subject: What Is A Pressure Canner? [print this page] While pressure canners have been popular in home kitchens since the 1970's, I still run across people who aren't quite sure what they actually are. While a pressure canner is similar in design and mechanics to a pressure cooker, there's one key difference. Only a pressure canner is sufficient for preserving and canning your foods.
A pressure canner is typically used to preserve low acid foods such as meats, fish, poultry and most vegetables. While "water-bath canning" exists, the temperature achieved is not high enough to safely store low acid foods, causing botulinum bacteria to survive. This poses a major health threat so due to this, pressure canning is the only method deemed safe for use.
Pressure canning provides a quick, easy and already prepared meal for those nights where you feel lazy and don't want to waste hours cooking and preparing. If you have a large family, a pressure canner will become your best friend because of how much time and hassle it saves at the end of the day. There are also many canning recipes out there so if you're feeling experimental or looking to try something new, a pressure canner may be a great option for that alone.
A unique quality is that sometimes, canning can also change and improve the overall texture of whatever it is that you're preserving. When it comes to vegetables like peas, the results can be outstanding so I find myself canning at times for the taste alone. If you are a fan of using stocks, you'll be in luck because the left over water can become a great base, filled with old fashioned flavor.
Canning can also save you money for multiple reasons. While people often freeze produce, the risk of freezer burn is high and many products get trashed daily because of this. Not only that but the average person doesn't have much freezer space so it's a cheaper option to purchase a pressure canner as opposed to investing in another freezer.
Pressure canning is the perfect option for any family as well. It's a healthy alternative to everyday foods and the old fashioned preparation brings back the true essence of cooking. Knowing how to safely process foods for the long term is something that everybody should know nowadays, especially with natural disasters being on the rise.
When Autumn comes around, preparing and harvesting meats and vegetables always becomes a charming memory and that alone makes pressure canning a passion of mine. Between the health benefits, money saving and family time together, a pressure canner has became the number one staple in my kitchen and I couldn't be happier.
