by Faith Draper

Created on: September 28, 2008

I certainly do think canning and preserving foods is worth it but that is me it may not be the right choice for you.

If you have ever canned produce you have more than likely asked yourself this question, "Is this worth it?" Before answering this question there are several things you should first take into consideration. Basically you will be weighing the pros and cons of canning food. Will you be raising your own produce or purchasing from another source? Do you have a commitment of time and energy? Is providing food for your family that you know exactly what has been added to or done to it important to you?

To Raise Produce or Purchase

Raising your own produce can be therapeutic in itself but can also be very time consuming. The process of: digging in the dirt, planting a small seed, tending the plant as it grows, and harvesting your garden crop in the end can be either relaxing or nerve wracking. Depending on what you want to can this could mean several months of labor and waiting.

Seeing that first seedling pop its head out of the ground though can provide great joy. Discovering your first bud or bloom is another positive milestone. When that first tomato, pepper or other fruit or vegetable ripens is the great reward'. A pat on the back saying job well done and you know you have succeeded.

On the con side however you will need to consider will you go all out and have a huge garden space or simply a few potted plants? Keep in mind that the larger the garden space the larger the work and time involved to plant, maintain, and harvest. There are things like too much rain or not enough rain, bugs and diseases may attach, one good hail or wind storm can wipe out months of work.

If you have access to a farmer's market this may be a better choice for obtaining your produce. Many farmers' markets offer a wide selection of produce at very reasonable prices and the fruits and vegetables are normally grown locally. Another possibility is contacting a local farmer or gardener who may have extra produce they would be willing to sell directly to you.

Time, Energy, and Money Involved

Let's start with time. When canning foods there is a certain amount of time commitment involved and there is no way at all to avoid some of these. The process of most food means once you start there is no stopping until it's finished and that can mean several hours to an entire day. If you have the time to spend a day in the kitchen and would enjoy doing that then canning is certainly a good fit for

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