MACHINE CANNING 10 CANS FOR DRY FOOD STORAGE

Dry canning can be a fun and educational project for the entire family. Proper procedure is vital to the life of the product being canned. Dry canning is a quick step to self reliance in the future. Financial distress, loss of property and a whole host of other events can easily render a person and/or family to the good allocations of welfare agencies and organizations. These events are just a matter of time for any of us, yet we have ample opportunity in times of prosperity and even just “getting by” to plan for the future security of yourself and family.

This author will illustrate the use of a dry canning machine which uses #10 aluminum cans. These machines are available for use at many family canning sites located around the world especially at LDS food storehouses. These machines can also be bought from a retailer either at specific stores or online. However, they can be quite expensive. A cheaper model can range upwards of $1,000. Using these machines are very elementary and easy to understand.

Aside from machines like this food storage is a project that can be taken on in many various ways. It can be as small as purchasing an extra can of soup during your regular grocery trip or as large as purchasing entire supplies of dehydrates from a local or online retail site. Buying in bulk can be advantageous as often discounts can be extended to the buyer. Also becoming acquainted with a local grocery store can help. They always receive damaged goods which can more often than not be purchased at a rate of at least half the regular retail or better. Dry damaged goods can be purchased and dry canned very economically. However this project is undertaken it must be wielded with discipline and the intent to make the project a long term habit for the benefit of long term self reliance.

A deep freeze is also a good idea for food storage. A recommended place for such a machine is perhaps a dry basement or other area not directly receiving sunlight. If your basement is prone to flooding you could place the freezer on cement blocks or use another method to raise the device off the floor. A deep freeze is also good for dry canning. Whether it be dry pasta, grains, sugar or flour there are microscopic eggs and bacteria that often lay dormant but can easily be killed after a few days in a deep freezer prior to canning. A deep freeze is a useful tool in proper food rotation and a necessary part of your overall food storage.

A dry canning machine often comes with a clamp or brace. It is very important to make sure the device is secured to the work area. Using the clamp secure it to the table top to prevent unforeseen damage to not only the goods but also the machine from possible movement from the needed pressure as will be shown later. A good seal on a can depends much on the stability of the work area and as to how fixed the device is to the table top. Without this assurance one can easily destroy the can and/or it's lid and even cause damage to the machine itself. Always secure the foundation of the machine to the work area first.

Using a clean and dry can fill it with the desired product to be canned. Leave enough clearance at the top for a good tight lid to be affixed. You will find that much product can be put in a #10 can so you want to be sure you have enough product. Food storage is about utilizing current means to it's fullest measure. Preparing a partially filled can for food storage is not recommended. Air and moisture are key components to food degradation and quick expiration. It is yet another reason that securing the device properly on the work area to ensure a tight seal is so important. For the moisture concern it is vitally important to remember to place a water absorption packet into each can prior to affixing the lid. Without this you may open your food in a needed time and find the product rotten and of no use. You may even want to create a checkoff sheet to verify each necessity for each can processed.

To begin the seal process place a lid on top of the can making sure it is not being held up by overfilled product in the can. The lip of the can has a slight curve on the end. The curve should be pointing down on the can. Place the can on the machine platform which is a round turntable. The can's bottom lip will fit perfectly over the turntable. Raise the turntable by lifting up (carefully) on the locking mechanism often exhibiting a red handle. Do this slow and carefully to verify that the lid is evenly and securely in place before raising the handle over it's notch to lock. Lock the can in place.

Now you may proceed to utilize the electric motor as part of the seal process. Slowly push the long lever forward making sure lid is properly in the groove of the round gear. Press and hold the power button while firmly holding the lever forward. Do this for at least three complete can revolutions and also always being watchful for can defects or irregularities. You may now pull the lever first verifying the lip is in the groove of the round gear. Press and hold the power button while firmly holding the lever in the #2 spot toward you. Do so for at least three complete can revolutions and again having an eagle eye on the process.

When you are satisfied the process was successful you may now disengage the power button. Unlock the turntable lift by moving the red handle down. Take the can off the turntable and closely inspect the lip area. Is the lip on evenly all the way around? Are there irregularities that you question? If so then removing the lid with a can opener and reprocessing the can would be suggested. If the can looks good than label the can with what's in the product and especially the date it was canned.

Always, always be familiar with shelf life guidelines for all types of canning. This is key to putting into action a food rotation plan. Again, this was just one type of food storage illustrated for you. It is wise to start small and within your own budget. It is very important to be disciplined with a project of such great importance and to keep it going all your life long. Doing so will help ensure that your children will grow with this knowledge and also serve as a testament of the importance of food storage when that time comes when occasion dictates that you need to be self reliant.

Self reliance is key to personal integrity and self worth. It is key to ensuring that you will not be left to the support of the welfare system or handouts. In fact, as you feel more secure in your storage you will actually be more apt to help others in their time of need.