Canning for Gifts
Fresh canned foods can be delicious and thoughtful gifts, but if you know how to can, how can you go about turning your jars into stunning gifts?
Cans for All Occasions
Many different types of fruits, vegetables, and other foods can be beautifully canned. Some of the most popular items to can include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Pickles or preserves
- Tomato sauces
- Jams, jellies, and fruit butters
Any of these canned gifts can be ideal for a wide range of occasions, including:
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Wedding favors
- Thank you gifts
- Welcome gifts
No matter what the occasion, with a bit of extra care and attention to presentation, you can turn your canned items into elegant edible gifts.
Preparing Your Gifts
It is not a good idea to prepare canned gifts if you’ve never canned before, or if you’re experimenting with a new canning technique or item. Instead, practice a few batches first to refine your process for the best results. Always use only the freshest foods, and take extra care to peel away skins and remove seeds or pits thoroughly so the food will have the best possible texture. Take care with cooking to preserve the bright colors, and be sure all jars and lids are brightly washed and blemish-free.
Gift Presentation
The best part of giving a gift is its presentation. Before packing up a jar for giving away, however, first be sure the recipient does not have any food allergies that might make the gift less welcome. Then, make the jar into a beautiful gift by…
- Adding a customized label or tag with ingredients or storage instructions.
- Tying a coordinating ribbon around the neck of the jar for a colorful accent.
- Adding a square of fabric over the top of the jar for a rustic touch.
- Including a small accessory, such as a spreader for a jar of jelly.
For a more elaborate gift, create a gift basket with related foods, such as a loaf of bread to accompany a jar of jelly or a package of pasta to go with your canned homemade tomato sauce. Add recipe ideas, utensils, or other items to complete the package, and your canned gifts will be greatly appreciated!
Be sure to check back to www.agway.com for more information, projects and tips. Visit your local Agway where you'll find everything you need, year-round, for your home, lawn, garden, farm, pet and wild birding needs. Each Agway location is independently owned and operated and as such products and pricing vary by store.