Canning yams is a great way to preserve their flavor and texture for use in a variety of dishes. With the right supplies and a few simple techniques, you can easily learn how to can yams with success.
Canning yams is an excellent way to stock your pantry with flavorful and nutritious ingredients that will last for months.
In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of canning yams, the supplies you’ll need, and step-by-step instructions for safely processing your canned yams. With a bit of effort, you can have delicious and nutritious yams ready to enjoy anytime.
What is Canning Yams
Canning yams is an excellent way to preserve and store them for later use. Canning is a great way to ensure that you have access to nutrient-rich yams year round, without having to worry about spoilage or the growing season. By canning yams, you also protect them from oxidation, meaning that they will remain fresher for longer. Yams are a great source of nutrition, and canning them helps you make the most of their health benefits.
Benefits of canning yams
Canning yams is a great way to make the most out of their nutritional benefits. Not only are yams a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals like manganese and potassium, but they also contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce your risk of disease.
Canning yams helps to lock in these nutrients, so you can enjoy their health benefits for months. In addition, canning yams helps to retain their flavor and texture, which means that your dishes will be more flavorful and enjoyable.
Preparing the Yams for Canning
Selecting yams
When selecting yams for canning, it is important to look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. Avoid soft, bruised, or shriveled yams as these will not hold up well during the canning process. You should also try to find yams of a uniform size, as this will ensure that they cook evenly once they are canned.
Washing and peeling yams
Before you start the canning process, it is important to thoroughly wash and peel your yams. Start by scrubbing them with a brush under warm running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to carefully remove the skin from each yam. Once you have finished peeling, slice the yams into thin pieces or cubes.
Cutting yams into even slices
It is important to cut the yams into even slices, as this will ensure that they all cook at the same rate during the canning process. To do this, use a sharp knife to cut each yam into ¼ inch thick slices. If you want smaller pieces, you can also cut the pieces into cubes or strips of equal size.
Boiling or blanching yams
Boiling or blanching yams before canning is an important step to ensure that they will retain their flavor and texture during the canning process. To do this, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add your prepared yams to the boiling water, and let them cook for 3-4 minutes. Once they are done, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Canning Equipment
Sterilizing jars, lids, and rings
Before you start the canning process, it is important to sterilize your jars, lids, and rings. This will help ensure that your yams remain safe for consumption. To do this, place the jars, lids, and rings in a pot of boiling water and let them sit for 10 minutes. Once they are done, carefully remove them with tongs and set them aside to dry.
Preparing pressure canner
Before you start the canning process, it is important to prepare your pressure canner. This will help ensure that your yams are safely and properly canned. Start by filling the pressure canner with 4-6 quarts of hot water and setting it on high heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat so that it is just simmering.
Preparing boiling water bath canner
Preparing a boiling water bath canner is an easy way to safely can your yams. To do this, fill the canner with enough water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Place the canner on the stove over high heat and bring it to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Canning the Yams
Adding yams to hot jars
Once you have sterilized all of your equipment, you are ready to start adding the yams to the jars. Begin by spooning the prepared yams into each hot jar, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Make sure that none of the yams are sticking out above the rim of the jar as this will inhibit proper sealing. After filling each jar, remove any air bubbles by lightly tapping the side of the jar with a wooden spoon.
Adding hot liquid to jars
Once the yams have been added to the jars, it is time to add the hot liquid. Depending on how you will be canning your yams, this may be either a hot brine or a syrup. For brining, mix together 1 cup of salt and 1 gallon of boiling water in a large bowl and stir until the salt has dissolved. If you are using a syrup, prepare it according to your recipe.
Removing air bubbles
After adding the yams and hot liquid to the jars, it is important to remove any air bubbles that may have been trapped. To do this, simply take a wooden spoon or chopstick and gently tap around the inside of each jar. This will help release any air pockets that are surrounded by food. After tapping the sides of each jar, add more liquid if needed to ensure that there is at least ½ inch of headspace between the top of the food and the lid.
Placing lids and rings on jars
Once you have filled and tapped the jars, it is time to place the lids and rings on them. To do this, start by wiping down the rim of each jar with a damp cloth to ensure that there are no food particles that could prevent proper sealing. Then, place a lid onto each jar and thread a ring onto it until it is securely in place. Finally, use your fingers to gently tighten the ring.
Processing jars in pressure canner or boiling bath canner
Once the lids and rings have been placed on each jar, you are ready to begin the canning process. To do this, place the jars in either a pressure canner or boiling water bath canner depending on which type of equipment you are using.
Storing and Using Canned Yams
Checking jars for proper seal
Checking jars for proper seal is an important step in the canning process to ensure that your yams are safely preserved. After processing, carefully remove the jars from the pressure canner or boiling bath canner and set them on a cooling rack or towel. As they cool, each jar will form a vacuum seal as it contracts due to the heat. To check if this seal has been formed properly, gently press the center of each lid. If it does not move or give, you know that the jar is sealed properly.
Storing canned yams in a cool, dark place
Once the jars have been processed and you have confirmed that the lids are properly sealed, you can store your canned yams in a cool, dark place. For best results, store them in a pantry or basement where temperatures stay consistent. It is important to keep them out of direct sunlight as this can cause the yams to discolor and spoil. Additionally, make sure that the jars are spaced out and not touching each other so that air can circulate properly.
Using canned yams in recipes
Canned yams are a great ingredient to add to your favorite recipes. They can be used in everything from soups and stews to casseroles and pies. To use canned yams, simply drain off any liquid, then mash or chop the yams into small pieces. Once that’s done, you can add them to your recipe as directed. Canned yams also make a great addition to breakfast dishes like pancakes and omelettes.
Conclusion
Canning yams is a great way to preserve them and enjoy their sweet flavor throughout the year. Not only does it help to lock in their freshness and nutrition, but it also eliminates the need for refrigeration. Canning also makes it easy to store yams in smaller batches, allowing you to use only as much as you need at any given time.
Canning yams is a great way to preserve them for long-term storage and enjoy their sweet flavor throughout the year. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully can your own yams at home. However, it is important to keep in mind that it is essential to follow proper canning procedures and use a reliable recipe for best results.
