Canning produces togetherness

I remember times when my parents canned vegetables and jams with my siblings helping. I recall canning as a tough, time-consuming process; but, on the other hand, it was a time for bonding and learning. Mom always said, “Kids, learn to can – if hard times come, you can grow and preserve your food.” Cooking and gardening, she said, are vital in hard times; similarly, canning is critical in conserving a harvest for later.

I learned that cooperation to produce a good for later is time well spent. Sipping canned apple cider on a winter eve prompted talks about the importance of family and enjoying the works of your hands.

To this day, canning is one of many things that bind our family together. I think we all agree that hoping for the best and preparing for the worst is a good idea. We all desire to teach our kids practical lessons, and this is a perfect opportunity to act on our beliefs. Fall is here, so it’s a perfect time to tidy away some harvest. You can start with just a couple of jars.

You never know; you may have as enjoyable an experience doing it as my family did.

Eugene Elikh

Spokane