Preserving Harvest: How Canning Affects Food Waste and Sharing
When people harvest food for the winter, the question is not whether they should eat all of it, but rather, whether canning helps prevent more food waste. Canning extends the shelf life of harvested goods, allowing you to enjoy your bounty for most of a year rather than just days or weeks. This is especially beneficial for those with particularly successful harvests or seasonal surpluses.
Can Canning Prevent More Food Waste?
Believe it or not, canning can significantly reduce food waste. This year, for instance, I had a bountiful crop of elderberries and canned them as jelly. As a result, I have enough of my favorite jelly to last the entire year without needing to buy subpar store-bought alternatives. By preserving food this way, you can store what you have and avoid trips to the store when fresh produce is not available.
Striking the Right Balance – Not Too Much or Too Little
Many people ensure they have just enough canned goods to last until the next canning season, preventing overproduction. We try our best not to overcan, as we only give extra canned goods like jelly, pickles, and relish to friends who specifically ask for them. This approach helps us maintain a reasonable inventory and ensures we only produce what is necessary.
Sharing Canned Goods for Variety and Assistance
The amount of canned goods you produce can vary based on your garden size and your harvest's size. However, sharing among community members can help increase variety and support those with smaller harvests. If you have more canned goods, you can exchange them with others for different types of preserves. This not only benefits the entire community but also enhances the overall flavor and variety of food available during the winter months.
Examples of Long-Storing Canned Goods
Some fruits and vegetables do not last through winter, while others can last for extended periods. For example, peaches and pears may not last the winter, but beans, when canned, can last through the colder months. Growing just a few rows of beans in your garden can provide a substantial harvest that can last all year. Some foods, like beans, are great to have because they provide a substantial yield from a small space.
Other foods are best when canned for use until the next harvest. Eggs, for instance, can be preserved in various ways, and canned fruits and vegetables can be kept for extended periods without going bad. The key is to make sure you have a balance between immediate consumption and long-term preservation.