What are the basic canning equipment supplies needed to get started?

Here's a list of basic canning equipment supplies needed to get started:

Essential:

* Canning Jars: These come in various sizes (pint, quart, half-gallon) and are specifically designed for preserving. Look for "wide mouth" jars for easier filling and cleaning.

* Canning Pot: A large pot with a rack that holds jars securely and allows them to be submerged in boiling water.

* Jar Lifter: A tool with a handle and tongs to safely lift hot jars from the boiling water bath.

* Jar Wrench: A tool to securely tighten lids onto jars.

* Lid Lifter: A magnetic tool for retrieving lids from a boiling water bath.

* Funnel: To help fill jars without making a mess.

* Ladle: For transferring hot liquids into jars.

* Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.

* Rubber Spatula: For scraping jars clean and ensuring they are filled properly.

* Dish Towels: For drying jars and wiping spills.

* Canning Utensils: These can include a headspace tool (measures the space between the food and the lid), a bubble remover (removes air bubbles from jars), and a magnetic lid tester (checks if lids are sealing).

Optional, but helpful:

* Pressure Cooker: For canning low-acid foods like meats, vegetables, and soups.

* Water Bath Canner: A specialized pot designed for water bath canning, which is used for high-acid foods like jams, jellies, and pickles.

* Canning Book/Resource: Provides instructions and recipes for various types of canning.

Safety Tip: Always follow the instructions in your canning recipe and the guidelines from reputable sources like the USDA's National Center for Home Food Preservation.