Autumn Harvest – Canning Pumpkin

I was lucky enough this year to find ten perfectly good pumpkins next to a neighbor’s trash can after the Thanksgiving holiday. With my own two purchased pumpkins, that gave me a lot of pumpkins to can! If you don’t have a garden of your own, ask around – lots of people by pumpkins for fall decorations with no plans of eating them. I love free food!

From the National Center for Home Food Preservation:
An average of 16 pounds is needed per canner load of 7 quarts; an average of 10 pounds is needed per canner load of 9 pints – an average of 2¼ pounds per quart. Pumpkins and squash should have a hard rind and stringless, mature pulp of ideal quality for cooking fresh. Small size pumpkins (sugar or pie varieties) make better products. Wash; remove seeds, cut into 1-inch-wide slices, and peel. Cut flesh into 1-inch cubes. Boil 2 minutes in water. Caution: Do not mash or puree. Fill jars with cubes and cooking liquid, leaving 1-inch headspace.

About the Author:
Melissa Ringstaff is a homemaker, wife, mom, writer, and the Founding Director of A Virtuous Woman. She enjoys teaching women how to get their homes in order and add peace and joy to their lives. Melissa is the author of several titles including, Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Home, The Homemaker's Journal: Keeping House, Christmas ADVENTures in Prophecy, and Momma's Saving Grace Weekly Homeschool Planner. You can find Melissa's books at Cedar Tree Press. Melissa is the proud mother of five sweet children, a step-mom to 4 wonderful "children" who are all grown up now, and Grandarlin' to 12 (so far) grand children. She is married to the love of her life, Mykal, who is a pastor in their community. Melissa lives in the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Harlan, Kentucky. You are invited to visit Melissa at her personal blog, The Vintage Homemaker.

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Comments

3 Responses to “Autumn Harvest – Canning Pumpkin”
  1. Vickie's Michigan Garden (my backyard) says:

    It's great you found free ones -they say there is a pumpkin shortage. It will come in handy this winter for sure.
    vickie

  2. Mrs. Bee says:

    Good Morning!
    I just found your blog this morning…God surely knew I needed some encouragment and inspiration this morning and here you are! Thank you for all of your lovely posts.
    It had been so long since I canned pumpkin, I had a trip down memeory lane and finally found it!
    Thanks for the mustard recipe as well…I am going to add that too a gift basket that was truly in need of something yummy!
    Blessing to your new gandchild and may you and yours have a blessed holiday season celebrating our Lord's birth :)

  3. Mrs B says:

    I've never done any canning myself but the more I read of it, and the more people I meet doing it – the more I am keen to give it a go. I'd never have thought of canning pumpkin – though I suppose almost anything can be canned?
    Thanks for sharing :o )

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