Canning Conundrum

[Nigel1985]

Hello - I want to start canning, but have a few questions on supplies.

I hear you need a pressure canner for low-acid items such as carrots but can use a water bath canner for high acid items such as pickles. My question is, can you then can high acid items in a pressure canner? If so, it might make more sense just to get the pressure canner?

Thanks!

[janniecooks]

If you are new to canning, consider a starter kit of sorts to be sure it's something you wish to do in the long run, before making the investment in a pressure canner. Ball sells a kit --the "Canning Discovery Kit"-- that includes a silicon canner "rack", three pint jars and detailed instructions. It's pretty nifty for those who want to preserve small batches, or want to get their feet wet before diving in the deep end. I picked one up at Walmart late summer/early fall. It can be obtained from Amazon for about ten bucks.

[GH1618]

If you are new to canning, I suggest you get the Ball Blue Book.

[rasputina]

You can boiling water bath in the pressure canner. You just don't lock the lid and raise the pressure.