At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe in making the most of each season’s bountiful harvest. As the warm summer days wind down and the crisp autumn air settles in, our fields are bursting with a vibrant array of fruits and vegetables – from juicy tomatoes to crunchy carrots, and everything in between. But what happens when that harvest becomes too plentiful to enjoy fresh? That’s where our canning clinics come into play, teaching the community how to preserve their hard-earned produce for months to come.
Canning and Preserving
Canning is a time-honored tradition that allows families to capture the peak freshness of their seasonal crops, ensuring they can enjoy the flavors of summer well into the winter. At Crooked Pines Farm, we’re passionate about passing down this valuable skill to a new generation. Throughout the harvest season, we host a series of hands-on canning workshops where participants learn the ins and outs of food preservation.
Canning Clinics
Our canning clinics are open to gardeners, home cooks, and anyone interested in learning the art of canning. Whether you’re a seasoned preserver or a complete novice, our experienced farm educators are here to guide you through the process. Over the course of a few hours, you’ll learn essential techniques for hot water bath canning and pressure canning, two of the most common methods used to safely preserve a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, jams, and more.
During the clinics, you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands dirty – quite literally. We’ll walk you through the proper steps for preparing your produce, filling jars, and processing them to ensure a shelf-stable, delicious end product. You’ll also learn about the importance of food safety, crucial canning equipment, and various preservation methods beyond just canning, such as dehydrating, pickling, and freezing.
Harvesting and Processing
Of course, no canning journey would be complete without first experiencing the joy of harvesting your own fresh produce. At Crooked Pines Farm, we encourage our canning clinic participants to explore our fields and orchards, picking the ripest, most flavorful ingredients for their preservation projects.
Whether you choose to focus on summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, and zucchini or fall favorites such as apples, pears, and pumpkins, our farmers will be on hand to share tips and provide guidance. We’ll teach you how to properly handle, clean, and prepare your harvest, ensuring it’s in optimal condition for canning.
Farm and Produce
Farm Overview
Crooked Pines Farm has been a beloved fixture in our community for over a century. Established in 1902, the farm has weathered the test of time, evolving from a small, diversified operation to a thriving, sustainable enterprise that provides fresh, nutrient-dense produce to families throughout the region.
Today, our 50-acre property is home to a variety of crops, from vibrant vegetable gardens to flourishing orchards and berry patches. We pride ourselves on our commitment to organic, regenerative farming practices, which not only yield exceptional products but also nurture the health of the land and its ecosystems.
Crooked Pines Farm Products
Throughout the year, our farmstand and on-site market offer a bountiful selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of value-added products made right here on the farm. From jams and preserves to pickled veggies and herbal teas, our handcrafted goods are the perfect way to savor the flavors of Crooked Pines long after the harvest has ended.
Seasonal Harvests
Summer Produce
As the summer sun reaches its peak, our fields come alive with a riot of colors and flavors. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, vibrant bell peppers, and fragrant basil are just a few of the summer staples you’ll find at Crooked Pines Farm. These warm-weather crops thrive in our rich, well-drained soil and abundant sunshine, providing us with an impressive bounty to enjoy fresh or preserve for the months ahead.
Fall Crops
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, our focus shifts to the bounty of autumn. Apples, pears, pumpkins, and winter squash take center stage, along with a variety of root vegetables like carrots, beets, and potatoes. These hardy crops are perfect for canning, dehydrating, and root cellaring, ensuring you can savor the flavors of fall long after the final harvest has been gathered.
Canning and Food Safety
Canning Principles
At the heart of our canning clinics is a deep understanding of the science behind food preservation. Canning is a method of sealing food in airtight containers, such as glass jars or metal cans, to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria, mold, and yeast that can cause spoilage. By following strict canning protocols, you can ensure your preserved foods remain safe and flavorful for months, or even years, to come.
Proper Canning Procedures
During our canning clinics, we’ll walk you through the essential steps of both hot water bath canning and pressure canning. Hot water bath canning is ideal for high-acid foods like tomatoes, pickles, and jams, while pressure canning is necessary for low-acid items such as vegetables, meats, and soups.
Regardless of the method, the key steps remain the same: thoroughly cleaning and sterilizing your jars, properly preparing your produce, filling the jars with the appropriate liquid, and processing them in either a water bath or pressure canner. We’ll also discuss the importance of maintaining the correct headspace (the space between the food and the lid) and sealing the jars to ensure a successful, shelf-stable result.
Food Safety Considerations
Food safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to canning. During our clinics, we’ll emphasize the need to adhere to safe canning practices, such as using the right pH levels, processing times, and temperatures. We’ll also cover the risks of botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, and how to prevent it through proper canning techniques.
Canning Equipment
Successful canning requires a specific set of tools and supplies. At our canning clinics, we’ll provide participants with a comprehensive overview of the essential equipment needed, from water bath canners and pressure cookers to jar lifters, funnels, and magnetic lid wands.
Necessary Tools
In addition to the core canning equipment, we’ll also discuss the importance of having the right cutting boards, knives, and measuring cups on hand to efficiently prepare your produce. We’ll demonstrate how to use these tools safely and effectively, ensuring a smooth and efficient canning process.
Canning Supplies
Beyond the physical tools, we’ll also cover the various jars, lids, and rings required for canning. We’ll explain the differences between pint, quart, and half-gallon sizes, as well as the importance of using new lids with each batch to achieve a proper seal.
Community Engagement
Educational Outreach
At Crooked Pines Farm, we believe in the power of community engagement and education. Our canning clinics are just one way we strive to share our knowledge and passion for sustainable agriculture with the people we serve.
Hands-on Workshops
In addition to our canning clinics, we offer a variety of hands-on workshops and educational programs throughout the year. These include seed-starting classes, composting demonstrations, pollinator garden tours, and foraging expeditions. By providing these immersive, interactive experiences, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural world and encourage participants to get their hands dirty in the pursuit of self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship.
Community Partnerships
We also actively collaborate with local schools, community centers, and other organizations to bring our educational initiatives to a wider audience. Through these partnerships, we’re able to offer field trips, after-school programs, and summer camps that introduce children and families to the wonders of farm life and the importance of sustainable food systems.
Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a curious newcomer, we invite you to join us at Crooked Pines Farm and learn the art of preserving the harvest. Through our canning clinics and other educational offerings, you’ll not only gain practical skills but also develop a deeper connection to the land, the seasons, and the rich agricultural heritage that has sustained our community for generations. So come, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get preserving!
