Boiling water bath canning dates back to the late 1700s when Napoleon offered a cash prize for inventing a way to preserve food for his troops.1 This time-tested technique remains a popular and effective way to safely preserve high-acid foods at home.
Water bath canning uses boiling water to create an airtight vacuum seal, preventing spoilage from molds, yeasts, and bacteria. The key is to use scientifically tested recipes to ensure the right acidity level for safety.
Here are 15 foods perfect for preserving in a boiling water bath canner.
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. According to a study, canned tomatoes actually have higher levels of lycopene than fresh tomatoes due to the heat processing.(ref)
- To ensure safe acidity levels, add bottled lemon juice or citric acid to each jar before filling with tomatoes.
- Process pints for 40 minutes and quarts for 45 minutes in a boiling water canner.
2. Peaches
Peaches are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. Consuming fruits like peaches may help improve digestion, support healthy skin, and even reduce inflammation in the body.
- Peel, pit, and slice the fruit, then pack into jars with a light syrup.
- Process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes.
3. Applesauce
Apples are well known for their many health benefits, including improving heart health and lowering the risk of diabetes. The pectin in applesauce can also help promote good digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
- Peel and core apples, then cook them down with a little water until soft.
- Puree the mixture until smooth, add sugar and spices to taste, then ladle into jars.
- Process pints and quarts for 20 minutes
4. Pickles
In addition to being low in calories, pickles are a good source of vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. The vinegar and salt in pickles may also help regulate blood sugar levels after meals.
- Soak cucumbers in brine overnight, then pack into jars with spices and vinegar brine.
- Process pints for 10 minutes.
5. Strawberry Jam
Strawberries are packed with vitamin C, manganese, and powerful antioxidants like pelargonidin that can help protect cells from damage. Some studies suggest that eating strawberries may even help prevent and slow the progression of certain types of cancer. (ref)
- Hull and crush fresh berries, then combine with sugar and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Ladle into jars and process for 10 minutes.
6. Salsa
The capsaicin in hot peppers has been shown to boost metabolism and may even have pain-relieving properties. Salsa is also a good source of lycopene from the tomatoes and vitamin C from the peppers.
- Combine chopped tomatoes, onions, peppers, and cilantro with vinegar, garlic, and spices.
- Bring to a boil, then ladle into jars and process pints for 15 minutes.
7. Cherries
Cherries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and cyanidin, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. One study found that drinking tart cherry juice helped improve sleep quality and duration.(ref)
- Pack pitted cherries into jars, cover with syrup, and process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes.
8. Pears
Pears are an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and copper. They also contain unique antioxidants like flavan-3-ols that may help protect against heart disease and certain cancers.
- Peel, core, and slice pears, then pack into jars with syrup.
- Process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes.
9. Grape Jelly
Grapes are well known for their high levels of resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that may help lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease. The skins of Concord grapes are especially rich in polyphenols.
- Crush grapes, then strain out the skins and seeds.
- Combine juice with sugar and pectin, bring to a boil, then ladle into jars.
- Process for 10 minutes.
10. Apricots
Apricots are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A to support healthy vision and immune function. They’re also a good source of potassium, an electrolyte that helps regulate blood pressure.
- Halve and pit the fruit, then pack it into jars with syrup.
- Process pints for 20 minutes and quarts for 25 minutes.
11. Plums
Plums contain a type of antioxidant called phenols that may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. The skins are especially high in fiber and vitamin C.
- For whole plums, prick the skins, then pack them into jars with syrup.
- Process pints and quarts for 20 minutes.
12. Blackberry Syrup
Blackberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, packing an impressive 5.75 millimoles per 100 grams. These powerful plant compounds help fight free radicals and may protect against chronic diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
- Crush berries, then strain out the seeds.
- Combine juice with sugar, bring to a boil, then ladle into jars.
- Process for 10 minutes.
13. Dilly Beans
Green beans are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. The vinegar brine also adds gut-healthy probiotics to help support digestion and immunity.
- Trim beans to fit jars, then pack tightly with dill, garlic, and spices.
- Cover with vinegar brine and process pints for 10 minutes.
14. Pineapple
Pineapple contains a special enzyme called bromelain that may help reduce inflammation and relieve indigestion. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, a mineral needed for strong bones and wound healing.
- Peel, core, and cube pineapple, then pack into jars with syrup.
- Process pints for 15 minutes and quarts for 20 minutes.
15. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberries are well known for their ability to help prevent urinary tract infections by keeping bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall. They’re also rich in antioxidants that support heart health and may have anti-cancer properties.
- Combine fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water, then bring to a boil until the berries pop.
- Ladle into jars and process for 15 minutes.
As you can see, the boiling water canning method opens up a world of possibilities for preserving fresh fruits, tomatoes, and pickled vegetables. With a little preparation and practice, you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of the harvest all year long while reaping the many health benefits of these nutrient-packed foods.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.