Monday, June 21, 2010

Canning Butter

Canning Butter

NOTE:  Canning dairy products is not FDA approved.  These are my own experiments and not recommended for anyone else.  Do not try this in your own kitchen.

I really enjoy canning and take special pleasure in canning things that are a little off the wall.  Butter is just such a one.  Living off the grid has forced me to think outside the box when it comes to food storage.  It used to be that I would just buy butter when it was on sale and put it in the freezer.  Very convenient. But, living without a freezer made me desperate!  I could only go shopping once a month, and having nowhere cool to keep butter, especially in the summer months really posed a problem.  I began researching other options and came up with canning butter.  I love it!  It is very easy and SO convenient!

I usually buy about 4 pounds extra every two weeks and can that up.  It lasts for 3 years (give or take) on the shelf and is always soft and ready to use.  It is a fabulous way to put up butter when you are fortunate enough to have  a milk cow, so that you don't have to buy butter when your cow is taking her pre-calving break.  It is a prudent thing to do when we live in a land of plenty as a hedge against leaner times.

Here is my method....

Heat jelly jars in a 250 degree oven for about 20 minutes (without rings or seals).



While jars heat, melt butter (use only high quality, real butter) slowly until it comes to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.



While your butter is melting, put lids in a bowl and pour boiling water over, to soften the seal.



Pour melted butter carefully into heated jars, being careful not to get any butter on the rim of the jar.



Add lid and ring and close securely.  They will seal as they cool.  Shake the jars a few times during cooling to prevent separation, although this step is optional (I always shake the jars).



Put into refrigerator (if you have one) or other cool place until butter hardens.  After hardening, store on shelves.



That's all there is to it.  You can see why I like it so much - ease and convenience and I feel like I have accomplished something lasting - at least for a while!

8 comments:

  1. I had 10 lbs of butter stored in my freezer, waiting for a quiet day to try your instructions for canning. THen the freezer went out. I was able to save most of the meat by borrowing space in other freezers, but I immediately went to work and canned the butter. Talk about super easy!!! I ended up with 13 pts. Thanks for the information and instructions - they were a lifesaver!!!!!

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  2. I am thrilled that it worked well for you! It really is easy - and so handy when you don't have freezer space. Isn't it great to be prepared?!

    Enola

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  3. Do you think you can do the same with margarine??

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  4. Unfortunately margarine will not can well. The oils in margarine separate and will become an icky, oily mess when you can it. Only high quality butter will can.

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  5. Enola Gay - was looking for other canning tips/instructions on another blog to print out for my 'library' and read that it isn't recommended to can butter - something about possible botulism issues. How long have you been canning butter and using it? One of the commenters on that site said he had been using self-canned butter for over a year with no problems. Sure don't want to lost my 13 qts!!! (That was me who posted over the weekend. ;-) )

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  6. Anonymous;

    I have been canning butter for about two years. We do use the canned butter from time to time and have never had a problem with it. My theory is this: Butter is a natural animal fat, just like lard and oil (i.e., bear grease). Both lard and grease (and bacon grease) keep indefinitely provided they are kept in a cool, dark place. Canned butter should keep the same way. Of course, if you are uncomfortable in any way with the process, you should always error on the side of safety. Good luck.

    Enola

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  7. Thanks so much! I think I'll keep my 13 qts - I feel comfortable with the seal, and the process seemed to work. I sure enjoyed looking at those jars after they were filled!! It really is good to feel prepared!

    I enjoy your blog. Wish we were more off-grid, but we're slowly getting there! It's taken time to convince the hubby and the rest of the family that it's the way to go. Guess some progress is better than none!! Anyway, thanks for the info and motivation!! grannyb

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  8. Any ideas on how long this will keep? Thank you so much for posting!

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