This morning we learned that the good husband's garden buddy (brother) hurt his leg so he is unable to pick beans. Poor good husband, he was all upset so I decided to pitch in... the normal routine is that the men pick and the wives can, but this time it will be different and wouldn't you know the days are back to hot summer scorchers!
Last night the good husband brought in a mess of beans that were beauties. No blemishes. So out came all the canning pots, jars, lids, etc. I put on a huge pot to boil water. Thankfully, the good husband used to own a really nice restaurant and we have these super sized stainless steel pots. I boiled my jars, then let them cool, poured boiling water over the lids (not supposed to boil those according to the 'book' as the rubber gets ruined), we both strung beans (yes, good husband, you did most of them!), I washed them several times, then began the process of putting the beans in the jars and packing them tight! I pour water in the jars to about 1/4 inch from the top, tighten the lid and put them in the Presto cooker. The process takes awhile as the pressure cooker needs a lot of time to cool out before the lid can be released. The good husband purchased another pressure cooker for me yesterday. All of the cans 'popped' (sealed) and are very pretty. Where am I going to put all of these beans? Before I forget, I was taught to can by one of the most wonderful humans I know...her name is Janet and she is truly gifted in gardening, canning, cooking, etc. Thank you Janet!!
Today I picked for an hour. It is a killer job on the back so I sat down between two rows! With three stress fractures and a little bit of arthritis, I will find the most comfortable way to labor! No bunny this morning, just a lot of beans and a few bees. I gave my pickings to the injured brother before my hair appointment. While I was gone, the good husband refused to wait until the sun went down and picked more beans!!! So, a lot of work awaits me and I still haven't gotten the barn chores done. Now you will know what I will be doing for the next few days. All is well on the bean farm!
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12 comments:
They look wonderful! I picked some of our beans, we don't have nearly as many, but I kinda let them go a little too long...oops! They are a bit "dry" lol! I will do better with the next batch!
Oh, those beans will taste like heaven on a cold winter's day! I am envious.
It's always such a good feeling to have food put up. And the jars look so pretty, too. The only thing I really can is salsa though. I'm more of a freezer gal, lol.
Kritter Keeper those just picked beans in the first three photos are AWESOME! Those are some huge beautiful greenies. And I thought we had some good beans. If you have an extra second check out the beans we picked at my blog. They is sad lookin'compared to yours. But we are learning :) And you know, what is it about seeing canning jars filled to the brim with good things that makes things just feel right and good?!
Oh .. that looks so good, you make me ALMOST want to can again!
Wow! That is a lot of work! But you will have beans! Lots of them!!
Wow! How wonderful to have healthy, fresh grown canned foods! I've never canned anything except various kinds of jams and jellies, but have had some that have been canned by friends. This is when you KNOW you are eating healthy!
It's a lot of work, Mrs. Ant, but what a nice "winter" you will have. Sounds like no "grasshoppers" around your place, you blessed person!
Well that is mighty interesting!!! I have never seen or heard the process for canning beans!!
There's always so much work to be done, huh? :) Very impressed with your canning...I haven't ventured into that area yet, but it's definitely something that I'm interested in. I think I might start with baby steps & do some jam next month. Does that count? ;) P.S. Put up a reply to your mulch comment on my blog...I think it's cocoa mulch that you're thinking of, which is different than what I'm using, but I'm so glad you brought that up. Have a great day! :)
That's how it's supposed to be DONE!! You've set the bar and it's high. I have not canned anything since my kids were born. I'm guessing it's time to do some again. I do love pickled greenbeans with fennel and garlic in the can!
Your beans look wonderful and you have so many. So nice that you all work together to get the harvesting done. Your cans of beans are like pretty works of art. After seeing them I really wish my green beans grew this year. I did not even get one bean yet and do not think I will.
Farm work is never done:)...and the beans look wonderful! Great pics, as always! Hope the brother-in-law feels better soon:)
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