The timeless tradition of home canning is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, empowering individuals and families to embrace sustainable living, savor seasonal flavors, and connect more deeply with their food. In celebration of this enduring craft, Jarden Home Brands is proud to present its inaugural International Can-It-Forward Day. Set for Saturday, August 16, this groundbreaking event invites enthusiasts from around the globe to participate in a rich tapestry of online and in-person activities designed to inspire, educate, and unite the growing community of home preservers. This year marks a significant expansion, with celebrations now reaching across Canada and Australia, truly embodying the international spirit of the movement.
Headlining this grand celebration is none other than renowned chef and esteemed Bravo’s Top Chef judge, Hugh Acheson. Chef Acheson brings his culinary expertise and passion for fresh ingredients to the forefront, guiding participants through an unforgettable day dedicated to the art of preservation. Whether you’re a seasoned canner with years of experience or a curious newcomer eager to explore this rewarding hobby, International Can-It-Forward Day offers unparalleled opportunities for learning and engagement.
The cornerstone of the day’s activities is a captivating live webcast, broadcasting directly from the bustling Brooklyn Borough Hall Farmers Market. This dynamic digital event will feature live canning demonstrations where viewers can actively participate by submitting questions in real-time. Chef Acheson, alongside other distinguished canning experts, will provide insightful answers and share invaluable tips and tricks, demystifying complex techniques and making home preservation accessible to everyone. The webcast will delve into some of the most popular and delicious home canning recipes, encouraging participants to transform their garden bounties and farmers market finds into shelf-stable culinary masterpieces. Imagine learning to preserve the peak freshness of summer berries or crafting savory relishes that will brighten meals throughout the year, all from the comfort of your own kitchen, guided by the very best in the field.
But International Can-It-Forward Day extends far beyond the bubbling pots of canning demos. The event also incorporates diverse segments designed to inspire creativity and sustainable living. Attendees will discover innovative crafting ideas, showcasing how versatile Ball® Mason jars can be transformed into beautiful home decor, thoughtful gifts, or practical storage solutions. An engaging session on herb gardening will provide valuable advice for cultivating your own aromatic herbs, emphasizing the joy of growing fresh ingredients and how seamlessly they integrate into the preserving process. Furthermore, Jarden Home Brands will unveil its new drinkware line, highlighting the stylish and functional ways Ball® jars can enhance everyday hydration and entertaining. This holistic approach underscores the brand’s commitment to a lifestyle that values freshness, creativity, and sustainability.
Adding an exciting element of spectacle and community spirit, this year’s International Can-It-Forward Day will also feature an ambitious attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Mason Jar Mosaic. This monumental endeavor symbolizes the collective passion and shared experience of the canning community, bringing together countless individual jars to form a breathtaking display of unity and artistry. It’s a powerful testament to the impact of this traditional craft and its modern resurgence.
Beyond the virtual realm, the spirit of Can-It-Forward Day will ripple across the nation, with over twenty-five farmers markets hosting their own vibrant celebrations. These local events provide a wonderful opportunity for communities to gather, share knowledge, and engage with preserving experts in person. Supporting local farmers and celebrating seasonal produce, these market-based activities reinforce the farm-to-jar philosophy at the heart of home canning, fostering a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources. Whether online or in person, Can-It-Forward Day is poised to be an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in the art of home preservation.
Unleash Your Inner Preserver: Exclusive Giveaway!
In the true spirit of sharing and celebration, and to honor International Can-It-Forward Day, we are thrilled to host a fabulous giveaway featuring an assortment of premium preserving tools and heritage products from the Ball® Fresh Preserving collection. This prize package is curated to inspire both novice and experienced canners, offering everything needed to embark on or enhance your home preservation journey. Get ready to win these essential items:
- The New Limited Edition Spring Green Heritage Collection Jars: Step back in time with these exquisite, limited-edition jars that pay tribute to a century of canning excellence. Commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the Ball brothers’ iconic “Perfection” Jar, these jars boast a beautiful, subtle green tint, reminiscent of early 20th-century glass. Produced exclusively in 2014, these collectible jars are available in both versatile pint and generous quart varieties, making them perfect for preserving cherished recipes or showcasing vibrant kitchen displays. Their vintage aesthetic makes them not just functional preserving vessels but also charming decorative pieces, adding a touch of nostalgic elegance to any home. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of canning history.
- Fresh Herb Keeper: For those just beginning their gardening adventure, herbs often serve as an easy and rewarding first step. To ensure your fresh herbs remain as vibrant and flavorful as the day they were picked, Ball® has developed this innovative Fresh Herb Keeper. Designed to extend the life of your culinary herbs, it keeps them fresh for up to two weeks, significantly reducing waste and ensuring you always have pungent herbs on hand for cooking and garnishing. Say goodbye to wilted basil and limp cilantro; this ingenious tool ensures your seasonings stay in peak condition, ready to elevate any dish.
- Dry Herb Jars: Once your herbs are harvested and dried, proper storage is paramount to maintaining their potency and flavor. These perfectly-sized Ball® Dry Herb Jars offer an optimal solution for storing your dried herbs, spices, and rubs. Their compact, low-profile design is a game-changer for kitchen organization, allowing for efficient stacking in pantries or drawers. Bid farewell to cluttered, mis-matched containers and embrace a streamlined system that keeps your culinary essentials fresh, organized, and easily accessible. These jars are not just practical; they bring a sense of order and sophistication to your spice collection.
- Frozen Herb Starters: Unlock the secret to year-round freshness with Ball® Frozen Herb Starters. This clever product allows you to preserve your surplus fresh herbs by freezing them in ready-to-use cubes. Simply chop your herbs, mix them with butter, olive oil, or another liquid of your choice, and freeze them in these convenient trays. The resulting flavorful cubes are perfect for quick meal starters, instantly adding a burst of garden-fresh taste to soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries. It’s an effortless way to extend the season of your favorite herbs and minimize food waste, ensuring no flavor goes unappreciated.
- 5 Blade Herb Scissors: Streamline your herb preparation with these incredibly efficient 5 Blade Herb Scissors. Crafted with multiple sharp stainless steel blades, these scissors are designed to gently and evenly cut delicate herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, and chives in mere seconds. Far superior to a single blade or tedious chopping, they reduce prep time significantly while creating uniform pieces perfect for garnishes or incorporating into recipes. Experience the joy of quickly and effortlessly snipping fresh herbs, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your culinary creations.
- Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving: Considered the definitive guide for home canners, the Ball Blue Book is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in preserving. This comprehensive manual features 125 pages packed with essential information, guiding you through every step of the preserving process. From detailed explanations of necessary equipment and sterilization techniques to clear, step-by-step instructions for various preserving methods (such as water bath canning and pressure canning), and a wealth of tested recipes, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge. It provides the reliable, tested advice crucial for safe and successful home canning, making it an essential companion for both beginners and experienced preservers alike.
Join us in celebrating International Can-It-Forward Day and discover the profound satisfaction of home preserving. Engage with a vibrant community, learn from the best, and embrace a lifestyle enriched by fresh, homemade goodness. Don’t miss your chance to win these incredible Ball® products and kickstart your preserving adventures!