Canning Recipes for Yellow Squash: Sunshine in a Jar
Yellow squash, with its vibrant color and mild flavor, is a summer vegetable that deserves a spot in your pantry. Canning allows you to preserve this delightful squash and enjoy its taste all year round. Here are a few simple and delicious recipes to get you started:
1. Classic Canned Yellow Squash
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds yellow squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Squash: Wash and peel the squash. Remove the seeds and cut into 1/4-inch slices.
- Prepare the Jars: Sterilize jars and lids in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the sliced squash tightly into the sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Boil the Brine: Bring the water, vinegar, and salt to a boil in a large pot.
- Pour Brine: Carefully pour the boiling brine over the squash in the jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Process: Wipe the jar rims, screw on lids tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 35 minutes.
- Cool: Allow jars to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
2. Spicy Yellow Squash Relish
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds yellow squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, peel, and dice the squash. Chop the onion and green pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Process: Wipe the jar rims, screw on lids tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Cool: Allow jars to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
3. Yellow Squash and Tomato Relish
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds yellow squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, peel, and dice the squash. Chop the tomatoes, onion, and green pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the squash and tomatoes are tender.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Process: Wipe the jar rims, screw on lids tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
- Cool: Allow jars to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
Tips for Canning Yellow Squash:
- Use Fresh Squash: Choose fresh, firm yellow squash for the best flavor.
- Follow Recipes Carefully: Canning recipes are carefully designed for safety. Do not deviate from the instructions.
- Process Properly: Processing the jars in a boiling water bath is crucial for creating a vacuum seal and ensuring safety.
- Store Properly: Store canned goods in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy the taste of summer with your homemade canned yellow squash! These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors to create your own unique relish or preserve.