A method of food preservation that has been popular for decades, canning is a fabulous way to prepare and preserve seasonal foods at the height of their freshness. Canning is a craft that is making a big comeback and in recent years, it has enjoyed a renaissance, with inventive home cooks trying out new and interesting combinations to elevate their canning game. By including some well-chosen international ingredients in your canning adventures, you can enjoy a fresh take on this age-old craft. International Fresh Market, your local ethnic grocery store, has some helpful suggestions for anyone interested in experimenting with unique flavors from around the world in their homemade preserves.
Why Canning with International Ingredients?
Canning used to be used primarily to preserve simple staples like potatoes, apples, and peaches. These days, however, there’s nearly no limit to what you can preserve through canning. By including international spices and ingredients, you can elevate traditional canned goods and add some variety to your weekday meals. In most cases, it doesn’t take any additional work to transform your preserves, since grocery stores like International Fresh Market offer everything you need to take things up a notch.
Essential Canning Equipment and Safety Tips
Canning is an art, and as such, there are certain pieces of equipment that you need to do it safely and effectively. You will need jars, lids that fit onto the jars, a large stock pot at least three inches taller than your largest jar, a funnel if you plan on canning liquids, and tongs for lifting jars out of hot water. You might also want to invest in optional tools like a magnetic lid lifter and a canning rack.
Never rush the process and follow reliable canning guidelines to ensure safe and delicious preserves. If you know someone who’s a canning expert, enlist their help as you learn. Alternatively, check out some canning videos on YouTube for step-by-step guidelines on how to get started.
Top International Ingredients to Elevate Your Canning
There are a few standout international ingredients that lend themselves well to canning. Mexican chiles, like chipotle or guajillo, add a special smokiness and heat to salsas, pickles, and chutneys. Middle Eastern spices like sumac and za’atar are tangy and herbal, perfect for pickled vegetables and savory jams.
Asian flavors like ginger, lemongrass, and star anise are ideal for anything from meat marinades to sauces. They also add a fresh element to fruit preserves. Indian spices, such as cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric, have a unique warmth and earthiness that are perfect for pickles and relishes. Finally, European herbs, including lavender, thyme, and bay leaves, are often used for infusing jellies, savory preserves, and syrups with aromatic notes that allow the other, stronger flavors to shine. Don’t be afraid to experiment – many of these herbs and spices pair beautifully together.
Easy Canning Recipes with International Flair
Try one or all of these easy recipes and see how simple it is to create delicious preserves!
1. Spicy chipotle tomato jam. To prepare a smoky, savory chipotle tomato jam, combine diced or whole tomatoes, chipotle peppers, vinegar, and sugar to taste. Blend into a jam over hot water, using an immersion blender to achieve your preferred level of smoothness. After boiling in the jars, carefully remove from hot water with tongs and allow to cool completely before storing.
2. Sumac pickled red onions. These tangy, pickled onions are perfect for everything from burgers to charcuterie boards. To prepare, combine sliced red onions, vingar, sugar, salt, and sumac to taste. Pack the onions into the canning jars first, and then fill each jar with the liquid before securing the lids and boiling. Allow to cool completely once removed, test the seal, and place into storage.
3. Ginger-pear preserves. Ginger-pear preserves are perfect as an accompaniment with cheese or with breakfast pastries. Simply boil fresh pears until soft, add grated fresh ginger, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, and fill jars appropriately. Boil in the stock pot until processing time is complete, and carefully remove with canning tongs.
4. Indian-style mixed vegetable pickles. These crunchy, tangy pickles are delicious as a side for meat or as a sandwich condiment. To prepare, combine sliced carrots and cauliflower with a pickling brine of mustard seeds, vinegar, and turmeric. Boil until vegetables are tender. Place the veggies into the jars and cover with the liquid. Boil to processing time before removing the jars and testing the seal.
5. Lavender-infused apricot jam. Fresh, floral, and fruity all at once, lavender-infused apricot jam is excellent as a dessert topping or as a spread for toast. Combine softened apricots with lavender, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and fill the canning jars. Boil the jam to processing time, carefully remove, and allow to cool fully before storing.
Tips for Experimenting with International Flavors in Canning
Experimenting with different herbs and spices is a great way to find your family’s favorite flavors. Try pairing your favorite fruits and vegetables with a new-to-you spice for an easy flavor upgrade. It’s also important to balance the sweet, spicy, and sour elements in the preserve to create a well-rounded dish. For example, if you’re using a floral flavor like lavender, try pairing it with a slightly tangy fruit like apricots and lemons.
Where to Find International Ingredients for Canning
International Fresh Market is a great place to go for all your canning needs. We have the unique herbs, spices, and ingredients you need for all your canning adventures. We specialize in Asian, Indian, and Latin flavors, including all the spices you need to create unique, flavorful preserves. We can also recommend flavor combinations if you’re new to canning or want some inspiration.
Visit a Local Ethnic Grocery Store for Canning Inspiration and Essentials
There’s nothing better than discovering your new favorite dish. Canning is a wonderful way to get creative and enjoy the adventure of canning your own food. Visit us at International Fresh Market for all your canning needs and keep experimenting with bold, new tastes!
