History tidbit: Preserving food in jars as we know it today originated with the military. Not the U.S. military–Napoleon’s! Napoleon Bonaparte ran a contest offering a cash prize to anyone who could invent a reliable long-term method for preserving food for his army. Yes, contests go way back, too! The winner, Nicholas Appert, came up with the concept of taking food to a high temperature then sealing it in jars. I’m not sure how much money he won, or if Napoleon paid up. It was decades later before Louis Pasteur actually explained why Appert’s method worked. Appert just figured out that it worked. Nobody knew why. It just did.
I do a lot of stuff like that. I don’t know why stuff works, it just does. A hundred years from now, somebody’ll explain. Meanwhile, I’ve got a BBB to give away today! (I feel so Napoleonic.)
It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by Rose at Baskets by Rose–hand woven baskets, quilts, stitchery, and more all made by hand. Visit her here.
For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (January 29). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (January 30). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).
Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.
UPDATE 01/30/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #30, mom2girls. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED TO ENTRY.
Lindsay says:
I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that a military man came up with canning! I’m glad he did though, I love it and it’s such a good skill to know. Hope Napoleon paid him! Thanks for that bit of very important history. I’d love to be entered in the contest. BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 1:35 am
Blessings says:
Thanks for that bit of history. Please, BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 2:00 am
Raeann says:
And here I was thinking it was the French Foriegn Legion!
BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 2:13 am
Mary says:
That’s really interesting trivia! BBB please.
On January 29, 2011 at 2:46 am
Richelle says:
Yes, BBB please!!
On January 29, 2011 at 3:30 am
Barbara at AtLast says:
Viva la France. BBB s’il voux plait.
On January 29, 2011 at 5:33 am
Jean - MN says:
Love your site — especially the goat tales
BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 5:58 am
patrice says:
BBB, please.
On January 29, 2011 at 6:05 am
Wanda says:
need a new bbb!!!!!!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:05 am
B. Ruth says:
I wonder how many jars failed before he figured out the right temperture and how long to cook it to seal it..and what product was canned….and I wonder which came first the Ball Jar or the canned beans….? I always thought the military used tin cans early on…or those heavy pottery storage jars…
Glad I didn’t have to taste the first canned bean…LOL
Also I hope it wasn’t like some experiments….mistakes were buried..LOL
BBB chance, please!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:10 am
Kathy in FL says:
Very interesting. I admire people who invent things. BBB, please.
On January 29, 2011 at 6:16 am
Hugh says:
BBB – the Bible of canning. I sure could use a new one.
On January 29, 2011 at 6:34 am
GaPeach says:
Love the history and would love to win a BBB. Thanks for offering this prize to everyone!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:34 am
justdeborah2002 says:
His taste tester was a brave soul, considering how quickly food spoiled back then….”it’s how old??”
Would love a chance to win the BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:44 am
Connie says:
I’d love to win it!
On January 29, 2011 at 7:08 am
Gem says:
Im feeling very Napoleonic today – please pick me for the BBB!
Thank YOU!
On January 29, 2011 at 7:31 am
Connie says:
BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 7:37 am
Peggy says:
What an interesting story. BBB would be nice.
On January 29, 2011 at 7:39 am
Rachel says:
BBB please!!!
On January 29, 2011 at 7:45 am
Hamp Girl says:
BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 7:54 am
Anke says:
I had no idea, thanks for that interesting tidbit. BBB pretty please.
On January 29, 2011 at 7:59 am
prayingpup says:
I love history – we learn so much! BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 8:10 am
Billy says:
I was wondering the same thing as B.Ruth. The mistakes must have been buried and I’m glad I wasn’t one of them. And Suzanne, I’m sure our mistakes aren’t as devastating. BBB PUUULLEEEEZZZ
On January 29, 2011 at 8:14 am
brookdale says:
Thanks, Suzanne and Rose, for offering this. BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 8:17 am
Debbie says:
I would love to win a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 8:20 am
windspiritwhimsies says:
Would love to learn how to can! Jelly and preserves would go great with the Grandmother bread and homemade butter I learned to make from your wonderful site! Please enter me for BBB Please! Thanks! :sheepjump:
On January 29, 2011 at 8:25 am
Glenie says:
You just never know who is interested in canning! Ha Ha. BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 8:26 am
ladychef says:
BBB Hurray for Nicholas Appert!!! And a big Thank You to Rose for another chance to win a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 8:30 am
summer says:
weee! besides you’re posts on canning, maybe this can get me started right too! BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 8:39 am
mom2girls says:
i’d love some winter canning inspiration! BBB, please:)
On January 29, 2011 at 8:47 am
Rockyshore says:
Me, too, please. :sheepjump:
On January 29, 2011 at 8:50 am
Debbie says:
Wonderful tidbit of trivia for today! Would love to win the BBB-thanks!
Debbie
On January 29, 2011 at 8:50 am
lilac wolf says:
BBB
And I love stories like that. Actually I thought preserving went back farther, good story. I still don’t know why it works, but am glad it does. 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 8:56 am
sam says:
I could sure use a BBB. I guess with the new snow you are house bound.
sam
On January 29, 2011 at 9:01 am
Bonnie says:
BBB, please.
On January 29, 2011 at 9:03 am
Tammy says:
I’ve just started canning about 2 yrs. ago never had a garden myself before then remember as a little girl my dad having a garden but they never canned. With times the way they are now and with all the stuff going into food you buy I am liking doing this for my family it even taste better. Love your blog. It is very interesting the military was the first to can things. Would love to have that book. (BBB)
On January 29, 2011 at 9:11 am
Rhonda says:
BBB.. and thank you for the factoid. 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 9:13 am
jim says:
BBB Please
On January 29, 2011 at 9:16 am
Donna says:
Really enjoy your animal tales. BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 9:19 am
Amanda says:
I’d like the BBB please.
On January 29, 2011 at 9:23 am
Jeannie says:
That was a neat historical tidbit. Thanks for sharing. 🙂 BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 9:24 am
joeyfulnoise says:
Interesting how technological advances came about because of the needs of the military…….and today, because of space exploration. BBB, please!
On January 29, 2011 at 9:25 am
Teri says:
would love to win a bbb!
On January 29, 2011 at 9:26 am
TwistedStitcher says:
Pick me, please!!!!! BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 9:32 am
mygirls01 says:
enter me too please!
On January 29, 2011 at 9:38 am
Jana NC says:
I’d love a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 9:39 am
marymac says:
I could really use that BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 9:44 am
Lana says:
Thank you, Rose and thank you, CITR! Please enter my name into the drawing!
On January 29, 2011 at 9:51 am
Kathleen says:
Interesting fun fact. Thanks. BBB, Please.
On January 29, 2011 at 9:58 am
Linda T. says:
BBB please! Thanks Rose and Suzanne!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:07 am
hollygee says:
Another chance to say how much I enjoy your blog and photos. I’m so happy that Sprite accepted the mommyhood challenge. BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 10:16 am
Shelley says:
Cool back story on canning! I would love to win a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:17 am
Chrisi says:
I love knowing how things like this that we just take for granted began. Very interesting.
Would love to be entered for the BBB.
On January 29, 2011 at 10:26 am
Amy Cook in WI says:
I am reading a romance right now and the hero was in the Battle of Waterloo….I am surrounded by Napoleonic references…makes me think of, hmmmm, pastries maybe? Or canniing! BBB, please!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:32 am
Katie says:
I only started canning a year ago and I ask myself now what took me so long! BBB Please!!!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:32 am
patricialynn says:
Nice bit of history there. Bet most people didn’t know that!
BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:32 am
giantveggiegardener says:
Hi- I’m a veggie gardener, have farm animals (goats and chickens) and big time canner and have many canning books but not this one so I would like to be entered into the BBB contest.
I love your blog and found it on Ricki’s Cheesemaking (yes I’m a budding cheesemaker as well) with your monthly cheesemaking challenge. Excellent! I too am intimated by some of the cheeses and you encourage me.
Hope you check out my blog about growing veggies and GIANT veggies at https://giantveggiegardener.com
On January 29, 2011 at 10:35 am
Sandy Henderson says:
I SO need to learn to can and preserve food. It’s at the top of my to-do list along with making cheese and soap. All of which you have checked off and blogged about…you are so ahead of the game! 🙂
I would love a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:41 am
Melanie says:
I’d love the BBB. Thanks.
On January 29, 2011 at 10:41 am
amber says:
BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 10:41 am
EightPondFarm says:
What a fabulous bit of trivia. Healthier (maybe even as tasty) to think of this now when I hear “Napoleon”. BBB, please
On January 29, 2011 at 10:43 am
sal says:
Interesting tidbit of history! Who knew? Well as usual I’d like to win the BBB contest for today. Wish me luck everyone…no, wait, you all want to win too. :o)
On January 29, 2011 at 10:49 am
iowacowgirl says:
I would like the BBB please. And thanks on the food preservation tidbit. That rascal Napoleon…..I do know his horse was Marengo. (I’m full of worthless information).
On January 29, 2011 at 10:50 am
Denise :) says:
S’il vous plait, BBB! (That’s Napoleon for Count me in!) 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 10:51 am
Susan Sink says:
I would so love to have a BBB. Pick me! Pick me!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:04 am
Rose says:
How interesting!! Great article, it’s so neat to find out the origin of canning!
BBB!! BBB!! BBB!! BBB!! BBB!! 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 11:08 am
Rose says:
How interesting!!
BBB!!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:09 am
GrammieEarth says:
I wonder if I can win one for my neighbor…she would be thrilled!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:11 am
Renee says:
I would love to win a BBB! Yes please
On January 29, 2011 at 11:15 am
Ruth C says:
Yes, please, BBB for me!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:20 am
LeAnn says:
Interesting history tidbit 🙂
BBB please 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 11:27 am
Barb W says:
Thanks for the tibit. Its interesting to know the history. Need to fact check but I’m thinking that’s why we got the m&m, from the military. So it wouldn’t melt in your hand. BBB Please.
On January 29, 2011 at 11:28 am
Diane says:
I would like to learn to can, BBB.
On January 29, 2011 at 11:29 am
Martha in KS says:
Napoleon didn’t do any canning himself because he always had one hand in his shirt & we all know it’s “all hands on deck” when trying to get that hot stuff into the jars. 😆 BBB please!
Snow is melting in KC – up to 50 degrees today. Woohoo!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:34 am
NAOMI says:
BBB PLEASE 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 11:38 am
patricia(ticka1) says:
Love the history – signed me up for the BBB give away!!!!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:38 am
Jersey Lady says:
Boy, I could use a new BBB canning book. Mine is from the 1960s.
On January 29, 2011 at 11:41 am
Patty says:
Cool story about Napoleon’s contest. Thanks for this contest. I hope I win a BBB. Thanks for all you do!!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:42 am
Miss Becky says:
thank you for sponsoring the giveaway Rose! And thank you Suzanne for that interesting historical fact about canning. I didn’t know. I guess the next time I can something I’ll think of Napoleon! BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 11:43 am
Leslie says:
Would love to be entered in the BBB please! 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 11:44 am
Zusiqu says:
BBB please?
On January 29, 2011 at 11:46 am
Dana says:
I would love to have a new canning book mine is very old, but I love it….BBB Please
On January 29, 2011 at 11:50 am
Sandra in Oklahoma says:
I love historical background information. And, I would love to win a BBB.
On January 29, 2011 at 12:08 pm
rain says:
I have one from way back many many yrs ago and now would love to win one for my daughter and husband -who want to move back closer to Maine after service in the marines-and have a garden-and learn to can. He-my son-law-wants to do it with her because she tells him about how much her mom and dad canned together when she was little!- :heart: -It is easier when you have good help!!-I love hearing stories like this from my girls!!—BBB__BBB—BBB–BBB—BBB—fingers crossed!!!! BBB–BBB–BBB–BBB :snoopy:
On January 29, 2011 at 12:09 pm
Alison says:
Being relatively new to canning, I would love this book.
BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 12:11 pm
Kirsten S says:
I am hoping to start canning this year. I totally slacked off last year and didn’t even plant my garden. Well, I did have a baby in mid April and just wasn’t up to doing much else!! Anyway, its a new year to get back on track. Suzanne, you are such an inspiration. My family loves your recipes (especially the Tex Mex enchilada sauce and the Grandmother’s bread!) I’d love to be entered in the BBB contest! Thank you!
On January 29, 2011 at 12:18 pm
Barbie says:
Cool information. And now I have a good explanation–“I don’t know why it works, it just does!” BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 12:21 pm
aprilejoi says:
Give me (BBB) or give me dea…ok, not death, but I would like to be in the drawing! Thanks
On January 29, 2011 at 12:21 pm
Ramona Slocum says:
It’s always nice to learn something new. BBB for me also. Have a wonderful day. MN Mona
On January 29, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Tanya Miller says:
I thought you were going to teach us how to can ICE CREAM!! HA I was all excited :snoopy: :snoopy: BBB Thanks!
On January 29, 2011 at 12:31 pm
Kerrie says:
Thanks for the history lesson…I wish it would have been that interesting in school! 🙂
Please add me to the list for the drawing.
thanks!
On January 29, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Lynette says:
What a neat history lesson! Thanks for the chance to win the BBB.
On January 29, 2011 at 12:50 pm
Vicki in So. CA says:
Hunh. A military man. Who’da thunk? Thank you for that. And thank you, Suzanne and Rose, for the chance to win a BBB (for my daughter).
On January 29, 2011 at 12:55 pm
LisaAJB says:
That is so cool. Thanks for the knowledge. BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 1:00 pm
geena22 says:
I would love to win a BBB :duck:
On January 29, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Lucy says:
I learn SO much reading your blog! Thanks! Please put me in for the BBB draw, too.
On January 29, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Nancy Stickler says:
Well who woulda thunk it! My son is like that too….”it doesn’t matter why, it just does, go with it!” My daughter and I, nope, why, why, why….. BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 1:24 pm
ann/alba says:
Wow A history lesson & canning that’s whats amazing about this blog I LOVE IT
Oh yes please enter me into the Contest for the BLUE BALL BOOK.
Are Canadians eligible.
Have a great day. Ann
On January 29, 2011 at 1:28 pm
Lee in KY says:
I would like this book! (BBB)
On January 29, 2011 at 1:31 pm
BethAnn says:
BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Debbie S says:
Thanks for the interesting info Suzanne. I hope that mothers will continue to pass down canning and preserving techniques so they don’t become a “lost art”. BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 2:30 pm
lavenderblue says:
Suzanne, how do you know this stuff? BBB,please and thanks to Rose.
On January 29, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Christine says:
I would love to win! Love your site 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Betty says:
I look forward to your blog every day. I love to can all my garden vegetables and the fruits we can get. Keep up the good work. BBB.
On January 29, 2011 at 2:51 pm
joanne says:
Napoleon eh??
BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Ilene says:
Sounds like me on the computer, no idea how it works, it just does. I am just getting into pressure canning. een scared of it. I had better get into it, I now have 2 pressure canners. woudl love an up to date BBB.
At the risk of eing a suck up, I do love your site. I dont know how you have the time to do everything and do a website but I’m glas you do.
On January 29, 2011 at 3:18 pm
Pam says:
BBB, please oh please
On January 29, 2011 at 3:25 pm
langela says:
Count me in for a chance to win a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Lynda Treen says:
Just so glad we live in the time we do so we can enjoy the pleasures of canning. BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Renee says:
Enter me, pls! BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Delanki says:
Would love to win the book! BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Nadeanne says:
I would love that book!
On January 29, 2011 at 3:53 pm
Kristen A says:
Thanks Suzanne for the nugget of trivia. And thank you to Rose for sponsoring this give away! BBB please.
On January 29, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Teresa in Ga says:
Thanks for that tidbit of history!
BBB please.
On January 29, 2011 at 4:15 pm
Tricia in TEXAS says:
BBB – evenually you’ll HAVE TO PICK ME!!! :snuggle:
On January 29, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Kelly A says:
That is a really cool fact. BBB please!
On January 29, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Jenny Sterling says:
BBB Please! Also, I’m taking a cheese making class from a lady who has a small herd of goats and absolutely cannot wait! Thanks for all of the inspiration :)! I’ll be referencing your site when I finally get the courage to try making hard cheeses! Also, I’m so happy for you that Sprite took to motherhood! That’s wonderful news!!
On January 29, 2011 at 4:47 pm
Janice Jewett says:
please enter me for the BBB.
Janice
On January 29, 2011 at 5:09 pm
annabel52 says:
My Mom taught me to can, who knew there was a book!!!
Maybe my luck has changed and I will win a BBB!!!
On January 29, 2011 at 5:27 pm
Michelle says:
Still trying; thanks for another chance – and an interesting bit of history!
On January 29, 2011 at 5:37 pm
cricketjett says:
BBB, please!!
On January 29, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Brittany P. says:
I have been following your blog for a couple of weeks and I love it!! Love the way you post frequently and just enjoy all the farm stuff. My husband and I are starting our owm farm this year!
I would love to win the Ball Blue Book.
On January 29, 2011 at 5:44 pm
marylhall330 says:
:sun: Hi there, Yes, I will win Jeopardy one of these days.
Please enter me in the BBB
:shocked: Mary
:sun: :sun: :sun: :sun: :sun:
On January 29, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Leah's Mom says:
Sign me up – and thanks!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:17 pm
kindigo27 says:
please, please! Can I get a bbb?
On January 29, 2011 at 6:21 pm
Luann says:
BBB please…it would be a great way to start 2011! Thanks!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Howard says:
BBB 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 6:26 pm
Theresa says:
BBB Please!
On January 29, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Taryn says:
BBB please, and thanks for all the goatie/cheesey information this month! I have two nubians expecting in a month, and I am very excited to try your recipes!
On January 29, 2011 at 7:26 pm
edennranch says:
Would love to win a book…I’ve just started converting my family over to slow food rather than fast food. We made pizza last night with hand-made dough, home-canned red sauce, and mozzarella cheese from our own goats that we milk. It was exciting to see the family devour it! Can’t wait to learn more about canning. Pick me for the BBB! Thanks! :sheep:
On January 29, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Jennifer S says:
I’d love to win a BBB!
On January 29, 2011 at 8:42 pm
farmershae says:
Merci Monsieur Appert!
BBB me please!
On January 29, 2011 at 9:05 pm
Carol H says:
Wow! You learn something new everyday! Thanks for the bit of history and the chance to win.
On January 29, 2011 at 10:16 pm
TeresaJM says:
BBB please
On January 29, 2011 at 10:44 pm
ayenbe says:
Please. Please. Please… BBB please. 🙂
On January 29, 2011 at 10:55 pm
Kathy Chaney says:
Thanks for the information. Would like to practice up on my canning. BBB
On January 29, 2011 at 11:15 pm
melody says:
I would love to win bbb.
On January 29, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Lisa W says:
Thank you for a chance to win. I would love the BBB!
On January 30, 2011 at 12:28 am
Ruth S says:
BBB please and thank you
On January 30, 2011 at 12:47 am
Willamette Valley Girl says:
BBB please!! Double please!!! :snuggle: :snuggle:
On January 30, 2011 at 1:44 am
Tea4too0 says:
Thank you for the history lesson. I have learned my “something new every day”. I would like to be entered in the BBB contest. I am going in on a large garden with a friend and he wants to can everything. Thanks again, Suzanne,
T
On January 30, 2011 at 10:10 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
This giveaway is closed to entry. The winning comment number is #30, mom2girls.
On January 30, 2011 at 10:17 am