Canning

[inmyhead]

I just received an email from the makers of Fruit Fresh and Ball Fruit Pectin saying that while these products were gluten free, they could not verify that their suppliers were free of cross contamination. They recommended not using their products. I really want to can things (peaches, tomatoes, etc) and make my own jams, but I have not idea what to use. Does anyone know of any pectin or ascorbic acid powders that are safely manufactured. I already used their products and I have had some symptoms, but I do not know for certain if the fruit fresh is the reason. Please give me some advice. I thought I had found a way to have safe food, but now I am not so sure. Thanks.

[stef-the-kicking-cuty]

Hi there,

I just started with canning and had my first successfull results with CERTO fruit pectin. Certo is from Kraft Foods and if their food contains anything we can't eat, they state it clearly on the label.

Good luck with canning and fun while eating

[stef-the-kicking-cuty]

Hey, it's me again, I thought it would be good, if we could maybe exchange canning recipes. I made strawberry jam. So if you need my recipe, you can have it. I'm also interested, in what you are canning .

[Guest gfinnebraska]

I use Certo as well. I made cherry jam last night and will be making apricot jam tonight! Yummy!!! Not only is Certo gluten-free, but it works better than any of the other brands out there. Always jells. Plus, all the recipes you need are on a pamphlet inside the box along with complete instructions. Easy, easy, easy!!!

[inmyhead]

Thank you for your help. I was hoping I would not have to give up fresh strawberry jam. I do not have any special recipes. I usually follow the one in the box instructions. I have been canning peaches lately. We have a pick it yourself orchard less then a mile from my home. They have been the best peaches I have ever had. I am also trying to make my own spaghetti sauce, but I am still working on that. I plan to have a garden next year. I figure the more stuff I do myself, the less I have to worry about gluten contamination.

[Merika]

Mmmmmm... fresh peaches Good to know about Certo. What sort of store sells it?

Immyhead, I have gotten that same response from other companies. It's really just a legal liability weasel on their part. Just use your own judgement about whether you want to eat the product or not based on the ingredients and preparation of them. I find I get this answer mostly at smaller than Kraft companies.

As for Kraft, they do have great labels. But as far as I know, they don't actually test for gluten on their product line. I don't think they factor in for cross-contamination on the lines either. But they may have checked with all their suppliers that they don't ADD gluten to the original ingredients or use it in processing.

Merika

[Guest gfinnebraska]

You can get Certo at Walmart ~ they have it with the canning jars and also in the baking isle.

Yes, eating foods we buy in their natural form and make ourselves is the best way to go.