This Nov. 22, 2016 photo shows an assortment of jarred preserves, fruits and pickles in Langley, Wash., which are homegrown edibles exchanged as holiday gifts. Labels add a personal touch and in many cases include the ingredients as well as suggestions about how the foods should be used. Gardeners make good friends, especially during the holidays, as they share their homegrown harvest. (Dean Fosdick via AP)

This Nov. 22, 2016 photo shows an assortment of jarred preserves, fruits and pickles in Langley, Wash., which are homegrown edibles exchanged as holiday gifts. Labels add a personal touch and in many cases include the ingredients as well as suggestions about how the foods should be used. Gardeners make good friends, especially during the holidays, as they share their homegrown harvest. (Dean Fosdick via AP)

Gardening offers payback at the holidays in form of gifts

Gardeners make good friends, especially during the holidays when they give out foods preserved from their gardens.

The top five canning recipes used during the holidays are for applesauce, cranberry sauce, jalapeno jelly, apple pie filling and sauerkraut, according to a recent survey by Jarden Home Brands, makers of Ball-brand mason jars.

There appears to be a distinctive second season for food preservation — a spike from late November into December made by canners who want to share homemade gifts in jars.

“Many consumers can syrups, jellies and sauces to give away as holiday gifts, along with crafting and decor use for the holidays,” said Jeff Marvel, a Jarden spokesman.

The jars themselves can be collector’s items, and serving accessories on tables or sideboards.

“People prefer to see the vibrant colors of their fresh-packed tomatoes or peaches in clear glass,” said Judy Harrold, Jarden’s Consumer Affairs manager. “Things like granola and layered cooking mixes tend to look better in colored jars. The same goes for non-food items like candles, potpourri, bath salts and collectibles.”

Gardeners’ holiday gifts are driven in part by the kinds of edibles harvested late in the growing season, and in part by traditional holiday menus.

Younger canners are using ingredients from all over, Harrold said. “They rely more on farmer’s markets than they do backyard gardens for their produce. And they only go to the grocery store when they don’t have an ingredient to fit into their recipes,” she said.

All of the food preservation techniques — canning, freezing, dehydrating, fermenting and cold storage — delay or stop spoilage while sealing in flavor and nutritional value. But home canners must use the proper techniques so they don’t pass along any food-borne illnesses.

Under-processing canned goods could lead to bacteria in the food without any outward signs of spoilage, said Elizabeth Andress, a University of Georgia food safety specialist.

“Gift giving is not a good time to experiment or try new procedures,” Andress said. “If you’re talking canning, don’t experiment with anything in the low-acid realm at all.” That would include meats and vegetables.

Also, ensure that the jars you use are meant for canning.

“Some jars are intended for non-canning purposes, like crafts,” and can’t withstand the heat or temperature changes of the canning process, Andress said.

Be descriptive with jar labels. You can make your own or find labels made to order online.

“In addition to letting the receiver know exactly what the food is by listing the ingredients on the label, it’s a nice touch to recommend how to use it,” Andress said. “Things like apple rings or chutneys or pepper jellies. The latter is especially good with cream cheese.”

For more, see this Penn State University Extension fact sheet: http://extension.psu.edu/food/preservation/news/2012/gifts-from-the-kitchen

More in Life

Pride celebrants pose for a photo at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Showing up for Pride

Nearly two dozen people marched carrying flags, signs and other rainbow-hued decorations from The Goods Sustainable Grocery to Soldotna Creek Park.

Kids take off running as they participate in field games during Family Fun in the Midnight Sun on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the Nikiski Community Recreation Center in Nikiski, Alaska. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Summertime fun times

Annual Family Fun in the Midnight Sun festival take places Saturday.

Nala Johnson hoists a velociraptor carrying a progress flag during the Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Goats, baskets and lots of tie-dye

Saturday Market at the Goods debuts.

Kenai Lake can be seen from Bear Mountain, Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. (Photo by Meredith Harber/courtesy)
Minister’s Message: Speaking the language of kindness

I invite you to pay attention to languages this week.

Metal art by David Morris is showcased in “Steel Sentiments” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Remembering through metal

“Steel Sentiments” is a solo show by metal artist David Morris.

Art by Anna Widman is showcased in “Wonder and Wander” at the Kenai Art Center in Kenai, Alaska, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
‘Something for everyone to wonder and wander about’

Artists Theresa Ritter, Susan Watkins and Anna Widman are showcased at the Kenai Art Center through July 3.

These little “cookies” are loaded with nuts and fortified with coconut oil to boost fat and calories.
A (massive) meal made with love

These banana oatmeal energy bars are loaded with nuts and fortified with coconut oil to boost fat and calories.

Herman Stelter, seen here in front of his home in the Kenai River canyon, was another of the Kings County Mining Company members to stay in Alaska. (U.S. Forest Service photo, circa 1910s)
Mary Penney and her 1898 Alaska Adventure — Part 9

Brooklynite Mary L. Penney seemed to know that she was not ready to settle into middle age and sedately grow old.

Larry Bernbeck poses for a photo with Tugster on Thursday, June 5, 2025 in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
A long-term dream, realized in miniature

‘Tugster’, a flat-bottom boat replica, measures 14 feet, 10 inches.

Most Read