the essential equipment you need. Jenny offers her best advice for how to get comfortable with canning quickly, and Anna shares ideas for storing your equipment. You'll also learn how to know...2024-07-1038 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Get the Most Crisp Pickle with Calcium ChlorideIt’s time to get into summer mode with crisp homemade pickles! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we dive into how to make the most crisp pickles and other preserves. This episode covers all of the common additives used to make crisp preserves, so you can choose the best one for you. We cover why pickling lime is now considered a subpar additive and how it can lead to botulism. You’ll also learn why calcium chloride is a great choice for crisp preserves and how to use it with any pickle recipe. Anna shares...2024-06-1221 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastCanning Baby FoodIf you have a baby in your life who you want to make nutritious food for, then this is just the episode for you. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to make canned baby food. This episode is perfect for you if you want to take the reins to know what’s in your baby food and how it was produced. We cover how homemade canned baby food differs from store bought baby food. This includes how to safely can purees, which foods need to be pressure canned in chunks, and how to se...2024-06-0526 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastAre Canned Foods Unhealthy?Wondering where canned goods fall on the health scale? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to make your canned foods as healthy as possible.We cover ways you can add nourishing foods to your pantry by canning. You’ll learn about which organic foods you can can to reduce your pesticide exposure, how pressure-canned beans and meat are nutrient dense pantry staples, and why canned tomatoes are our most valued item. We also discuss ways canned foods can be unhealthy and what you can do to avoid these pitfalls. Done right...2024-05-2928 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Get Ready for Canning SeasonOn this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss how to get ready for the canning season. Grab your pen and paper! This episode is full of our most helpful tips to set yourself up for a successful canning season.We cover how to spring clean your kitchen for canning and take a canning inventory. You’ll also hear what you can do now to lower your canning expenses and how to maintain your pressure canner. Jenny shares her favorite canning books for recipe inspiration, and Anna covers how to plan your garden for preserving. Put...2024-05-2222 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastCanning With No or Low Sugar and Sugar SubstitutesDoes high sugar content have you down about canned goods? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we dive into canning with low sugar or no sugar.We cover every option for lightening up or eliminating the sugar in your canning recipes. You’ll learn how to use fruit juice, how to substitute sugar for honey, and how artificial sweeteners affect a recipe. We also share our experience with Pamona’s Pectin in low-sugar recipes. Use these tips to try on new healthy recipes or lighten up old favorites! Thanks for list...2024-05-1523 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow To Save Time by Stacking Your Canning JarsIf you find yourself wanting to expedite the canning process, then this is the episode for you. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we discuss if you can safely stack jars in your pressure canner or water bath canner to save time. We tell you everything you need to know in order to stack your jars in a water bath canner and pressure canner without compromising safety. You’ll learn the guidelines for stacking in a water bath canner, including the supplies needed, processing time, and our best tips for ensuring you have enough water. We als...2024-05-0822 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Ship Canned ItemsGlass jars and shipping aren’t always the best match, but we have some helpful secrets to share. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we teach you everything you need to know about how to ship canned goods.We share our very best tips, including how to make the shipping cost more reasonable and the best material to keep jars from breaking. Anna tells why she always puts each jar through a drop test, and Jenny shares ways to make the jars you send extra special. You’ll also hear our best ideas for jams, jellie...2024-05-0125 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastCold Smoked Bacon and Other Meat PreservationReady to take your preservation skills beyond jars? On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we share how to cold smoke bacon and discuss other forms of meat preservation.Anna is here to give all the secrets she learned in her recent cold smoked bacon class, allowing you to learn from her experience. She walks through the process of cold smoking bacon from start to finish and explains why it’s superior to store-bought bacon. We also cover guidelines for preserving other meats including making jerky and safely handling pork and wild game.We hope...2024-04-2423 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastWhat We Are Canning This Summer | Inspo and IdeasSummer is around the corner, meaning every canner is making grand plans for canning season. On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, Anna and Jenny are together to share what they’re excited to preserve this summer.Join in on our enthusiasm for the canning season! Anna shares how a drip system will revolutionize both her garden and preservation plans, and Jenny explains why bone broth and tomato sauce are on her must-do list. You’ll also hear what went well last year that we plan to repeat this season. It’s no secret that we lov...2024-04-1721 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Make Floral, Herbal, & Evergreen JelliesSpring is in the air, and we’re here to help you embrace every bit of it! On this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we cover how to make jellies and more with wildflowers, herbs, and evergreens.We share the key components of flower petal canning recipes and why each ingredient is necessary to make a safe and delicious product. Anna shares her dreams of making spruce tip jelly and Jenny talks about her crack at making violet jelly. You’ll learn how to preserve jellies, syrups, and juices all with foraged ingredients. We also discuss how to...2024-04-1025 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHistory of Canning RecommendationsOn this week’s episode of Perfectly Preserved, we’re diving into the history of food preservation. With so much noise around what’s safe and what’s not, we’re stepping in to share how canning has evolved and what canning recommendations have stood the test of time.Our discussion will turn you into the canning history buff you’ve always wanted to be. We talk about the invention of the mason jar, canning practices throughout WWI and WWII, and how industrial canning came to be. You’ll also learn about Amish canning practices, the USDA’s recommendation...2024-04-0326 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastBonus Episode: The Pressure Canning Cookbook is Available today!Drumroll, please! Today marks the grand release of The Pressure Canning Cookbook, written by your host, Jenny Gomes. In this episode, Anna and Jenny offer a preview of this amazing pressure canning resource.Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie to the world of pressure canning, this cookbook is your ticket to preserving perfection. With Jenny’s crystal clear instructions, you'll confidently navigate the pressure canning process like a culinary maestro. The variety of recipes included will make any family happy and will ensure your pantry is stocked with homemade goodness year-round. Pick up you...2024-04-0210 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastSpecial Announcement: Live Canning Class April 5thJenny’s new cookbook, The Pressure Canning Cookbook, launches on April 2nd, which calls for celebration with our listeners! Tune in to hear all the details on what we’re doing and how you can join the fun.The Pressure Canning Cookbook launch events are as follows:Live pressure canning class- Join us for an evening of good company and pressure canning. Learn how to make Jenny’s navy bean chicken chili. You’ll leave with your own jar of soup and a copy of Jenny’s new book! April 5th...2024-03-2807 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastJars of Many Colors: What's Normal and What's NotCloudy liquid, darkening at the top? How do you know if the food in your jars is safe to consume? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we tell you everything you need to know to assess the safety of your canned goods. We discuss why your liquid might be cloudy and what it means, darkening at the tops of jars, and potential changes to corn. You’ll also learn how minerals affect foods’ color and how ripeness may change the color of your finished product. Jenny offers a tale of caution about pineapple salsa a...2024-03-2719 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastThe Canning CommunityCanning has many benefits, one of which is the opportunity to build community around a hobby you love. Does canning currently provide you with community? Listen in to hear our best advice for creating community through canning.We’ll walk you through what we’ve done to enjoy a community centered around canning and share ideas for how you can do the same. We offer ideas on how to learn how to can, types of canning gatherings you can put on, and how to teach canning classes. You’ll also hear how Anna’s built community through...2024-03-2038 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastIs Sealed the Same as Preserved?If you find yourself wavering on a recipe’s safety or questioning if that home-canned gift from the neighbor is safe to eat, this is the episode for you! On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss if sealed is the same as preserved. This episode will teach you what to look for in a safe canning recipe and how to make sure items you’re gifted or purchase are fit to consume. We cover what constitutes a safely-preserved and ready to enjoy food product. You’ll learn why this goes beyond a visible se...2024-03-1323 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastHow to Make Pepper JellyLooking to bring some heat to your next gathering with a delicious homemade preserve? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we teach you how to make pepper jelly.Pepper jelly is a versatile spread, and we share our favorite ways to enjoy it. We also discuss that method of adding butter to jelly, why we personally don’t add butter, and how it affects your finished product. You’ll learn about processing times for pepper jelly, how to use pectin, Anna’s tried and true methods for adding heat, and more!Use our...2024-03-0623 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastThe Most Frustrating Things About CanningIf you’d like to commiserate with other canning insiders, you’ve come to the right place! On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we’re letting ourselves acknowledge all of the worst parts about canning despite our love for it. We rank what we resent most about canning from prepping clingstone peaches to broken jars. Jenny shares how waiting for water to boil drains her and Anna discusses her battles with hot peppers. You’ll also be able to connect with us if you despise peeling tomatoes or have battled to remove sticky fruit leath...2024-02-2829 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastAll About CurdsTake advantage of fresh winter citrus and can along with us! On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we’re putting the spotlight on curds. Curds are a delightful item to make and preserve, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make citrus curds yourself. We share the variety of ways to use curd from adding it to yogurt to making tarts, and what makes it different from other home-canned goods. You’ll learn what ingredients are included in a safe and tested curd recipe, and why it’s safe to w...2024-02-2121 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastAn Insider's Look at The Pressure Canning CookbookLook no further if you’re interested in learning more about pressure canning and adding fresh pressure canning recipes to your kitchen! This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, Jenny tells all about her pressure canning cookbook and the process of writing it. You’ll hear from Jenny about what led her to writing this cookbook and the behind the scenes of writing a food preservation book. Jenny discusses all she put into the book to support readers with pressure canning through clarity and just the right amount of education. Anna and Jenny also talk about which recip...2024-02-1421 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastAre Ball Canning Recipes Safe?If you want to ensure you’re using safe-tested recipes, then this is an episode you don’t want to miss! This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we are diving into the great questions around Ball canning recipes and their safety.We discuss exactly who is cautioning against using Ball canning recipes and unpack the reasoning behind their logic. We address the concerns around Ball’s testing, use of sugar and salt, measurement, and explanations. You’ll hear the responses we received from experts around the country in addition to our own opinions in order to make you...2024-02-0720 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastPerfectly Preserved Season 2 is Coming Soon!Season 2 of Perfectly Preserved Podcast starts next week! Anna and Jenny are thrilled to bring you a fresh season full of food preservation tips and tricks with spotlights on pressure canning advice from Jenny's new cookbook and happenings from their own kitchens. Your hosts can't wait to support you through yet another successful canning season with episodes you won't want to miss! Tune in to the first episode of the season on February 7th. Support the showHelp support the show here: buymeacoffee.com/perfectlypreservedpodcast 2024-01-3100 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastIs Honey Fermented Garlic Safe?Trying to keep your family healthy over the cold and flu season? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we delve into the use of honey fermented garlic as a natural immunity booster and offer the information you need to understand the safety concerns behind this practice. We share how we came across honey fermented garlic and how it is made. You’ll learn about the multiple factors in the fermentation process of honey fermented garlic that pose a high risk of C botulinum. These include the use of honey, an anaerobic fermentation environment, low a...2023-10-2521 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastA Closer Look at Pur Mason Canning SuppliesWondering what sets Pur Mason apart from other canning supply companies? This week on the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we are excited to bring you a special feature episode on Pure Mason and our experiences using their jars and lids. We share what sets Pur Mason apart from other brands, including their lid quality and distinctive design that creates a reliable seal. You’ll learn how colored glass jars help protect canned goods from the effects of light and how the unique shapes of Pur Mason are both aesthetically pleasing and helpful for can...2023-10-1818 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastEverything Apples: Preserving Fall's BountyFall is in the air and fresh apples are calling your name! On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss all there is to know about preserving apples so you can enjoy them from fall through summer. We share our suggestions for how to preserve apples in various ways, from canned applesauce and apple juice, to dehydrated apple rings and apple fruit leather. You’ll also learn why Clear Jel is a must-have ingredient for perfect canned apple pie filling and how to pretreat apples to avoid oxidation and keep them...2023-10-1119 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastAll Things SalsaIf canning salsa is on your list for this season, then this is an episode you don’t want to miss. On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss all things salsa to help you successfully can great shelf-stable homemade salsa. We cover why you need to be mindful of using safe tested recipes when it comes to salsa. This includes how tomatoes aren’t high in acid as most people think and what added ingredients you need to safely water bath can tomato salsa. We share our favorite salsa recipes...2023-10-0420 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastNeed to Know Tips to Avoid SiphoningWondering how to tell fact from fiction when it comes to food preservation advice? On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we discuss the safety concerns around the recommendation to reduce the amount of water in a water bath so that the water doesn’t cover jars during processing. This poor advice comes with claims that it will reduce siphoning. We’re here to set the record straight!We take time to discuss the four things that can cause siphoning in canning and share our best tips for reducing siphoning safely. You’ll leave...2023-09-2719 minPerfectly Preserved PodcastSafe Canning: Major and Minor Mistakes You Can't Afford to MakeIf you want to ensure safe food preservation in your kitchen, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. On this week’s episode of the Perfectly Preserved Podcast, we are talking about major and minor common canning mistakes that every canner should be aware of.We'll dive into the major canning mistakes that can have dangerous consequences, such as making up your own canning recipe and adding extra starch or thickener to a recipe. We'll explain why these mistakes can lead to undercooking and the growth of harmful bacteria. We'll also cover the minor cann...2023-09-2026 min