Friday, December 07, 2018

Insulating a Canning Pantry

Pantry storage in the corner of the bathroom.
When we added a bathroom, I included a pantry for storing home canning, dry goods and other non-perishables. It may seem strange to have a pantry in the bathroom, but when you live in a small home using space wisely is important. Plus, it's on the north side, the coolest place during hot months.

Now that I do more home canning, I am worried about freezing temperatures while we are away on winter holidays.


I asked advice on my favourite Safe Canning Recipes Facebook page. Here's what I decided to do. I started by putting bubble wrap around the back and sides of my pantry shelf.


Then I covered the canning jars with a folded bath towel. To monitor the temperature I'm using a digital thermometer.


Lastly, I put cardboard (from our new BBQ) over the top of each shelf that has canning jars and let it drape over the front.


When the front doors are closed, it should make good insulation to help prevent my canning jars from freezing.

According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, Accidental freezing of canned foods will not cause spoilage unless jars become unsealed and recontaminated. However, freezing and thawing may soften food. If jars must be stored where they may freeze, wrap them in newspapers, place them in heavy cartons, and cover with more newspapers and blankets.

Do you live in an area with freezing temperatures? How to you make preparations? -- Margy

9 comments:

  1. It can get really cold where I live (nights can go below freezing 9 months of the year), but our house is well insulated and we have a furnace. So it's just a matter of switching from A/C to heat.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Our cabin only has electric power when we are there. It's fun living that way but it can have challenges. - Margy

      Delete
  2. I never even gave this a thought. Heat is from our wood stove so when we are away the house gets very cold. I'll have to think what to do for our next winter trip.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read at the National Center for Home Food Preservation website that frozen jars are safe if the seal isn't broken, but the contents may be lowered in taste or quality. - Margy

      Delete
  3. Great tips. I've wondered about storing home-canned foods in a cupboard in my garage but was worried about the lack of insulation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Someone advised that an old refrigerator would be a good storage place because it is insulated. Not possible for me though. - Margy

      Delete
  4. It sounds like a great way to use every inch available inside your home! Thank you for the tips about freezing. I'd like to feature your post today at Tuesdays with a Twist. -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tiny homes can a challenge for space, but I love having just the right amount for the two of us. - Margy

      Delete
  5. Good tips. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy