Get ready to discover the best way to can potatoes through the process of dry canning. The video starts off with the potatoes being cleaned and scrubbed using a toilet brush attached to a drill. The potatoes are then cut and any bad spots are removed. The children in the video also showcase their safe knife-handling skills. Once the potatoes are cleaned, they are covered in cold water to leach out starch and left to dry overnight. The next day, the potatoes are tossed with butter, salt, and pepper before being filled into jars for dry canning. The video also demonstrates how to pressure can the jars for 40 minutes at 10 pounds of pressure. The canned potatoes are then used in vegetable soup, and the process of storing the remaining potatoes in a cold room is shown. Overall, the video provides a comprehensive guide on dry canning potatoes and highlights the benefits of this method for convenience and long-term storage.
Preparing the Potatoes
Cleaning and Scrubbing
Before you start canning your potatoes, it's important to clean and scrub them thoroughly. In the video, the Zimmermans show us a unique method using a toilet brush attached to a drill, which effectively removes any dirt or debris from the potato skin. However, if you don't have a toilet brush handy, you can simply use a regular scrub brush or your hands to clean the potatoes. The goal is to remove any dirt or impurities that may be on the surface of the potatoes.
Cutting and Removing Bad Spots
Once your potatoes are clean, it's time to cut them into uniform sizes and remove any bad spots. The Zimmermans demonstrate how they cut the potatoes to ensure that they are all approximately the same size, which helps with even cooking when it comes time to use the canned potatoes. They also emphasize the importance of removing any bad spots from the potatoes, as these can affect the quality and taste of the final product. It's essential to carefully inspect each potato and cut away any areas that are discolored or have started to rot.
Ensuring Safety
Children's Experience with Knives
In the video, the Zimmermans highlight their children's experience with knives and their ability to handle them safely. They explain that their boys have been around knives their entire lives and have been trained and coached on how to handle them respectfully from a young age. By involving their children in the process of cutting and preparing the potatoes, they teach them valuable skills and foster a sense of responsibility. It's worth noting that if you decide to involve your children in the process, it's crucial to closely supervise them and provide proper guidance to ensure their safety.
Safety Measures
While involving children in food preparation can be a valuable learning experience, it's essential to prioritize safety at all times. The Zimmermans share some safety measures that they follow during the potato canning process. They talk about setting clear boundaries and expectations with their children when it comes to using knives and other kitchen tools. Additionally, they stress the importance of teaching children proper knife handling techniques and providing constant supervision to prevent accidents. They also recommend using child-friendly tools and cutting boards to minimize the risk of injuries.
Leaching Out Starch
Covering Potatoes in Cold Water
To leach out starch from the potatoes, it's recommended to cover them in cold water. The Zimmermans explain that too much starch in the potatoes can make them soft and mushy when canned. By soaking the potatoes in cold water, starches are released, resulting in firmer potatoes that better retain their texture. In the video, they demonstrate pouring cold water over the potatoes and letting them sit overnight to allow the starches to leach out fully.
Allowing Overnight Drying
After soaking the potatoes in cold water overnight, it's important to drain them and allow them to dry before moving on to the next step. This drying process helps remove excess moisture, which can affect the quality and shelf life of the canned potatoes. In the video, the Zimmermans discuss the need to let the potatoes dry for a bit before continuing with the canning process. They mention that the potatoes should be fairly dry by the morning, ready to be seasoned and jarred.
Seasoning the Potatoes
Tossing Potatoes with Butter, Salt, and Pepper
Before filling the jars, the Zimmermans toss the dried potatoes with butter, salt, and pepper to season them. They emphasize the importance of using clarified butter or regular melted butter, as it adds flavor to the potatoes when canned. They also add a moderate amount of salt, but note that personal preferences can vary, so you can adjust the seasoning to your taste. By seasoning the potatoes before canning, you ensure that they are flavorful and ready to be enjoyed when you open the jars later on.
Jarring the Potatoes
Filling the Jars
To jar the seasoned potatoes, you'll need clean, sterilized jars. The Zimmermans demonstrate how they fill the jars with the prepared potatoes, making sure to leave sufficient headspace. They explain that headspace is crucial to allow for expansion during the canning process and to ensure a proper seal. They recommend leaving about an inch of headspace to provide enough room for the potatoes to expand without causing the lid to pop open.
Dry Canning - No Liquid Added
In the video, the Zimmermans employ a technique called dry canning, which means no liquid is added to the jars. They explain that since they are pressure canning the potatoes, the high temperature reached during the process is sufficient to kill any potential botulism spores. By omitting the addition of liquid, the texture of the final product is maintained, resulting in firm and flavorful canned potatoes.
Pressure Canning
Setting the Pressure at 10 Pounds
When pressure canning the potatoes, it's crucial to follow the recommended guidelines for your specific pressure canner. In the video, the Zimmermans mention that they set the pressure at 10 pounds, which is the designated pressure for their canner. It's essential to consult the manufacturer's instructions for your pressure canner and adjust the pressure accordingly to ensure safe and effective canning.
Canning Time: 40 Minutes
The recommended canning time for potatoes is 40 minutes at the designated pressure. The Zimmermans stress the importance of adhering to this timing to ensure that the potatoes are safely canned and free from any potential bacterial contamination. They explain that the extended processing time is necessary to ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked and preserved, allowing them to be stored safely for an extended period.
Utilizing Canned Potatoes
Using in Vegetable Soup
Canned potatoes can be a convenient and versatile addition to a variety of dishes. In the video, the Zimmermans demonstrate using their canned potatoes in a vegetable soup. They discuss how they incorporate the potatoes along with other ingredients like green beans, tomato juice, and beef stew to create a delicious and hearty meal. Canned potatoes can also be used in stews, casseroles, or even mashed for a quick side dish. The possibilities are endless, and having canned potatoes on hand can greatly simplify meal preparation.
Storing for Future Use
Keeping in a Cold Room
Once you've canned your potatoes, it's essential to store them properly to maintain their quality and shelf life. The Zimmermans show us how they store their remaining potatoes in a cold room in their basement. They use vintage bakery racks to store the jars, providing a cool and dark environment that helps preserve the potatoes. They explain the importance of sorting through the potatoes before storing them and removing any that have bad spots or are too small. By practicing proper storage techniques, you can ensure that your canned potatoes remain fresh and flavorful for an extended period.
In conclusion, canning potatoes can be a rewarding and practical way to preserve this versatile vegetable for future use. By following the steps and safety measures outlined in the video by Homesteading with the Zimmermans, you can confidently prepare and store delicious canned potatoes that will come in handy for various meals. Whether you choose to incorporate them into soups, stews, or other dishes, having canned potatoes readily available can save you time and effort in the kitchen. So why not give it a try and enjoy the convenience and satisfaction of having your own homemade canned potatoes at your fingertips?
