It is officially canning season at the Holstein House. Mr. Holstein, his mom, his aunt, and I went to Morgan Orchard to pick fruit. Several variety of apples, and peaches were ready. Blackberries were plentiful with more to come.
We came home with a pretty nice haul: 2 bushel peaches, 1.5 bushel apples, and 1 gal blackberries. Even after dividing up the loot there was more than could be eaten in a day or so. My next step was getting my canning jars and tools out.
The blackberries were first in line for processing. This year they become preserves, and a few frozen for cobbler later. I spent a few hours cleaning, sorting, and stirring the heavily sugared goodness. When the time arrived the gooey goodness was ladled into the tiny eight ounce jars, capped, then submerged into the boiling darkness.
Processing time varies depending on the food. These preserves took 15 minutes in a boiling water bath. Then out they come to rest and seal. Except, sometimes they don’t.
When I got up this morning I found one of the tiny little jars did not seal properly. For beginning canners it can be disappointing. I just say, “Well, shoot. Back you go.”
I decided to try one more time to process. It could be a faulty lid, or small chip in the jar that can’t be felt. If it didn’t work I would make sure to eat it within the next couple weeks or instruct anyone I give it to do so.
There is a bigger lesson here. Every now and again something won’t seal they way you thought it would. Try it again. If it still doesn’t work, eat it. LOL
By Robin Holstein
Robin’s Upcycle is located in Kanawha County, WV. Open by appointment.
Phone 304-460-5NEW (5639).
For info, visit facebook.com/robinsupcycle