Can-Do Food Tradition Gaining Steam

     A new study verifies what Anderson County residents have known all along: we are a nation of canners.

     Canning is not just for rural grandparents anymore. Americans of all ages and areas are returning to our roots and canning to capture fresher, more affordable flavors. Fifty-five percent of American home cooks plan to can this year, and of those, nearly 97 percent will be canning more than previous years, according to a recent survey of its community byAllrecipes.com, the world's #1 food site. With nearly half of canners aged 40 or younger, the demographic of canners is shifting from Baby Boomers to Generations X and Y. Moreover, almost half of canners live in suburban areas, signaling that canning is no longer reserved to rural communities. As the recession progresses and food prices continue to rise, 61 percent of canners' greatest motivation is saving money.

     While canning may seem like a family tradition passed down from generation to generation, younger people joining the canning craze are looking first to the Internet as a resource. Fifty-two percent of survey respondents said they are using the Internet to find information on canning and there has been a 109 percent increase over last year in page views for canning and preserving articles on Allrecipes alone. Specific searches such as "blanching and shocking vegetables," "jam," and "dill pickles" have risen dramatically.

     In response to the growing demand, Allrecipes created a dedicated canning collection featuring "how-to" articles, recipes, safety tips, blogs, and more. Allrecipes is also highlighting "Cooks of the Week" who are canners. Rachael Schindeldecker from Rhinelander, Wis., who has an Allrecipes blog called "Can It Rachael" and has been selected as the "Cook of the Week" for the week of August 10, says, "I have been canning for about 25 years. My best advice for a new canner is to RELAX and enjoy! Start with ingredients you are familiar with and are grown locally if possible so you can get the freshest fruits and veggies. Make room on your counters because once you start canning, you may find you have a new hobby!"

      Allrecipes is also supporting the national "Canvolution" by partnering with Canning Across America (CAA), a grassroots canning movement started by food writers, bloggers, cooks, gardeners and food lovers to revitalize the popularity of canning. Committed to bringing the lost art of "putting up" food to a new generation, CAA and Allrecipes are encouraging communities across the country to take part in "Can-A-Rama" events on August 29 and 30.