Best Vegetables for Home Canning (With Recipes!)

If you’ve found yourself with an abundance of fresh vegetables from your garden that you know you will never be able to eat before they go bad, canning is your new best friend. Even if you’ve never tried your hand at home canning, don’t fret. It’s incredibly easy and is a wonderful way to preserve fresh vegetables so you can enjoy them for months to come.

Some vegetables are going to be better for canning than others and require slightly different cooking temperatures, time and techniques. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of the five best vegetables for canning and included some delicious (and easy!) recipes that will make you fall in love with canning vegetables.

Cucumbers
Canning cucumbers is all about making deliciously crisp pickles. Use your pickles to top sandwiches and burgers, or just eat them straight from the jar! There are TONS of great recipes available online for all your favorite varieties… dill, sweet, bread and butter, you name it.

Dill Pickles
What you’ll need:

• 8 pounds 3 to 4 inch-long pickling cucumbers
• 4 cups white vinegar
• 12 cups water
• 2/3 cup pickling salt
• 16 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
• 8 sprigs fresh dill weed
• 8 heads fresh dill weed

1. Wash cucumbers and place in the sink with cold water and lots of ice cubes. Soak in ice water for at least 2 hours but no more than 8 hours. Refresh ice as required. Sterilize 8 (1 quart) canning jars and lids in boiling water for at least 10 minutes.
2. In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine the vinegar, water and pickling salt. Bring the brine to a rapid boil.

Continue to the full recipe

Bread and Butter Pickles
What you’ll need:

• 25 cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 6 onions, thinly sliced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• ½ cup salt
• 3 cups cider vinegar
• 5 cups white sugar
• 2 tablespoons mustard seed
• 1 ½ teaspoons celery seed
• ½ teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

1. In a large bowl, mix together cucumbers, onions, green bell peppers, garlic and salt. Allow to stand approximately 3 hours.
2. In a large saucepan, mix the cider vinegar, white sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, whole cloves and turmeric. Bring to a boil.

Continue to the full recipe

Green Beans
Can your green beans so you have ready-to-use green beans available in your pantry long after peak growing season. You also don’t have to limit yourself to just green beans – string, Italian and wax beans all work just as well! The most important thing is to select beans that are tender and small; the moisture content will help them hold up better during and after the canning process.

What you’ll need:

• 2 pounds green beans per quart jar
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Glass preserving jars and lids
• Pressure canner

1. Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
2. Wash and rinse beans thoroughly. Remove string, trim ends and break or cut freshly gathered green beans into 2-inch pieces. Place prepared beans in a large saucepan and cover with boiling water. Boil for 5 minutes.

Continue to the full recipe

Tomatoes
One of our favorite things to make with our fresh-grown tomatoes – salsa! There are literally endless different kinds of salsas you can make just by adding or taking away a couple ingredients and playing around with various hot peppers to achieve your preferred level of heat. Check out two of our favorite recipes: the first makes a mild, traditional tomato salsa and the second makes a wonderfully light and slightly sweet mango salsa.

Rockin’ Salsa
What you’ll need:

• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 white onion, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 6 pounds fresh tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 banana peppers, chopped
• 3 green bell peppers, chopped
• 3 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 8 pint canning jars with lids and rings

1. Combine red onion, white onion, yellow onion, tomatoes, banana peppers, green peppers, tomato paste, white vinegar, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, cumin, brown sugar and white sugar in a large pot. Simmer until thick, about 3 hours.
2. Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the salsa into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within ¼ inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the inside of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.

Continue to the full recipe

Mango Salsa
What you’ll need:

• 1 large mango, ¼ inch dice
• 1 Roma tomato, ¼ inch dice
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• Pinch of sea salt
• 1 tablespoon green onions, finely sliced (optional)
• Finely diced chilies (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients together and gently mix. Adjust individual ingredients to taste.
2. Store covered in fridge until ready to use. Keeps about 3-4 days.

Continue to the original recipe

Jalapeno Peppers
If you love spice, try making hot pepper jelly! It’s a delicious treat on cold days when you want to warm up and on hot days when you need to cool down. We enjoy it best when served with crackers smeared in cream cheese!

Hot Pepper Jelly
What you’ll need:

• 2 ½ cups finely chopped red bell peppers
• 1 ¼ cups finely chopped green bell peppers
• ¼ cup finely chopped jalapeno peppers
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered pectin
• 5 cups white sugar

1. Sterilize 6 (8 ounce) canning jars and lids according to manufacturer’s instructions. Heat water in a hot water canner.
2. Place red bell peppers, green bell peppers and jalapeno peppers in a large saucepan over high heat. Mix in vinegar and fruit pectin. Stirring constantly, bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Quickly stir in sugar. Return to full rolling boil and boil exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.

Continue to the full recipe

Beets
Beets may not be the first veggie that comes to mind when you think about canning but they hold up to the canning process extremely well and make an excellent addition to salads, tacos and quinoa bowls.

Canned Spiced Pickled Beets
What you’ll need:

• 5 1/3 cups distilled white vinegar
• 4 cups white sugar
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cloves
• 12 pounds beets, peeled and sliced
• 6 (1 quart) canning jars with lids and rings

1. In a large pot, mix the white vinegar, sugar, water, cinnamon, salt and cloves together; bring the mixture to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the beets and simmer until tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Sterilize the jars, lids and rings in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, pack the sliced beets into the hot, sterilized jars and pour in the beet liquid to fill the jars to within ¼ inch of the top. Run a sterilized knife or a thin spatula around the inside of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.

Continue to the full recipe

5 Fall Lawn Care Tips to Help You Prep Your Lawn for Winter

As August begins to slowly slip by, it’s important to remember that winter is just around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about preparing your lawn for winter, so come next spring, there will be considerably less work to be done.

Follow these 5 fall lawn care tips to best prepare your lawn for the cold months ahead.

1. Water and Mow – Continue to water and mow your lawn regularly throughout the fall to keep your lawn as healthy as possible before the temperature drops. For the last couple mows of the season, cut your grass shorter than you normally would (set the blade to the lowest setting). Doing this will allow as much sunlight as possible to penetrate the crown of the grass and cuts back on the amount of grass that can turn brown during the winter.

2. Aerate and De-Weed – Aerating your lawn will help fertilizers, seeds, and water reach deep into the root system increasing the likelihood of sustained nutrition throughout the winter months. De-weeding your yard provides a similar effect. Also, many weeds have the ability to thrive in winter months while grass is unable to grow, so removing all weeds will keep your ratio of weeds to grass in a healthy balance.

3. Rake Up Leaves – It’s important to remove any fallen leaves from your lawn, especially before they have a chance to get wet. Unattended wet leaves create a soppy blanket that will suffocate your grass and become grass fungus’s new best friend. It’s a good idea to tackle fallen foliage over a couple of raking sessions rather than letting them pile up into a heavy, unmovable mess. If you really dread raking leaves, a lawn mower fitted with a collection bag is always an option.

4. Fertilize – Fall is the best time to fertilize your lawn. Surprised? Grass leaves grow much more slowly as the temperatures get cooler but their roots continue to thrive and grow. Providing a healthy dose of fertilizer before the slowing process is set in motion will ensure your grass has all the nutrients it needs to grow strong, deep roots through the long, cold winter. Try using a fertilizer with weed control to nourish the growth you want and keep pesky weeds at bay. It’s a win-win.

5. Repair Empty Spots - Next, you’re going to want to fill in any empty spots with a lawn repair mixture (a mix of grass seed, quick-starter fertilizer and mulch). Taking the time to repair any bald patches now will make your spring lawn care that much easier. Plus, it provides nutrients to sustain your lawn through the winter, giving your lawn a leg up when the thaw comes. Spread a thick layer of the lawn repair mixture over the area, lightly compact it down and then water thoroughly. Be sure to continue to water the areas you repaired every other day for two weeks.

Winter is a difficult time of the year for your lawn, but with the proper care and preparation, you can set your grass up for success and save yourself a lot of time, money and frustration.

How do you maintain your lawn through the fall and winter months? Share your favorite lawn care tips in the comments section below!

6 Must-See Places to Visit in New England

New England is one of the most highly visited regions of the United States attracting thousands of vacationers each year, and for good reason. Spanning six states (Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and Rhode Island), the Northeast has something to offer everyone from white sand beaches to remote mountain ranges, and crystal clear lakes to cities rich with history and culture.

With so many bucket list-worthy destinations, planning a New England getaway can easily become overwhelming. The following six attractions are our top must see places in New England that will show you the very best each state has to offer.

(photo: istock)

Acadia National Park, Maine –
Designated a national park in 1919, Acadia National Park spans 47,000 acres along Maine’s pristine coastline. Located in Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadia NP boasts breathtaking ocean views, deep, unspoiled woodlands, impressive mountain peaks and glass-like lakes. You can explore the carriage-road system that runs through the park, hike, camp, swim and boat. Bar Harbor is also the home of numerous eateries, shops and lodging options. The most popular times to visit the park are during the summer and fall months.

(photo: istock)

White Mountains, New Hampshire –
The White Mountain region spans about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of western Maine. Part of the Northern Appalachian Mountains, they are the most rugged mountains in New England and includes Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern U.S. (6,288 feet elevation). Visitors from around the country and the world visit the White Mountains each year to hike, camp and experience the breathtaking Fall foliage. Some of the most popular attractions include the Mount Washington Auto Road and the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway.

(photo: istock)

Nantucket, Massachusetts -
For postcard-worthy vistas, white sand beaches and seafood straight from the ocean, Nantucket is the place to be. Nantucket, whose name means “faraway land or island,” is a historical New England seaport town sprinkled with late 18th- and early 19th-century architecture and lighthouses. Summer is by the far the most popular time to visit, with its population ballooning to 50,000 from its about 10,000 year-round residents. Spend lazy days soaking up the sun on a white sand beach, sailing and fishing, and finish up the day with some fresh seafood and the state’s world-famous Samuel Adams beer.

(photo: istock)

Yale University, Connecticut -
Stroll through picturesque Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Architecture lovers, history buffs and art enthusiast will be enchanted while touring the esteemed campus and nearby art galleries. The Yale University Art Gallery, established in 1832, is the oldest college art museum in the United States. Visit the gallery and you’ll get to experience pieces ranging from ancient times to modern day, including paintings by Picasso, Monet and Van Gogh.

(photo: waterfire.org)

WaterFire Providence, Rhode Island –
WaterFire Providence is an annual public art event that takes place along the rivers of downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Barnaby Evans first created the award-winning sculpture in 1994 and it has since evolved to become a well-known national and international community art event. WaterFire transforms the city of Providence by one hundred fires that burn along the surface of the rivers that flow through Waterplace Park and downtown Providence attracting as many as 40,000 visitors a night!

(photo: istock)

VINS Nature Center and Quechee Gorge, Vermont –
The Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center is located in Quechee, Vermont is excellent for families and bird watching enthusiasts. Offering a variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits, you can come face-to-face with a variety of fascinating birds of prey including eagles, owls, falcons and raptors. When you’re ready to stretch your legs, walk the trail to the Quechee Gorge, a spectacular spot along the Ottauquechee River offering some of Vermont’s most breathtaking views.

How to Store Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor & Shelf Life

You’ve tended your herb garden over the past few months - watering, weeding and pruning and now you’re ready to reap the rewards and harvest your bounty. But you may be wondering “what’s the best way to store them?”

We’ve compiled a handy guide on how to store a variety of fresh herbs for maximum flavor and shelf life. There are three main methods used: freezing, drying and keeping fresh. Learn which method is best for your favorite herbs.

Best Herbs to Dry

• bay, oregano, rosemary and thyme

Herbs that have low moisture content are going to be best. Drying fresh herbs will keep them up to a year.

How to Dry Fresh Herbs

Begin by removing any dry or dead leaves. Rinse with cool water and quickly but gently pat dry with paper towels. Trim off the lower leaves along the bottom inch of the branch. Bundle anywhere from 4-6 branches together and tie with string. Next, cut several holes in a paper bag. Place the bundle upside down in the bag. Gather the ends of the bag and tie it closed. Hang upside down in a warm, dry room. It should take about two weeks for your herbs to fully dry.

Once they are dry storing them is a cinch! Label small canning jars and place the herbs inside. Storing them in airtight containers will help retain flavor. Keep leaves whole and crush them when you’re ready to use.

Remember that dried herbs are going to more potent than their fresh counterparts, so you can use less when substituting for fresh herbs in recipes.

Best Herbs to Freeze

• chives, mint and tarragon

Preserving herbs that have high moisture content are going to be a little trickier because they’re more susceptible to molding. Freezing these herbs will help them keep their flavor and will bypass the mold problem.

How to Freeze Fresh Herbs

First, make sure to pick only the freshest, healthiest plants. Rinse leaves with cool water and pat dry with a paper towel. Next, spread the leaves on a cookie sheet so they are not touching or over-lapping. Cover with plastic wrap and into the freezer overnight. Once frozen, place the leaves into a labeled freezer bag. Frozen herbs will stay fresh for several months.

Best Herbs to Keep Fresh

• basil, parsley and cilantro

For herbs that are traditionally incorporated into dishes in their fresh state, simply clean and store in the fridge or on the counter until you are ready to use.

How to Store Fresh Herbs in the Fridge or on the Counter

Start by rinsing them with cool water, shake gently to remove moisture and pat dry with paper towels. Grab a medium-sized jar and fill it with a few inches of water. Place the stem end of the herbs into the water and loosely cover the jar with plastic wrap. If you’re storing cilantro, keep it in the fridge. Parsley and basil should be left on your countertop since room temperature is ideal for them. Fresh herbs will last up to two weeks when stored properly.

Do you have any tips or tricks that work well for you? Share with us in the comments below. Happy noshing!

Thermo-Peep Heating Pad for Baby Chicks - Review

If you’re looking for an efficient heating pad to keep your newly hatched chicks warm, look no further than the Thermo-Peep Heated Pad from K&H Manufacturing. This 9” by 12” heated pad is the ideal size for chicks of all ages and is especially necessary during the early stages life. Outdoor heating pads for animals are also essential when old man winter arrives!

Featuring dual internal thermostats that are pre-set to the perfect temperature, this outdoor heating pad ensures that your chicks don’t get chilled and is a go-to tool for supporting a healthy start. The thermostats keep the surface of the pad at about 10-15°F above ambient air temperature when your chick is not on the bed and at about 102°F when your chick lies on the pad. Using only 25 watts of power, the Thermo-Peep Heated Pad eliminates any chance of overheating or potential fire threats. It is the most efficient heat source on the market for your peeps. The safety and well-being of your peeps is of the utmost importance and this product makes certain of that by possessing a capped cord entrance, and the first 18” of the power cord is capped by steel to do away with any safety hazards.
There are holes in all four corners of the pad allowing for screws to anchor the pad down onto wood surfaces and for easy wiring when placing in more traditional chicken coops. This versatile product can be placed virtually anywhere and has been certified by MET labs to adhere to strict electrical safety standards. It is designed for 24/7 operation though it is recommended it be unplugged if you leave your home for an extended period of time.
For newborn chicks or chickens of all ages during winter months, this heated pad from K&H Manufacturing is the perfect heat source to keep your chickens warm and in good health. For even more tools to care for your chicks and chickens, be sure to check out our wide variety of poultry supplies at Paris Farmers Union!

How to Raise Chickens for Eggs – Tips to Get You Started

There are many benefits that come from raising your own chickens for eggs, including but not limited to: long-term savings from buying eggs, eggs produced by backyard chickens are fresher and tend to taste better, and there is evidence that backyard eggs are actually more nutritious.
So if you have decided to raise chickens for eggs for any of these reasons, you’re probably asking yourself “where do I start?”
Follow these 5 simple steps and you’ll be raising backyard chickens in no time!

1. Know the law – Before you get started, it is very important to check with your local authorities and/or homeowners association rules. Roosters are banned in many places, which actually isn’t a huge deal as hens will still lay eggs without them. In some areas, signed agreements are required from neighbors, permits need to be obtained, and sometimes an appearance before the zoning board is necessary. There are also communities where ordinances have been implemented that restrict the size and placement of outbuildings.

2. Choose your breed – Keeping chickens gives you the opportunity to raise any kind of chicken you choose, and there are a variety of breeds to choose from. Most breeds come in 2 sizes, standard (large breed) and bantam, which is typically a quarter of the size of standard breeds. Standard breeds tend to lay larger eggs and are typically less flighty since they weigh more. Lightweight breeds are the best for dependable egg production, but depending on what you’re looking for, there are also dual-purpose breeds (used for eggs and meat), and broilers (used primarily for meat). To view the breeds available to order from Paris Farmers Union, download our 2020 Chick Order Form.
3. Build (or buy) a chicken coop – The chicken coop’s main purpose is to shelter the chickens, but considering it will be in your yard, aesthetics could be an important consideration as well. When building a coop or deciding which one to buy, you need to make sure that the run is covered and that the fencing is buried about a foot deep. In both urban and suburban areas, many predators ranging from raccoons to coyotes run rampant, so be sure to use poultry netting around your chicken enclosure to protect your flock, or a sturdy hardware cloth to prevent smaller rodents from slipping through the cracks. Paris Farmers Union offers a variety of pre-built chicken coops for sale to meet the different needs of your backyard flock.

4. Care and feeding – To keep your chickens happy and healthy for ultimate egg production, it is important you stock up on chicken feed that is high in protein. Chickens will normally dig up most of their diet (worms, snails, seeds, etc.), but the high levels of protein in their chicken feed is extremely important. Also, make sure you are providing ample water to your chickens, because if they go without water for extended periods of time, they can go out of production for weeks at a time. Paris Farmers Union carries a large selection of poultry feeds for all life stages of your flock from Blue Seal, Nutrena, and Purina Feeds.
5. After hatch – If you are looking to hatch some of the eggs your chickens lay in order to have some more around, it is important to take special care of the chicks shortly after they hatch. Heat is one of the most important components, especially in the first few days after they hatch. After a few days, it is time to move them to their brooder, which is the place they will stay until they begin to grow and develop feathers. Household items such as empty crates, empty toy boxes or empty shelves tend to work very well.

Do you have any tips/tricks for raising chickens for eggs that worked well for you? Feel free to share with us in the comments!
And be sure to check out Paris Farmers Union for everything you need to raise chickens from coops to feed and so much more.

La Crosse Weather Station with Color Display - Review

Before you step outside to check the temperature, turn to the Weather Station with Color Display from La Crosse instead! This battery powered weather station brings the weather right to your fingertips, so you can keep up with the forecast outside without ever having to leave the comfort of your home.

Featuring a large vibrant LCD display with a convenient light dimmer for night time use, this product displays indoor and outdoor temperatures, as well as humidity levels and a 12 hour forecast based on barometric pressure.

To achieve the most accurate predicted forecasts, be sure to allow three to four weeks for the barometer to properly calibrate and provide a precise reading. The weather station also displays heat index, dew point and a 12 or 24 hour clock with snooze alarm and icon, as well as a built in calendar that shows the month, day and year.

Watch the display spring into life, depicting colorful weather graphics that show when it’s sunny, partly sunny, cloudy, rainy or stormy. The device operates by receiving a transmitted signal from an included wireless weather resistant sensor that measures temperatures inside and out within a range of 200 ft. Calibrate multiple weather stations to work with a single sensor so you can access the weather throughout several parts of your home or add up to 3 sensors to work with a single station.

This La Crosse Weather Station with Color Display comes with an AC adapter, but the receiver requires three AA batteries for backup power or wireless use, and two more AA batteries are needed for the sensor (batteries not included). A USB port is also available to charge mobile devices.

Whether it’s rain or shine, indoors or out, you’ll always be prepared to handle the elements with this weather station from La Crosse! For even more ways to keep tabs on temperature, check out our selection of thermometers, clocks and weather displays at Paris Farmers Union!