Food preservation has made a comeback in recent years among home cooks and gardeners. One of the most efficient and sustainable methods is canning dehydrated foods. Learning how to can dehydrated foods not only extends the life of your pantry staples but also guarantees a steady supply of healthy meals. Here are the benefits, equipment, canning process, safety tips, and recipes to get the most out of your dehydrated foods.
Canning dehydrated foods have many benefits:
Before you start canning dehydrated foods, make sure you have all the equipment and ingredients ready. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more successful.
Check your canning jars for cracks and chips. Wash them with hot soapy water. Rinse and keep warm till ready to use. Meanwhile, prepare your pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rehydrate your dehydrated foods with water or broth. This step is important to remove air pockets in the jar and for even heat penetration. Rehydrating time varies depending on the thickness and type of food but usually 30 minutes to several hours.
Using a funnel, pour the rehydrated foods into jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top. This is for expansion during canning. Add herbs and spices to each jar for extra flavor.
Pour the soaking liquid or additional water/broth into each jar, leaving the headspace. Tap the jars gently to remove air bubbles and wipe the rim with a clean cloth for a tight seal.
Put the lids on the jars and bands. Tighten just until resistance is met. Load the jars into the pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The process at the required pressure and time according to your altitude and the type of food being canned.
Once processing is done, let the canner depressurize. Remove the jars carefully and place them on a towel or cooling rack. After 12 to 24 hours, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid — a sealed lid won’t flex up or down. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Safety is key when canning, improper techniques can cause food-borne illnesses. Here are some important safety tips:
Once you’ve got the canning process down, try these recipes and ideas using canned dehydrated foods:
Combine your canned dehydrated vegetables with canned tomatoes, herbs, and spices for a quick and healthy soup. Add pasta or rice for extra bulk.
Turn canned dehydrated fruits into a compote. Serve over pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream for a treat.
Rehydrate canned meats and vegetables in a slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Hands off and delicious.
Mix canned dehydrated fruits and nuts for a custom trail mix. Great for snacking on the go or as a healthy energy boost.
By canning dehydrated foods you are giving yourself the power to have a sustainable food source that is cost effective and healthy. Get into this habit and you’ll have homemade meals at your fingertips whenever you want them. Whether you’re stocking up for a rainy day or just love the idea of having a pantry full of your creations, canning dehydrated foods is a practice that pays off in flavor and peace of mind.
