A Canning Journal is a good thing to start once you begin canning. It helps you keep track of not only what was canned, but when it was and any other notes that may be applicable to the batch. By writing down the recipes and impressions of your canning adventures, it will serve as not only as a reminder of what went into the food that you're eating but will also remind you of each step you took in creating that recipe.

When you open the jar several weeks later and taste it, you have the chance to look back upon what exactly went into creating it and what improvements can be made. Over time, you will learn what works and what doesn't. When you feel confident enough to start creating your own recipes, it will serve as a valuable teaching tool.

Later on, if you decide to share your recipes and cherished methods with someone else, they can build upon your experience. Who wouldn't enjoy a handwritten tome of knowledge that you have recorded via your journal.

The basics of a canning journal should include the following items:


Recipe name:

Process: (waterbath or pressure)

Date canned:

Batch number: (add a batch number if doing muliple canner loads on same day)

Yield: (How many jars and their sizes)

Ingredient type: (Fresh or frozen fruits/veggies, specific variety etc)

Pectin type: (none, regular, no/low sugar, liquid)

Changes: (from original recipe like different spices or vinegar etc)

Additional Notes: (if any jars didnt seal, excessive loss of headspace or left jars in canner 10 extra minutes because baby needed a new diaper lol)

Notes after opening: (changes you would make to next batch, too spicy, too bland etc)

Very helpful information. I do a LOT of canning and sometimes I figure that I will just label things later, only to forget exactly what the recipe was, etc. It is important to stay on top of these things.

moirakris wrote:
This should really go into the article section Christine:) Do you know where it is? Here's a direct link to posting articles but I can give you details on how to get there if you need them:)

homefarmideas.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=form&layout=edit&Itemid=342

Admin Matt

Agreed! I always just figure in my head "eat it all within a year" Ha ha ha!!

ok Matt, i put it as an article for you ty

moirakris wrote:
Awesome:) That way we will always have it! The stuff on the forum will end up disappearing once we have lots of members on the site due to 1000's of post but the articles are here to stay!

Matt