10+ Canning Recipes to Preserve Your Favorite Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Canning is a great way to preserve your favorite foods for months to come. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced canner, there are countless recipes to help you enjoy seasonal flavors all year round.

You can create delicious jams, pickles, salsas, and much more right in your own kitchen.

By learning canning, you can save money while having fun preparing homemade treats. With the right recipes and techniques, you can savor the taste of fresh fruits and vegetables, no matter the season.

1) Tomato Basil Sauce

Tomato basil sauce is a delicious option for canning. It captures the freshness of tomatoes and the aroma of basil. This sauce is perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.

To make this sauce, start with ripe tomatoes. You can use about 25 medium-sized tomatoes, along with some chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor.

The seasoning is simple. You’ll need kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to add a little kick.

You can preserve your homemade sauce in jars so it lasts all year. It’s a great way to enjoy summer flavors even in winter!

Ingredients

• 25 medium-sized tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and chop the tomatoes.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in a pot until soft.
3. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. Add fresh basil and mix well.
7. Pour the sauce into sterilized jars.
8. Seal and process in a water bath canner for 35 minutes at 180°F (82°C).

2) Strawberry Vanilla Jam

Making strawberry vanilla jam is a fun and easy project. With fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla, this jam is delicious and perfect for spreading on toast.

To get started, you’ll need ripe strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract. This jam doesn’t require pectin, making it even simpler to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 cups whole strawberries
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. Mash the strawberries in a large pot using a potato masher to your desired consistency.
2. Add sugar and lemon juice to the mashed strawberries.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
4. When the mixture starts to bubble, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Boil for about 10 minutes until the jam thickens.
6. Pour the hot jam into clean jars. Seal tightly and let cool.

3) Garlic Dill Pickles

Making garlic dill pickles at home is a fun and rewarding process. You’ll enjoy crunching into these delicious pickles all year round.

Begin with fresh cucumbers. Kirby cucumbers work great for pickling. You’ll also need garlic, dill, and spices to add flavor.

The brine will include vinegar, water, and pickling salt. You can easily adjust the sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 quarts Kirby cucumbers (about 3 pounds)
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 4 teaspoons dill seeds
• 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
• 4 cups white distilled vinegar
• 5 cups water
• 5 tablespoons pickling salt
• 2.5 tablespoons sugar (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Clean and cut the cucumbers into spears or slices.
2. In a pot, combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Heat until boiling.
3. Pack the cucumbers, garlic, dill, and spices into jars.
4. Pour the hot brine over cucumbers, leaving space at the top.
5. Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (212°F / 100°C).

4) Peach Chutney

Making peach chutney is a delightful way to use fresh peaches. This sweet and spicy condiment pairs well with meats and cheeses. You’ll enjoy the blend of flavors that come together in this simple recipe.

To start, gather your ingredients and chop your peaches. You will need a mix of sweet and tangy elements to achieve the perfect taste. Cooking the chutney down will create a rich and thick texture.

Ingredients

• 8-10 medium peaches, peeled and diced
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced
• Spices like cinnamon, cloves, or chili flakes (to taste)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the peaches, raisins, vinegar, brown sugar, and onion.
2. Add ginger and your chosen spices.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until thickened.
5. Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

5) Spiced Apple Butter

Making spiced apple butter is a delightful way to preserve apples. You can use a variety of apples for the best flavor. This recipe brings out the sweetness and warmth of fall spices.

To start, you will need a slow cooker or a large pot. Cook the apples until they are soft. Then, blend them to get a smooth texture.

Add sugars and spices to enhance the flavor. Ground cinnamon and dark brown sugar are key ingredients. Simmer until it thickens to your liking.

It’s perfect on toast or as a topping for pancakes. You can also give it as a gift!

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds assorted apples (about 6 to 8 apples)
• 1½ cups dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup apple cider (240 ml)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Peel and chop the apples.
2. Place apples in the slow cooker or pot.
3. Add sugar and spices.
4. Cook on low for 8 hours or until soft.
5. Blend until smooth.
6. Simmer until thickened.

6) Pickled Red Onions

Making pickled red onions is simple and rewarding. These onions add a tangy flavor to many dishes and are easy to store.

You will need fresh red onions, white vinegar, water, sugar, and sea salt. Many recipes call for a bit of seasoning like peppercorns or bay leaves too.

Ingredients

• 2 red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• Optional: peppercorns, bay leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium until dissolved.
2. Place sliced onions in sterilized jars.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged.
4. Close jars and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (212°F or 100°C).
5. Let cool at room temperature before storing in the fridge.

7) Blueberry Lemon Marmalade

Blueberry lemon marmalade is a delicious spread you can make at home. It combines the rich flavor of blueberries with the tang of lemons. This bright mix is perfect on toast or as a filling in desserts.

To start, gather fresh blueberries and Meyer lemons. Meyer lemons add a special sweetness that pairs well with the blueberries. You’ll also need some sugar and pectin for thickening.

This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to follow. You’ll enjoy the process of canning and the wonderful smell in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups fresh blueberries
• 2 cups Meyer lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons low or no-sugar pectin

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare your jars and lids.
2. In a large pot, combine blueberries, lemon juice, and sugar.
3. Stir in pectin and boil for 1 minute.
4. Pour into jars and seal.
5. Process in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes (212°F/100°C).

8) Sweet & Spicy Salsa

Sweet & Spicy Salsa is a tasty way to enjoy fresh ingredients. This salsa has a perfect mix of heat and sweetness. It’s great for dipping or as a topping for your favorite dishes.

To make this salsa, you’ll need ripe tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. The sweetness comes from a touch of sugar or honey. Always taste as you go to find your perfect balance.

This salsa can be preserved by canning. Just pour it into sterilized jars and follow safe canning guidelines. You’ll have a delicious treat anytime you want!

Ingredients

• 6 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 cups bell peppers, diced
• 3-4 medium jalapeños, chopped
• 1/4 cup sugar or honey
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Stir the mixture until well mixed.
3. Pour into sterilized jars.
4. Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (100°C or 212°F).

9) Pressure Canned Chicken Soup

Pressure canned chicken soup is a great way to enjoy healthy meals throughout the year. You can easily make it at home, and it’s perfect for quick dinners.

Start by gathering your ingredients and preparing your chicken. Use tender cuts like breasts or thighs. You can also add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for extra flavor.

To begin canning, fill your jars with the soup and leave some space at the top. Process pints for 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) or quarts for 1 hour and 30 minutes (90 minutes) at 10 pounds of pressure (68.9 kPa).

Ingredients

• Chicken (breasts or thighs)
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onions
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water or chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare and chop all ingredients.
2. Fill jars with chicken and vegetables.
3. Add salt and pepper.
4. Pour in water or broth, leaving headspace.
5. Seal jars and process in a pressure canner.

10) Maple Bourbon Carrots

Making maple bourbon carrots is a fun and tasty way to preserve this crunchy veggie. The sweet and rich flavors of maple and bourbon make them a delightful addition to any meal.

Start by washing and peeling your carrots. Then, cut them into the shape you like.

In a pot, combine brown sugar, water, and orange juice, bringing it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the carrots.

Pack the carrots tightly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.

Process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes at 212°F (100°C) to seal them properly. Then, allow them to cool completely before storing.

Ingredients

• Carrots
• Brown sugar
• Water
• Orange juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and peel the carrots. Then cut them.
2. In a pot, combine brown sugar, water, and orange juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Pack the carrots into sterilized jars.
5. Leave 1 inch of headspace.
6. Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.