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Canning vs. freezing
By E.E. Kane
Posted in: Food
Is it greener to can or to freeze?
The answer depends on your circumstances. Use the following to make your decision:
Canning Pros
- Canning uses more energy initially, but costs nothing to store.
- Materials can be used repeatedly, with the exception of lids.
- Glass jars do not leach chemicals or absorb the taste of surrounding foods.
- Canning requires less water than freezing.
- When the electricity goes out for more than a day, your food supply is safe.
Freezing Pros
- Freezing is faster and easier than canning.
- There is no risk of botulism or exploding containers from an insufficient seal.
- Freezing does not require special equipment.
- Foods taste fresher frozen than canned.
- A large freezer uses no more energy to run full than empty, or even half full. And if you have the freezer, it is not doing you good by running empty.
Still on the fence?
Freeze – if you have space in a fairly efficient chest freezer, prefer fresh-tasting food, and not much time or expertise for canning.
Can – if you do not own a large freezer, want to store food for emergencies, and are willing to learn a new trick.
