Canning Day - Deale, Maryland

Today started out with a 'great' idea. I've been smoking salsa and refrigerating it to give to new friends.  I decided to smoke a large amount and can it so it wouldn't take up refrigerator space and I would have a nice supply to share along the waterways.  I had no idea how a quick thought would turn into a large production......After learning so much today, my galley became a "canning factory"!

Who knew?!

During heat processing, mason jars filled with food and fitted with two-piece metal closures are heated, destroying harmful microorganisms that cause food spoilage and creating an airtight seal that prevents contamination during storage. Precise processing techniques, times and temperatures are determined by the acidity of the food being preserved.

Home canning is an excellent way to preserve garden produce and share it with family and friends, but it can be risky or even deadly if not done correctly and safely.

Botulism is a rare, but serious illness caused by a germ called Clostridium botulinum. The germ is found in soil and can survive, grow, and produce toxin in a sealed jar of food. This toxin can affect your nerves, paralyze you, and even cause death. Even taking a small taste of food containing this toxin can be deadly.

Home-canned vegetables are the most common cause of botulism outbreaks in the United States. From 1996 to 2008, there were 116 outbreaks of foodborne botulism reported to CDC. Of the 48 outbreaks that were caused by home-prepared foods, 18 outbreaks, or 38%, were from home-canned vegetables. These outbreaks often occur because home canners did not follow canning instructions, did not use pressure canners, ignored signs of food spoilage, and were unaware of the risk of botulism from improperly preserving vegetables.

Soooo...what started out as a 'simple' idea became quite a production.  So glad this 'city girl' did her research so she' doesn't "kill" fellow live aboards!

Also, smoked some meatballs to add to spaghetti and to reheat in BBQ sauce for future appetizers.

Storms rolled in and were quite impressive.

Garmin snored through it all.