Get started with canning using these basic supplies for jam recipes.
The idea of canning food can feel overwhelming at first. But I promise that even if you are a beginner, you can do it.
With the right canning supplies and equipment, the work goes quickly, and you can enjoy the garden’s bounty all year long.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started with jam recipes.
Canning Supplies for Jam
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Before you begin canning jam, gather your supplies first. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Canning jars
Canning jars come in a variety of sizes and shapes. In the canning aisle of your local grocery store, you’ll likely see:
- Quart (4 cup) and pint (2 cup) jars in wide mouth or regular. “Wide mouth” and “regular” refer to the size of the opening at the top of the jar. Quart and pint jars are generally used for fruits and vegetables like peaches, pickles, salsa, and so on.
- Half pint (1 cup) or 4 ounce (1/2 cup) jars are what I use for jams and jellies. They are often even labeled “jam jars”.
2. Canning lids and rings
After you fill your clean jar with jam, you’ll need to add both a lid and a ring. If you buy a box of canning jars as a set, the lids and rings usually come with them.
Glass canning jars can be used over and over again, but the lids cannot! Be sure to buy extra lids that match the size of your jar opening (wide mouth or regular). Rings can often be reused, but if you notice they are rusty or bent, replace them with new ones.
Here is a set of regular mouth lids and rings.
3. Large canner and jar rack (if you use a hot water bath)
If you choose a recipe that calls for the hot water bath method, you’ll need a canning pot with a jar rack to hold the jars inside.
Please note! Although it may be tempting to buy a cheaper enamelware canning pot, I encourage you to start with a stainless one right away. I used my enamel canner when cooking up a HUGE batch of applesauce, and the finish flaked off into the applesauce. After spending hours peeling apples, I had to throw the whole batch out. Learn from my mistake!
My recipe for blackberry jam does not call for a hot water bath (which has sparked some debate in the comments over the years!). However, you do you, and use whatever method you prefer.
4. Masher
You’ll need something to mash those fresh berries for jam. This masher will work great.
5. Large pot (to cook your jam)
(Note: If you buy a stainless canner, you can use that instead of this.)
I just love my Revere Ware stockpot! Now considered “vintage,” it was given to me by my grandma, and it still looks new after more than 30 years of use. I use this pot for jam and for soups, too. The closest thing I could find to my vintage model is this classic stockpot.
6. Canning jar lifter or tongs
If you use the hot water method, you’ll definitely need a canning jar lifter to safely remove the jars from the pot. A pair of kitchen tongs is handy for pulling the lids out of the boiling water.
7. Large measuring pitcher with a spout
I actually have 2 large measuring pitchers, and I use them both! One is for the berries and the other is for the sugar.
I love the pour-able spout, and I actually pour the pot of jam into one of these to transfer it into the jars.
Canning funnel
If you’d rather not pour jam from a measuring pitcher like I do, a canning funnel makes pouring much easier.
Canning jar labels
Isn’t this the fun part? I love having the jam safely tucked into its new jars and finishing them off with pretty canning jar labels. I’ve even made some with my scrapbook paper and turned my jam into Christmas gifts!
Want some jam and canning recipes?
- Here is the old-fashioned blackberry jam recipe a friend taught me to make with fresh berries and no pectin!
- There are some delicious jam recipes in this collection of 39 Best Berry Recipes.
- And if you want to can jam and other delicious things, you’ll want to check out these 30 canning recipes.
- Learn how to make homemade apple juice that is clear!
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