We are a canning family. As long as I can remember, I have snapped beans, washed tomatoes, peeled apples and heard the pop of the cans as they were sealing. My Great Aunt Betty still holds the family record as the fastest bean-snapper. This was
part of my summer vacation. A part that I thought was crazy, but now I respect.
My grandmother, who grew up in the south, has canned most of her life as well. You should see her Ball Canning Book. All of the pages are worn and littered with notes about substitutions that our family prefers. You name it, we’ve probably canned it. Tomatoes, peaches, applesauce, green beans, salsa and a variety of other home grown vegetables.
Now with two little girls and a home of my own, I felt the pull to canning. This summer, I planted a garden and grew enough tomatoes to get a few jars to can. My mom grew green beans and we canned those as well. We made strawberry jam and froze it. We made applesauce to can and some to freeze. It was all much easier than I expected it to be.
One reason it was so easy: Ball canning supplies. Jars, rings, lids and pre-packaged spice packs. I thought those would be hard to come by, but they really aren’t.
Earlier this week, I went to Walmart and checked out their supply of Ball canning products. They were located in the home area near the Space Bags and storage items. I picked up some Fruit Fresh to sprinkle on my children’s half-eaten fruit to preserve it until the next time they want some. I also grabbed some of their plastic freezer containers. I want to put some berries in them, freeze them and then grab one every day before I leave for work and throw some yogurt in it for my own little fruit-on-the-bottom treat. I also got some of the half-pint, wide-mouth jars. I love them for salsa…and crafts. My daughter and I plan to use them for some Valentine’s Day crafts. But at least I know where to get them at the end of next summer when I’m making my salsa.
Want to see more of my experience shopping for the goods at Walmart? Visit my Whrrl story.
Disclaimer: I was compensated for this post by Collective Bias.
