Added: 2 years ago
From: webcajun
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  • Thanks so much for this video! We recently moved from the city to 5 acre farm and have had success with our first fall/winter garden. I can't wait to can what I grow this spring/summer. :o)

  • @TheCraftyGemini ... I think you are really going to enjoy canning. It’s nice to open a jar of peas in the winter that was grown during the summer. Garden fresh vegetables are simply the best……Donald

  • @webcajun do you have any recipes for canning/pickling RED cabbage or would you make it like regular sauerkraut and just substitute the cabbage?

  • @WithurShield …It’s been many years since we’ve done Chow Chow. Get a copy of the Ball canning book, lots or recipes….Donald

  • A new way to garden! Check out The Bucket Garden by Ted Hallett, The Garden Master. It appears he is taking the best of hydroponics gardening, organic gardening and has wrapped it up in a high bred container garden.

  • Looks Great, I canned up my Kale plants last week. The hardest part is letting them sit in the jars and not eat them, but I sure will be glad they are there when I have a couple feet of snow covering my garden :)

  • @woodturningjohn … It is tempting to try a jar. : ) ….Donald

  • Hello Donald. Love the videos. Have you ever tried freezing cabbage? If so, how? Thanks and keep it up!

  • @TheSonoman1976 … I’ve blanched and frozen cabbage before and it comes out ok. Naturally they are much better fresh. Once packed into containers cover with water and they won’t freezer burn…..Donald

  • @webcajun Thanks Donald! I have a small garden with raised beds. I am growing cabbage, collards, and broccoli right now in NC. I am going to try to grow purple hull peas next year thanks to you. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your videos.

  • It's like watching family going of family recipes, thanks for sharing... I have subscribed.

  • @emoneyblue ... Glad you enjoyed......Donald

  • Thanks! I always want to know WHY. I'm always looking for answers that makes sense. I guess I've always been curious about canning but so afraid of it as it seems so much can go wrong unless you really know what you're doing. I'm off to EBay to look for the Ball Canning book for my collection of kitchen reference books

  • @jcrefasi1 ... The Ball Canning book is a very good place to start........Donald

  • Thank you! I just started canning and really appreciate all your videos!! I spent the whole day Sunday watching your stuff. I have learned soooo much. My dad died before I had a chance to learn his gardening skills. I really appreciate you for sharing your knowledge and talents

    Thanks from Jefferson Parish

  • @jcrefasi1 ... There are so many ways of doing things in the garden that I've come to realize that there is really no "one way" of doing it. Canning on the other hand is different, you have to do it right to get the best results......Donald

  • I am confused as to why you have to make sure there are no air pockets in the jar but yet you can leave 1 inch of air space at the top of the jar. Wouldn't the boiling force the air pockets up and out?? Don't get me wrong I'll make sure to remove bubbles but it just seems like they should migrate up and out

  • @jcrefasi1 ... The reason to remove the bubbles is to maintain the liquid level in the jars. Each time a bubble comes up the liquid level drops that’s why you have to readjust the head space after removing the bubbles……Donald

  • Quick question: do you cook the bacon and onions first? If the bacon is cooked, does it need to be pan fried and drained or boiled? My greens are lookin' good here in Idaho.

  • @sulaearts … The bacon was fried and drained first. The only time this works is when using pint jars because the processing time for both the bacon and greens are the same……Donald

  • Question: picked 6 gallons of greens that I packed after wilting in 4 pint jars. Pressure cooked for 70 min at 12-13 pounds _2500 feet_. Left 1 in head space. Ended up with 2 in head space and canning water was green. What did I do wrong?

  • @sulaearts ...That's happened to me several times and I yet to figure out what's happening. Best I can come up with (big guess here) is those jars weren't tightened correctly......Donald

  • @sulaearts Some products can much more reliably than others, both with water bath and pressure canners. There is a process that can occur called siphoning. Google -canning/siphoning- and you can read a little about it. Type of product canned, headspace, density of food being canned... lots of things can cause siphoning. Hope that helps.

  • @bustsomeballs - It did help! Thanks a million!!

  • @sulaearts I'm an Oregon State Master Food Preserver. It's an 8 week course that you take through the County Extension service, just like a Master Gardener's course, only with food preserving! We studied a lot about canning, dehydrating, freezing, etc. We also have to donate @ 40 hours of time back to the program each year by working at the County Fair, answering hotlines, giving demonstrations, etc. Glad I could help.

  • @bustsomeballs - Very good to hear and am VERY interested in learning more about food preservation. How do I get in on taking a Gardening Course and a Food Preserver Course? I am over here in Idaho (near Boise).

    I sure am enjoying the WebCajun's videos...being from Louisiana myself (but may be regarded a Yankee to WebCajun being from Monroe (LOL)). Note to Donald: Keep the videos coming! You are a great resource!

  • @sulaearts The progam is really fun. Lots of like-minded people. I can fresh tuna, home-smoked salmon, homemade sauerkraut, pickles, jams, pie fillings, chicken... you name it! The program is a commitment, but I really enjoyed it and thought it was well worth the time and the small expense ($100?). It looks like Idaho has a program, too. Google- Idaho Food Safety Advisor Program. I found it there. It's allowed me to preserve foods in various ways with much more confidence.

  • Watched this video 11 months ago and said to myself back then _self, you have to try canning greens like Donald._ Took a year to cycle, plant, grow and harvest. Got some canned greens...first time pressure Canner.

  • that was great my friend i have greens growing i think i will put them up this way

  • @TnWormsCastings ...Canning is a little more work but they'll last longer than freezing.....Donald

  • This is the absolute easiest I've ever seen anybody explain it. Thank you!

  • @MommyNeva ...The way I see it is why complicate something that really isn’t? lol......Donald

  • Very nice. How come no snack while you worked this time?

  • @joestfrancois ...Maybe next time.....Donald

  • thank you for your videos

  • @lestrueseek ...You're welcome......Donald

  • What size is the canner you use/prefer?

  • @justboerd ...I emailed you.....Donald

  • How did you like the taste? I've frozen collards, spinach, beet and turnip tops and chard but I've never been brave enough to try canning them.

  • @knyquol ...I won't tell you it's as good as fresh picked, but very close......Donald

  • Love your videos and learning so much! Nothing beats home canned food. Not only do you know exactly what is in it, it can also save you a ton of money and tastes so much better than the store bought stuff.

  • @jwlrymkr ... I agree about canning your own food, just doesn't get any better. Glad you enjoy the videos......Donald

  • Donald I have to agree. My food I have put up is part of my treasure, especially if I grew it myself. ; ) Can't wait to see what is in your garden this year.

  • Always love your videos and Love seeing your beautiful garden. I'm canning soup stock today. Good skills to have.

  • @Hoovesandpaws61 ... don't know if it's just me but it makes me feel good to see pts. and qts. of canned vegetables and stuff put up for later use. Kind of gives me a secure feeling......Donald

  • Those greens look good. What type of mustard green are they if you don't mind me asking? Where can I find some seeds?

  • @OldTown1230912340 ... Those were probably “Giant Sothern Curled”. Lots of online seed companies have em......Donald

  • What size is that steama? I have been wanting one that big. Thanks for the excellent and informative video.

  • @OldTown1230912340 ... the one in this video holds 7 qts. or 9 pts. The one I'm using now holds 19 qts or 32 pts........Donald

  • @webcajun

    I have a 930 All American canner that I love. I was wondering about the size of the huge stock pot you steamed the greens in. It looks like a 100 qt or so.

  • @OldTown1230912340 ... That big pot it's used mostly for boiling crawfish. It's somewhere around 100 qts........Donald

  • Wow i am soo new to this and scared as well (blowing up my house is my first thought) but you make it look so easy! Really liked your video, I hope I could be as relaxed as you and learn canning it'll save me so much money!

  • @monoroma1 ... It's really easy, after the first batch you'll be a pro.........Donald

  • Like your videos! And, boy don't you do things on a large scale?

    If you grow a lot and have to get in all in at the same time it is the only way to go, but it is expensive to start.

    mrbluenun

  • @mrbluenun ... actually you can start on a very small scale and work your way up. A small well cared for garden can produce as much as a big garden that's neglected.........Donald

  • I like your videos. I like your personality. I've only canned cold bath method. Those big steam canners are a lot of money. But I'll get one some day. I love to can, and those greens with bacon sure look good. But bacon makes almost anything good. I keep telling my husband I'm gonna put some in the chocolate chip cookies just to see if it makes them taste better. He keeps telling me No don't do that. I'll surprise him one day.

  • @mammal46 ... bacon goes well with all sorts of vegetables. Glad you enjoy the vids and thank you for the kind words........Donald

  • Great video! Now, does anyone know if or how to can cabbage?

  • @wonderwendy1968 ... I’ve yet to find a reliable source of information on pressure canning cabbage. I don’t think it’s safe to do........Donald 

  • @webcajun Thanks Donald, all I have found on preserving cabbage is pickling, lactic fermentation, and freezing so you must be right. I think I will try pickling and maybe fermentation. I have fermented some radishes and I really liked that!

  • Hi, I noticed in the beginning of your video you cut the tops of your mustard greens off instead of taking the whole leaf or pulling up the entire plant. What is the reason for that? I grew Georgia collards last fall and would take the larger leaves where they attached to the main stalk. Great video btw!

  • @reavch ... cutting only the leaves allows the plant to grow some more. In Louisiana I can harvest mustard from early fall to late spring........Donald

  • Hey Donald... At 1.30 you sounded like Mr T. Thanks for the video i tried to can some carrots in kilner jars but for some reason they went bad, they came out all slimy. I didnt use a pressure cooker though i boiled them in a pan. Do you think this is why?

  • @ImDaveCrazy ... greens and carrots need to be canned in a pressure canner. About the only vegetable you can use a water bath is tomatoes. Check out the USDA web site where they explain the difference between water bath and pressure canning. Got to do it safely or you're going to run into big problems. You could get real sick or even die if not done properly....... Donald

  • Donald, I always wait til after the first frost in the winter to pick and can my greens. That first frost makes them so much sweeter.

    You can yours about the same way I can mine though, along with other vegtables.

    Keep up the good work. Living in the country is the best life, I wouldn't have it any other way.

  • @HWhit9000 ... greens take a long time to process but it's worth it. Tried the city a few years and just didn't like it. Came back home and here's where I'll stay.......Donald

  • Question: What brand of pressure cooker is that you used in the video? Loved the video. Getting to wanting some greens and bacon right about now.

  • @sulaearts ... it's an All American (no gasket) canner. I've since purchased their large model...... Donald

  • Very nice! Thanks a million! Keep a cookin'!

  • @sulaearts ... you're welcome........Donald

  • about how long did you cook the greens to wilt them ?

  • @Pippie2010va ... I go by sight but if I had to guess around 5-10 minutes depending on the amount in the pot..... Donald

  • Hey Donald, another informative video, thank you. I have a question though, do you use a lid more than once? I had some government winch tell me you're not supposed to use the lid twice. I don't believe her cause my granny used the same lids alot. Any thoughts on that? Thanx in advance. thumbs up.

  • @TheBrassHole ... I wouldn't use the lids made today more than once. Lids are fairly cheap so why take the chance..... Donald

  • I just love listening to you talk. Thanks so much for the info. : )

  • @jrpjrg ... you're welcome..... Donald

  • Great videos. Thanks.

  • @Survive2Day ... Still eating some of those same mustard green canned in the vid...... Donald

  • hw long do you boil the greens initially? thanks for taking the time to make the videos. mike

  • @mhamerson ... these were packed raw so no pre boil..... Donald

  • why do the jars not explode

  • @fbobajob33 ... Excess pressure is relieved by the jar lids...... Donald

  • why you havety steam your greens...aint they cookin then when you use that pressure canner?? I was just thinkin that when you first boile those...all the good nutrions stays in that boiling water...sry for my rusty english...Great video Donald

  • Boil them first so you can get more of em in the jars. Greens shrink a lot....... Donald

  • Greetings from Finland... =) That is a really good point. Sorry for my small brains HAHA :D Thanks for your videos.. Have good day/night

  • nicely done

    thanks for doing the video

  • @KingRyltar you're welcome .......  Donald

  • you dont need to pressure can it if you didnt use the bacon right? you can just can it normally? i need to do this with my collards and cabbage

  • All vegetables (except tomatoes and those pickled) need to be pressure canned at 240 degrees........ Donald

  • MichiganSnowPony sent me this after I asked her about canning collards. and, looking for info w/no luck. funny, as I sub to you and didn't ask you first. we're 'suthn' ppl. I finished cooking up my collards w/bacon, onions, garlic, touch of sugar, fresh ground pepper, sea salt, and of course! Tony's. I seldom use ANYTHING but Tony's. The best seasoning ever! No, I don't get a check from them:( But, I endourse them for free, just like you. You sure make canning look easy:)))
  • Sounds like a good collard recipe you got there. Canning looks easy because it is. Once you get passed the first batch, youre a pro......... Donald

  • busted I saw the beer . I would give away or freeze my bounty but will try my hand at canning this year . Tasts somutch better when you grow it your self.

  • Yeah I was getting thirsty. Canning does take longer than freezing but jars need no frig or freezer......... Donald

  • you are funny! this was great, thank you.

    U BOIL THEM SUCKERS!

  • And that's what I did. LOL ........ Donald

  • Thank you for showing how to can. This will be my first year using a pressure cooker.

  • Real EZ to do, just follow the instructions and you'll do just fine....... Donald

  • What?

    Is that legal in Louisiana?

    You canned a vegetable, and did not put in any Cayenne?

    Well I guess that is ok.

    I really enjoy your videos!!!!!

  • The Tony's Seasoning I used has got plenty Cayenne in it. I'm safe, no laws broken here. LOL .......... Donald

  • I'm new to canning, we had so much beans,etc, this summer,that I bought a pressure canner. I always froze my veg., but want to do more canning now. Didn't know you could safely can bacon. I will definitely put it in my beans next year! I will also can my greens! Thanks for a great video, I like the way you show everything step by step.

  • Check out the USDA site, canning section. Lots of real good information. You can put up fish, meat, all sorts of stuff. I'll be working on a canning DVD this fall. Step by step, by the book with no short cuts. LOL .......... Donald

  • webcajun... question? Do you put the lid on tightly before you steam the jars or do you leave the lid on the jar loosely?

  • I put my lids just a little better than finger tight........ Donald

  • nicely done. i use a tablespoon of bacon grease in mine.

  • I love the taste of bacon in the greens, they just go together so well. LOL ........ Donald

  • You are a Great Teacher. Thank you and God Bless....

  • You're welcome........ Donald

  • everytime I buy this greens are death they look even brown green all the deep green was gone in the can. I hope that when you steam them they will not turn brown. Deep down green if boiled in a little water filtered not clorinated poisoned water is best then deep green color appears remove, cool and can do not distroy the water drink it hot tea or cold

  • Appreciate the info....... Donald

  • Beautiful! I am working on a "being self suffeciant" project. We just got our chicks in two days ago and I'm working next on canning a bunch of things. I didn't even know you could can greens!  I LOVE greens. I was wondering if you were going to put some baccon in I'm glad you did! Looks like I'm going to be canning sme greens too. My next step is ducks an milking goats. Wish me luck. P.S. Don't mind my spelling I"ve always been terrible at it! LOL

  • I've been doing quite a bit of canning too, getting ready for the hurricanes this year. Freezing is a lot quicker but that takes power ... canning doesn't. Good luck....... Donald

  • Great video. I have a couple questions. Have you ever canned sweet banana peppers. You know w/ the flavor of the ones you can get on your sub at subway....lol. I've been looking for a recipe forever. next question is where did you get your preasure canner?

  • I do plan on pickling some this year. Not sure if they'll taste like subway's LOL. Do a search online for an "American" canner. Shop around as they can be expensive. Buy the biggest you can afford....... Donald

  • WEB CAJUN is mad.....I love this guy...I want his life.

  • Check out the Coors light removal at 6:32 lol my boy is kickin a few back on the farm. The easy life!

  • Canning is hard work and I was thirsty. LOL Glad you enjoyed...... Donald

  • WOO YOUR A COORS LIGHT MAN???!!!!! HATS OFF TO YOU!!!LOL Chance

  • That's correct. LOL  ...... Donald

  • Lol! I didn't even see that the first time I watched the video!

  • We need some new ones Donald.! How about a 2009 tour of the vegetable garden to date. I got my little garden in here in Houston. Thanks for the vids!

  • By the way it looks the next field trip will be some time in May. Should have a new vid up on the site tomorrow. Upside down cucumbers........ Donald

  • I appreciate that very much.  Thanks...... Donald

  • Donald, We never tire of seeing your gardening videos. I cant speak for others but we love all of them.

  • lol i like that one donald at the end city boys and girls have too learn the basics lol i have the basics just have toolearn the seal and store part iam from the city but i know live in the country here in northcarolina

  • Let the canner do it's job and you'll be OK...... Donald

  • great videos, concise and easy to understand and to the point, thanks very much.

    kevin

  • Glad you enjoyed and thanks......  Donald

  • Do you sell produce or just can and what not?

  • I sell my extra vegetables to help pay for some of the garden expenses....... Donald

  • Wow Great great stuff!

  • Thanks, glad you enjoyed ...... Donald

  • Good video!  My wife and I wanted to prepare for the worst (economic times) so we bought a pressure canner last spring. We always plant a garden but usually freeze the produce. Canned green beans, tomatoes, pears, peaches, pickles, and pickled okra. Had only a few minor issues and it was certainly a good dry run. Might try canning meat next.

  • Like the mustard I will try to put all the meat and seasoning when ever possible so it's just and open and ready to heat setup. I would think the processing time would have to be that of the meat rather than the vegetable. Not sure if it would work well with everything. Will have to experiment some....... Donald

  • i enjoyed this one thanks

  • You're welcome...... Donald

  • I watched your video for the second time, I'm getting ready to can some greens. Yours looked so go I have to try it. Thanks

  • I brought a jar inside awhile ago to have with supper. Let us know how it goes. You are using a pressure canner??? ......Donald

  • yes, Im using a pressure canner. I have the pressure canner going for greens and the dehydrater. for carrots....LOL.

    I'll let you know how they turn out. thanks again for you videos, Im learning a lot.

  • Well the greens are out of the canner and boy do they look pretty!!!! I kept a mess out for dinner and they were good so heres hoping the ones I canned are the same. Thanks again

  • Glad to here everything came out ok. The ones I had for supper were as good as the day I canned them. Will be putting up some more before the season is over...... Donald

  • Donald,

    As always, your videos inspire me to learn more. I am curious as to what is the longest you have had a canned item and then opened? I have heard canned items can last essentially forever if stored in dark cool places.

    By the way, my wife delivered our twin baby boy (Logan) and girl (Amelia) 3 weeks ago. Camcorder hasn't come out yet, but will soon. Sleep, or lack thereof, is what seems to be most important to me and my wife these days (ha)

  • I would probably say it would have been figs that were close to 2 years old. I recently learn that a steam boat was recovered from a river bed that had gone down 100+ years ago. On board they found canned goods with the seals still in tack and the stuff inside was said to be still eatable. Test were done for harmful bacteria and none were found. Moat folks consume canned goods within a year or two.

    Congratulations on the twins. Youll have to soon expand that garden...... Donald

  • Donald, Thanks for your videos....I log onto your channel everyday hoping to see a video...I have learned so much. Keep it up

  • Glad you enjoy the videos. I try to space them out so yall don't get tired of seeing this old Cajun talking about gardening. I figure yall can only take so much abuse...... Donald

  • Once again you have out done yourself in showing us how to's

  • Once you get the few simple steps down you are good to go. I saw a video where the lady suggested you start out canning jars of water to see just how easy it is. I thought that was an outstanding idea...... Donald

  • i love your videos they inspired me to garden well i allway like to garden but u like helped get into it so i all ready ordered some seeds and im just going to wait for them to come in :) you should have a feild trip like once a month.

  • I will try to do a field trip about once a month. Sometimes things are slow and not much happening though. Glad you enjoy the videos...... Donald

  • That was GREAT! I really learned a lot. I bought all the canning supplies last year but I chickened out because I was so afraid I was going to mess something up! But I will try again this year.

  • About the only thing that changes in a pressure canner is the process time. Give a try, it's really easy. Once you do one batch, you're a pro. You do need to learn what can be processed in a water bath and what needs to be processed in a pressure canner. Very important...... Donald

  • Donald, my wife wants you to give me a hair cut.............I wonder why???? Greg

  • Well if she cuts it as short as mine it's a little cold in the winter but it is a lot cooler in the summer...... Donald :)

  • Donald, she was talking about you using the machette! and hoping you slipped!!  Greg

  • Didn't think your videos could get any better...I was wrong. :) Excellent video, Donald!

  • Thanks. When are we going to see some of yours?...... Donald

  • My camera works some days...and not others. :( Of course, when I want to do a video...it doesn't work. Not too much going anyway...besides TRYING to get my husband to do some muscle work for me by making some more raised beds.

  • Need to get that camera looked at. I enjoyed your videos last year. I kept my old one just in case...... Donald

  • cant wait for the next video,di you say you was going to grow some corn??

  • Yes I do plan on growing some more sweet corn this year. I ordered an open pollinated variety called "Truckers Favorite Yellow". Ordering many open pollinated / heirloom varieties of vegetables so I'll be able to save more of my own seed. It is very possible in the near future, that seeds may not be as readily available as they have been in the past. If I'm wrong it will still be a big savings on the cost of seed...... Donald

  • Once again, another great video! You really know your stuff. I'm coming eat at your place.

  • You're always welcome ... don't forget the beer....... Donald :)

  • Donald you have always had great videos you are getting better and better. now it seems like you have mastered it!

  • Oh, I just get lucky every now and then. Wait till you see the next two you may not be as impressed. LOL ...... Donald

  • Bacon makes EVERYTHING better. That's my mantra. :)

  • Yes it does...... Donald

  • Better yet, the food network or discovery should give you your own lil show. At least a skit or something on another show -)

  • Think I need an agent? LOL  Nobody would want to see this old country boy on TV. Anyway, it would cost them an arm and a leg with just editing ...... Donald

  • Great Video Donald! You're getting pretty good at making them!

  • For the folks who can't garden you can look into joining a local co-op buy local learn to preserve and support local farming community, just a thought :)

  • You are 100% correct...... Donald

  • Nope...you are only cooking them for a few mins and there will be enough water clinging to the leaves to do the job. Same with spinach...the leaves also let out their own juices or water. Wait and see...there will be an excess of fluid/water/juices. You'll see !

  • All right, I might try it but dont tell anyone...... Donald

  • No No No haha Wash them, put them in a pot with just the water that clings to them after washing.....cover and STEAM til wilted......brat ! haha

  • Won't they stick to the bottom and burn? ...... Donald :)

  • OK, beet tops are similar. You just gotta try steaming them til they wilt and put butter, salt, pepper & maybe some O yo hot sauce on them. They are GOOD

  • Did you say you have to "boil" them till they wilt. LOL ...... Donald

  • Your vids are always so great ! Comfort food almost. That's a lota steamin....hehe I am guessing that Mustard Greens are a taste sensation somewhere between spinach & kale. I still encourage you to try my Country Beets just for a side with dinner one night. Let me know how you like them You're the best ! Thanks so much for your awsome vids ! Shine on Donald !.