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Canning is a method used to preserve foods by storing them in airtight containers. There are three types of canning: Dry-Pack Canning, High-Acid Canning and then Low-Acid or Pressure Canning.

In Dry Canning, no water is used to preserve the food. Instead, #10 cans are used and the foods are placed inside with either an oxygen absorber or are flushed with carbon dioxide to protect the food from moisture, insects and rodents. The lids are then placed on top of the can and tightly sealed. This type of canning requires specialized equipment and while it can be done at home it is most often done in commercialized kitchens.

Foods that can be effectively Dry-Canned are items such as wheat, rice, beans, sugar, powdered milk, sugar, and oats. Just make sure that the wheat you use is not broken down into flour. You want to store the whole kernel because that's what will store the longest.

The number 10 cans are all uniform in size and stack neatly into a box 2 cans wide and 3 cans deep. They need to be stored somewhere cool (under 75 F) and should be stored off the floor on slats or shelving to allow good air circulation. Depending on the food you store, much of it should last 20-30 years if the seal stays good.

High-Acid Canning is a way to preserve foods such as fruits, pickles, jams, jellies, relishes etc. It is probably the simplest way of all the canning methods, and can be done at home with just a few common kitchen utensils. If you have the time and can take the heat, this is the way to go. Food canned in this manner lasts a about a year.

Low-Acid Canning is a bit more complicated and requires the use of a pressure cooker. This is the way to preserve foods such as vegetables, meats, and poultry. This is still an easy way to preserve foods, but does require special care to prevent bacteria from growing inside the jars and spoiling the food. Again, all it takes is a few tools you have lying around the kitchen (plus the pressure cooker) and you'll be able to can food that'll last you for about a year or longer.

In fact, there was an old steam boat that sunk in the Missouri River about 100 years ago. When they pulled it out they discovered a bunch of canned fruits on board. Scientists ran some tests and found out much to their surprise that the fruit was not only still edible but still retained some of its nutritional value. While I would not want to have to eat food that old, it was interesting to find that canning was not only a simple way to preserve food, but it could be longer lasting than we realize.

Visit our home food storage articles page or go directly to the article to learn how to can food at home yourself.