Troubleshooting
What if my freezer stops running?
Our bountiful harvest has almost come to an end. No doubt you have spent countless hours preserving those delicious fruits and vegetables. You may have elected to freeze many of these items instead of canning them. What happens to all of that food if our freezer stops running? Ugh!!
When a freezer fails to work, the first rule of thumb is to keep the freezer door closed. In a well-filled freezer, food will probably remain frozen for about two days if the door is kept closed.
Read this article and be prepared before there is a freezer malfunction: What to do if the Freezer Stops
Are Your Apples Turning Brown?
Apples, when cut and exposed to air, darken quickly. Although browned apples are harmless,they lose their crisp texture. Below are recommendations for pretreatment to prevent browning:
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Available in powder or tablet form and typically found with other food preservation supplies in the grocery store or a
drug store. One teaspoon powdered form is 3,000 mg or six-500 mg tablets. White specks in the tablets are harmless. How to Use: Mix 1 teaspoon powder (6 crushed tablets) in 2 cups water. Place fruit in for 3-5 minutes. Remove and drain. After used for two batches of fruit, add more acid.
Ascorbic Acid Mixture (Vitamin C): Contain ascorbic acid and sugar. Used for fresh fruit for canning and freezing. How to Use: Follow the manufacturer's instructions
Honey Dip: Fruit can be sold dipped in a honey solution. This method adds extra calories to the fruit. How to Use: Mix ½ cup sugar with 1 ½ cup boiling water. Add ½ cup of honey. Let the fruit soak in solution for 3-5 minutes. Remove and drain.
Fruit Juice Dip: Using a fruit juice high in vitamin C such as orange, grape, cranberry,pineapple, lime, or lemon juice can also slow down browning. Different juices will add differentcolors and flavors to apples. Tip: Mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice: 1-quart water How to Use: Add enough juice to cover apples. Soak 3-5minutes. Remove and drain.
Remember that your local FCS Extension Agent is available to help guide you through any other canning questions. We are happy to help. Click here to find your Extension office information.
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