<p class="bodycopy"><span lang="EN-US">Another sure sign that summer is in full swing is the appearance of bulk cases of produce to can and pickle.  This week we have cherries, peaches, blueberries, and cucumbers.  In the next few weeks we should see even more canning options.</span></p> <p class="bodycopy"><span lang="EN-US">If you are new to canning or pickling, do not feel daunted.  Other than a few special tools (jars, lids, a big water canner and jar lifter), small and medium batch canning is easily achieved at home.  This month on the blog, we will be featuring <a href="https://blog.theorganicbox.ca/category/recipes-tags/" target="_blank">tips and recipes</a> for our favourite easy canned goods.  Already we have crowd-sourced a wonderful tip: <b>When making pickles, use garlic scapes to flavour the pickles instead of whole garlic cloves.  When the pickles are ready, they will have a fantastic garlic flavour and the resulting pickled scapes at the bottom of the jar are a tasty pickle treat!</b></span></p> <p class="bodycopy"><span lang="EN-US">Have you got a family-tested favourite canning recipe?  Please share with us so we can spread the love with our entire food family.  What about a helpful tip that makes canning and pickling run smoothly in your household?</span></p> <p class="bodycopy"><span lang="EN-US">I pickled my first jar of dilly beans last July and I was immediately hooked!  I brought the canner out of my basement this week and am ready to use it all canning season long!</span></p>
