>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Healthy Harvest: How to Preserve the Best of Your Summer Garden
Knowing when to start canning is one of the most important parts of food preservation. For many home gardeners, mid-to-late summer marks the start of the busiest canning season. This is when vegetables are at their peak, full of flavor, vibrant in color, and rich in nutrients. For both seasoned pressure canners and beginners, summer is the perfect time to begin filling your pantry with jars that will last well into the cooler months. Waiting too long can mean your produce becomes overripe or loses quality, so harvesting and preserving at the right time is essential.
If you are wondering about the best vegetables to can in summer, focus on what’s in season now. Green beans, carrots, corn, potatoes, and beets are all excellent candidates for pressure canning during the warm months. Tomatoes, especially meaty varieties, are also at their best in summer and can be turned into sauces, soups, or stews. If you have access to fresh herbs, this is also a great time to preserve chicken stock or bone broth for flavorful, ready-to-use bases later in the year. Foods preserved at the height of summer tend to have superior flavor, color, and nutritional value.
For the best results, harvest produce when it is firm, fully ripe, and free from blemishes. Avoid overripe or damaged vegetables, as they will not hold up well during canning and storage. Many canners find it easier to preserve food in smaller batches spread throughout the season rather than saving everything for one big canning day. By working steadily through your garden’s bounty all summer long, you can keep your pantry stocked with high-quality, ready-to-use ingredients.
At All American 1930, we know that successful summer canning comes down to timing and reliable equipment. Our American-made cast aluminum pressure canners have been trusted by generations to preserve food safely and effectively. As your garden reaches its peak, make sure your canner, jars, and tools are ready—because the best time to start canning is when your summer harvest is at its very best.