Yesterday afternoon I got a call from a friend and she said “I was able to get some fresh green beans. I’ll split them with you if you give me a canning lesson.” She went on to say that a canning lesson meant her coming to our house and using my canner and she would watch. I was thinking sure . . I’ll probably end up with 2 or 3 quarts of green beans and who would say no to that.
It was after 8 when they got here last night. They brought in a bug crate of beans. It was a lot of beans. I said “Let’s just leave them in the garage overnight.” My friend said “I’ll cut mine up and come back over tomorrow afternoon.” I said “WAIT! Those are all mine?” Yes! There were probably 22 to 25 pounds of green beans. But, I read online that 30 pounds of green beans will fill about 13 – 20 quarts. I canned 14 quarts last night and am a bit more than halfway done. I’m guessing I’ll get 23 – 24 quarts
It was a little after 2 a.m. when the second batch was finished. I’m not complaining. That’s enough fresh canned green beans to last us almost a year if we have one jar every couple of weeks.
I used the Presto canner because of the weight on the glass top stove but the gauge is cracked and not giving an accurate reading. The jiggler still works and that’s fine for me but for my friend’s canned beans, I’m going to switch to the medium All American and hope for the best.
This time tomorrow you may be reading that I’ve ordered a new stove. 🙂
Elle says
What a fantastic exchange of gifts. Your canning skills in return for fresh beans. 🙂
Cilla says
That’s a good way to get your gas stove. LOL. That is a great exchange of “gifts”. Your talent for fresh beans. Win/win.
ruth says
2am?!?! Lucky you to have the energy and be able to sleep in at least a little, if the animals let you. My hubby loves green beans. Do you boil them for 20mins when you first open the jar to kill off any botulism germs? My MIL would do that.
Judy Laquidara says
The dog sleeps in the breakfast room. The cat sleeps in the sewing room so they were not the problem. I actually set an alarm – went to bed at 3, slept til 6 and just got the last of my green beans in the canner so we can start on hers when she gets off work.
Helen says
What a friend! She shares her bounty of beans, you share your bounty of knowledge of food prep and you get to spend time together! Blessings to you both
Judy Laquidara says
According to Clemson University, they need to be boiled 10 minutes so, yes, 10 minutes or us.
Teri says
What a great exchange…do home canned green beans taste like store bought green beans.
Judy Laquidara says
I think they taste more like fresh green beans but not at all like storebought canned green beans I’ve had.