Root Cellaring

In an era where refrigeration and modern preservation techniques dominate, there's a charming resurgence in the age-old practice of root cellaring.

DIY, Cooking, Fall, Gardening, Home Canning, ProduceJohn MorganSeptember 6, 2024root, roots, root vegetable, cellar, preservation, fall, autumnComment

Pressure Canning Basics

Pressure canning is the only safe method of preserving low-acid foods. Low-acid foods include vegetables, meats, fish, and poultry. Pressurized steam creates the needed temperature of 240 degrees Fahrenheit or higher that will destroy the bacterial spores naturally present in these foods. As the jars cool, a vacuum is formed, sealing the food in the jars and preventing any new microorganisms from entering and spoiling the food.

Cooking, DIY, Gardening, Produce, SafetyJohn MorganAugust 17, 2024canning, pressure canner, produce, vegetablesComment

Water Bath Canning Basics

The tasty high-acid menu includes choices ranging from sweet to savory. Fruits, fruit juices, jams, jellies and other fruit spreads, salsas, most tomatoes, pickles, relishes, chutneys, sauces, vinegars and condiments are among items safely preserved using the water bath canning method. Because these common foods contain high amounts of acid or the recipe incorporates the correct balance of acid, water bath canning is the recommended method.

Cooking, Gardening, Project, Summer, DIY, Fall, ProduceJohn MorganAugust 16, 2024canning, home canning, water bath, acidComment

Pinching Basil Plants: Unlocking Their True Potential

Basil, with its vibrant green leaves and distinctive aroma, is a beloved herb that adds a burst of flavor to countless culinary delights. Whether you're growing basil in your garden or nurturing a potted plant on your windowsill, understanding how to care for it is essential.

container garden, Cooking, Gardening, Houseplant, Indoor Gardening, Plant Care, Raised Beds, WaterJohn MorganJuly 28, 2023herb, basil, plant care, cooking, kitchen, gardenComment

Growing Summer Squash

It might not seem like it with the current cool weather, but now is the time to start planting summer crops. One summer favorite is yellow squash.

Cooking, Gardening, Plant Care, Pest Control, ProduceJohn MorganMay 5, 2023squash, summerComment

Easy Grape Juice

Grapes are perhaps one of the easiest fruit crops to grow. Once established they are easy to maintain with occasional training of vines and seasonal trimming. It takes newly planted grapes about three years to produce their first good crop.

Gardening, Cooking, Home CanningJohn R. MorganSeptember 3, 2021Mason, WV, USAcanning, grapes, home canning, juice, pressure canning, recipeComment

Thanksgiving Spices and Herbs

Growing and cooking with herbs and spices has seen a resurgence in the past few years. Nothing can make your holiday tastier than incorporating herbs and spices into your meal. Here are the seasonings that epitomize the Thanksgiving menu.

Fall, Winter, Cooking, ThanksgivingJohn MorganNovember 22, 2019herbs, spices, thanksgiving, autumn, nutmeg, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, thyme

History in a Pickle

With canning season upon us, we’re going to take a look at how to preserve your harvest over the next few weeks. There’s no better place to start than with one of the first known preservations methods. Do you like your pickles sour or sweet? Let us know in the comments.

History, Produce, Science, Story, Cooking, Fall, GardeningJohn MorganJuly 26, 2019pickle, pickles, history, story, canning, home canning, cucumbersComment

Bountiful Tips

Harvest time is here, and now you realize you planted waaay too much. With tons of tomatoes, bushels of beans, and zillions of zucchinis, you might feel like there is more than you can use. Here are some ideas for getting the most out of the most you’ve ever grown.

Cooking, Fall, Gardening, ProduceJohn MorganAugust 12, 2016produce, harvest, sharing, canning, compost

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