Canning Supplies & Equipment Essentials

Canning jars are specifically designed to withstand the high temperatures and pressure involved in the canning process, making them a reliable choice for food preservation. They are typically made of glass, which is non-reactive and will not absorb odors or flavors from the food. Common sizes include half-pint, pint, quart, and half-gallon jars. Canning jars are available in regular-mouth or wide-mouth varieties. Wide-mouth jars are easier to fill and empty, making them ideal for chunky foods like pickles or whole fruits. Regular-mouth jars are suitable for liquids and jams. Choosing the right size depends on the types of foods you plan to preserve and the portion sizes you prefer. Here are some of the common styles you might encounter:

• Traditional Canning Jars: Traditional canning jars are the most common type used in canning, often featuring measurement lines along the side. They are common for large batch sizes, making them excellent for soups, stocks, and pickling vegetables.
• Quilted Canning Jars: Quilted jars are a popular choice among canners due to their decorative design and enhanced grip. The raised quilted pattern not only adds a touch of elegance to your preserved goods but also provides a non-slip surface for secure handling. These jars are ideal for jams, jellies, and relishes, making them perfect for gifts or special occasions.
• Smooth Canning Jars: Smooth canning jars offer a sleek and modern look for your preserved foods. These jars provide a clear view of the preserved food items, allowing for easy identification and presentation. Smooth jars are versatile and can be used for a wide range of canning applications, from pickles to sauces to relishes.
• Amber Canning Jars: Amber canning jars are designed to protect light-sensitive foods from UV rays. The amber-colored glass filters out harmful light that can degrade the quality of certain preserved items, such as oils, vinegar, and spices. These jars are a great choice for storing delicate ingredients that require extra protection from light exposure.

Canning lids are vital in creating an airtight seal on your jars, preventing air and bacteria from entering and causing spoilage. There are two main types of canning lids available - traditional metal lids with sealing compounds and newer reusable plastic lids. Traditional metal lids are typically used for one-time canning and require a new lid for each batch. On the other hand, reusable plastic lids are designed for multiple uses and can be a cost-effective option for businesses looking to reduce waste. Traditional metal canning lids are coated with a sealing compound, usually made of a rubberized material like BPA-free plastisol. This compound creates a secure seal when heated during the canning process, ensuring no air can enter the jar. It is important to check the quality of the sealing compound to guarantee a successful canning experience. Canning lids come in various sizes to fit different jar mouth sizes:

• Regular-Mouth Lids: Regular-mouth canning lids have a diameter that fits standard mouth canning jars. These lids are typically used for preserving jams, jellies, and other liquids.
• Wide-Mouth Lids: Wide-mouth canning lids are designed for jars with a larger opening, making them ideal for canning larger food items such as fruits, vegetables, and pickles. The wider opening of these jars allows for easier filling and removal of contents. 

One of the key pieces of equipment you will need for canning is a canning pot. Canning pots are specifically designed to accommodate the unique requirements of the canning method you are looking to use, whether it is water-bath canning or pressure canning. When selecting a canning pot, look for one that is large enough to accommodate the size and number of jars you plan to process.

• Water-Bath Canners: Water-bath canning is a popular method used for preserving high-acid foods such as fruits, pickles, and jams. A water-bath canner typically features a large, deep pot with a fitted lid and a rack that sits at the bottom of the pot to hold the jars in place. The pot is filled with water, and the jars are submerged in the water and heated to a specific temperature to create an airtight seal that prevents the growth of bacteria and spoilage. 
• Pressure Canners: Pressure canning is used for preserving low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, and poultry. Unlike water-bath canning, pressure canning requires a specialized pressure canner that can reach higher temperatures necessary to safely preserve low-acid foods. Pressure canners are typically made of heavy-duty aluminum or stainless steel and feature a locking lid with a pressure gauge to monitor and regulate the pressure inside the canner.

When it comes to preserving foods through canning, certain additives are essential to ensure the quality and safety of the final product. Canning and pickling salt, as well as pectin, are two key additives that play important roles in the canning process. These additives are essential for maintaining the flavor, texture, and safety of canned goods, making them valuable components of any commercial canning operation.

• Canning and Pickling Salt: Canning and pickling salt is a pure granulated salt without iodine or anti-caking additives. This type of salt is specifically designed for canning and pickling due to its fine texture and ability to dissolve easily. It enhances the flavor of the ingredients without causing cloudiness or discoloration in the brine.
• Pectin: Pectin is a natural carbohydrate found in fruits that acts as a gelling agent when heated with sugar and acid. This additive is commonly used in jams, jellies, and fruit preserves to achieve the desired consistency and texture. Pectin helps thicken the fruit mixture and create a gel-like structure that holds the ingredients together. 

Jar filling tools help streamline the filling process, reduce spillage, and maintain the quality of your canned goods. Here are some essential jar filling tools that every commercial kitchen or canning operation should have:

• Funnels: Canning funnels are a must-have tool for filling jars with liquids, sauces, or jams. They help guide the contents into the jars without spilling, minimizing mess and waste. Choose funnels with wide mouths to accommodate various jar sizes and ensure a smooth pouring experience.
• Bubble Removers: Bubble removers, also known as bubble poppers, are handy tools for releasing air bubbles trapped in jars filled with liquids. These bubbles can affect the seal and shelf life of canned goods. Bubble removers typically feature a long, narrow design that allows you to reach the bottom of the jar and release any trapped air bubbles.
• Wrenches: Jar wrenches are specialized tools designed to securely tighten and loosen jar lids during the canning process. These wrenches provide a firm grip on jar lids, ensuring a proper seal that prevents spoilage and contamination. Look for wrenches with adjustable jaws to accommodate different jar lid sizes.

Canning lifting tools are designed to safely handle hot jars and lids, reducing the risk of burns and spills. Two essential lifting tools for canning are jar lifters and lid lifters.

• Jar Lifters: Canning jar lifters are specially designed tongs with a curved end that securely grips the sides of canning jars. They are used to safely adjust and lift hot jars in and out of boiling water or pressure canners. Jar lifters provide a secure grip on the jars, allowing you to transfer them without risking breakage or injury.
• Lid Lifters: Lid lifters are small, magnetized tools that are used to lift and position canning lids out of hot water and onto jars. These handy tools eliminate the need to touch the hot lids, reducing the risk of contamination and burns. Lid lifters ensure that the lids are placed correctly and securely on the jars, helping to create a tight seal for proper canning.