Are you a fan of the classic Southern dish of green beans with bacon? Do you want to learn how to preserve this delicious combination for later use?
Look no further!
In this article, we will guide you through the process of canning green beans with bacon.
But before we dive into the steps, it’s important to note that adding fat to home-canned products can be risky if not done properly.
So, we’ll also provide some tips on how to safely incorporate bacon into your canned green beans.
Get ready to enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
How To Can Green Beans With Bacon?
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start canning, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:
– Fresh green beans
– Bacon (use at your discretion)
– Canning jars with lids and bands
– Pressure canner
– Salt (optional)
Step 2: Prepare Your Green Beans
Wash your green beans thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut them into desired lengths, but make sure they fit comfortably in your jars.
Blanch the beans by boiling them for 3-4 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans and set them aside.
Step 3: Cook Your Bacon
Cook your bacon until it’s crispy, then drain the grease and set it aside.
Step 4: Fill Your Jars
Pack your green beans into the jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top.
Add a small amount of salt (if desired) and a spoonful of bacon grease to each jar.
Crumble or chop your cooked bacon into small pieces and add them to the jars as well.
Step 5: Process Your Jars
Place your jars in a pressure canner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing.
Typically, you will need to process quart jars at 11 pounds of pressure for 25 minutes or pint jars at 11 pounds of pressure for 20 minutes.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Once your jars have cooled, check to make sure they are properly sealed. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to enjoy your delicious canned green beans with bacon!
The Basics Of Canning Green Beans With Bacon
Canning green beans with bacon can be a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of this classic dish all year round. However, it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure that your canned beans are safe and tasty. Here are the basics of canning green beans with bacon:
First, it’s important to note that there are no processing recommendations for canning bacon, so it’s best to can the beans by themselves and add the bacon just before serving. This will prevent any potential food safety issues and ensure that your beans stay fresh and flavorful.
To begin, gather all of your ingredients and equipment. You’ll need fresh green beans, bacon (if desired), canning jars with lids and bands, a pressure canner, and salt (optional).
Next, prepare your green beans by washing them thoroughly and trimming off the ends. Cut them into desired lengths, but make sure they fit comfortably in your jars. Blanch the beans by boiling them for 3-4 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain the beans and set them aside.
Cook your bacon until it’s crispy, then drain the grease and set it aside.
Pack your green beans into the jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Add a small amount of salt (if desired) and a spoonful of bacon grease to each jar. Crumble or chop your cooked bacon into small pieces and add them to the jars as well.
Place your jars in a pressure canner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing. Typically, you will need to process quart jars at 11 pounds of pressure for 25 minutes or pint jars at 11 pounds of pressure for 20 minutes.
Once your jars have cooled, check to make sure they are properly sealed. Store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to enjoy your delicious canned green beans with bacon! Remember, always follow safe canning practices to ensure that your food is both safe and delicious.
Choosing The Right Bacon For Canning
When it comes to canning with bacon, it’s important to choose the right type and cut of bacon to ensure the safety and quality of your canned green beans. While the original text mentions using peppered bacon, it’s important to note that there are no processing recommendations for canning bacon. Therefore, it’s recommended to cook the bacon separately and add it to the green beans just before serving.
When selecting bacon for your recipe, consider the fat content and cut. Bacon with a higher fat content may result in a greasier product, while leaner cuts may not provide enough flavor. It’s also important to avoid using bacon that has been cured with nitrates or nitrites, as these can react with the acidity in the green beans and produce harmful compounds.
When cooking your bacon, be sure to drain off excess grease and only use a small amount in each jar. Adding too much grease can interfere with the seal and increase the risk of spoilage. And remember, always follow safe canning practices and use tested recipes to ensure the safety of your canned goods.
Preparing The Green Beans And Bacon For Canning
Before filling your jars with green beans and bacon, it’s important to prep them properly. For each quart-sized jar, add 1 tablespoon of bacon bits and 1 teaspoon of salt (optional). For each pint-sized jar, use a 1/2 tablespoon of bacon bits and 1/2 teaspoon of salt (optional).
Next, drain the excess bacon grease from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pan.
When it comes to adding bacon to your canned green beans, it’s important to note that there are no processing recommendations for canning bacon. Therefore, it’s best to can your green beans by themselves and add the bacon later when you’re ready to serve them. This will also give you the flexibility to change up the flavor of your green beans depending on how you want to prepare them.
To add the bacon later, cook it separately until it’s crispy and set it aside. When you’re ready to serve your canned green beans, simply add the crumbled or chopped bacon to the dish and enjoy!
By following these simple steps for preparing your green beans and bacon for canning, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and flavorful canned green beans all year round without compromising on safety or taste.
The Canning Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, it’s time to start the canning process. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure that your canned green beans with bacon turn out perfectly:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pressure Canner
Place your pressure canner on the stove-top and fill it with hot water. The water level should be 2 to 3 inches deep. Turn the burner on medium heat to keep the water at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare Your Jars
Wash your canning jars and lids in hot soapy water. Do not boil the lids, as this can affect their ability to seal. Place your freshly washed jars on a clean towel on the counter.
Step 3: Fill Your Jars
Pack your green beans into the jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top. Add a small amount of salt (if desired) and a spoonful of bacon grease to each jar. Crumble or chop your cooked bacon into small pieces and add them to the jars as well.
Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles
Use a canner bubble/headspace tool (or a ruler if you don’t have a headspace tool) to remove any air bubbles by running it between the glass and outside of the food. Remeasure your headspace and add extra water if needed.
Step 5: Wipe The Rim Clean
Use a damp cloth to wipe the rim of your glass jar clean. This helps to ensure that there’s nothing that will inhibit a seal from forming.
Step 6: Add Lids and Bands
Place lids on each jar and hand tighten the rings. Do not over-tighten, as this can cause lids to buckle.
Step 7: Process Your Jars
Place your jars in the prepared pressure canner. Place the lid on the pressure canner and allow it to vent for 10 minutes. Then place weight on pressure canner according to your altitude and process for 20 minutes for pint jars or 25 minutes for quart jars.
Step 8: Check Seals
Once your jars have cooled, check to make sure they are properly sealed. Press down on the center of each lid; if it doesn’t move, it’s sealed properly. If any jars didn’t seal properly, store them in the refrigerator and use them within a few days.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully canned green beans with bacon using the wet pack method. Store your jars in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to enjoy them with your favorite meals.
Safety Tips For Adding Bacon To Home-Canned Products
While adding bacon to your home-canned products may seem like a delicious idea, it can actually be dangerous if not done properly. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when adding bacon to your canned goods:
1. Bacon is a low-acid food, just like green beans. This means that it must be pressure canned to ensure safety. Do not attempt to water bath can bacon.
2. Adding any fat or butter to home-canned products, unless specifically stated in the recipe, may slow the rate of heat transfer during processing. This can result in an unsafe product.
3. The fats and oils in bacon can also keep jars from sealing properly, which increases the risk of ‘false seals.’ To avoid this, add the bacon just before serving instead of canning it with the green beans.
4. It’s important to note that there are some tested recipes that do include a small amount of bacon in the recipe. However, there are no processing recommendations for canning bacon on its own.
5. To ensure the safety of your canned goods, stick to tested recipes and processing methods recommended by reputable sources such as extension sites or the USDA.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy delicious home-canned green beans with bacon without compromising safety.
Storing And Using Your Canned Green Beans With Bacon
After you’ve canned your green beans with bacon, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their quality and freshness. Here are some tips for storing and using your canned green beans with bacon:
1. Store in a cool, dry place: Once your jars have cooled and you’ve checked that they’re properly sealed, store them in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or in areas with high humidity.
2. Use within a year: Canned green beans with bacon can last for up to a year if stored properly. However, it’s best to use them within 6-8 months to ensure optimal taste and quality.
3. Reheat gently: To reheat your canned green beans with bacon, gently heat them on the stove or in the microwave until they’re hot throughout. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can cause the green beans to become mushy.
4. Add fresh ingredients: If you want to freshen up the flavor of your canned green beans with bacon, try adding some fresh herbs or spices like garlic, thyme, or lemon juice. This can help to enhance the flavor and aroma of the dish.
5. Mix with other ingredients: Another way to change up the flavor of your canned green beans with bacon is to mix them with other ingredients like onions, garlic, or roasted red peppers. This can add complexity and depth to the dish, making it more interesting and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your canned green beans with bacon remain delicious and fresh for months to come. Enjoy!
