How to Can Tomatoes and Vegetables

Many people are taking up gardening, and an excellent way to preserve the harvest is by canning. Canning is easier than you may think, and can be a fun project for the entire family. When food is exposed to air, its also exposed to bacteria that can cause the food to spoil. Boiling food in a glass canning jar kills bacteria that may have come in contact with the food, and also creates an air tight seal to prevent new bacteria from getting into the jar, allowing food to stay fresh and edible longer. Following are instructions for canning tomatoes, one of the most popular of home-canned foods, but many other fruits, vegetables and meats can be preserved following similar steps.