FoodNet

A simple course in home economics for rural schools

1916

Page 13

Presented as published in 1916. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
There are many kinds of good glass jars pn the market. The most satisfactory jar is that having a wide mouth, a glass top, and a wire spring to hold this top in place. This jar requires a rubber put on before the glass cover is placed. If the rubbers are defective the food will spoil (ferment). It is poor economy to buy cheap rubbers or use them a second time. The canning outfit. There are many simple home canners on the market which are more or less convenient for putting up a mediiun large quantity of fmit and vegetables in the home. However, the home-made canner is very satisfactory. This can- ner is made by taking a large wash boiler, placing in the bottom a board in which several 1-inch holes have been bored. This false bottom is necessary as the jars will break if placed directly on the bottom of the boiler. Selection of the Fruit and the Vegetables. The first step in successful canning is careful selection of the materials. Choose perfectly sound and fresh fruit. Never can fruits or vegetables that are old or hard, or have in any way begun to decay. Young, Simple Courses in Home Economics 37 freshly-gathered vegetables are superior in flavor and taste to any others. The vegetables are better if gathered early in the morning while the dew is still on them, and canned at once. If it is impossible to can the vegetables immediately, do not allow them to wither, but put them in cool water or in a cool, damp place so that they will be in good condition when ready for use. General Directions: If necessary for the fruit to stand after it has been prepared, drop into fresh cold water to prevent discoloration. To prepare the jars for use: First wash thoroughly, then sterilize by one of the following ways : Cover jars with cold water, heat to boiling point. Turn up- side down to drain, or simply Heat clean jars in warming oven. To nse tlie jars: Fill jar with prepared food. Pour in syrup or water (leaving no space for air) filling jar brimful. Follow the directions in each recipe as to the amount of sugar and time for cooking. Adjust cover and clamp according to the kind of jar used. When the jar is perfectly cold, see that it is perfectly clean, then test to see if it is well sealed by trying to lift the lid. If the lid loosens shortly after it has been canned, before fermentation sets in, simply re-cook, taking special care to see if neither jar or lid is defective. After canned goods have been stored, make it a habit to look them over occasionally. Method of Canning. The details in the method of canning fruits and vegetables varies with every individual case, but the general provisions bear repeating. For instance, select only the best material for canning, prepare it carefully, place in clean jars or cans, and cover with syrup or a hot brine, as the case may be. In canning vegetables add sufficient salt to season, 1 t. 38 Bulletin of tlic Univcrsiiy of Texas salt to each (luart of veiretables. ^ynip is used for the fruit if additional sweetness is desired. 1 C of snpfar to 2 C. of water is the standard syrnp. Do not nse preser-dnc: powders. "Where glass jars are used, earefnlly plaoe rubber and cover. Place the jars in the eanner so that they do not touch one another. Add water until it reaches the neck of the jar, then pour in boilin.2: water to cover the jars. Replace cover to the boiler.