Sourcing the fruits and vegetables for canning can be pricey if you’re not strategic. Here are some low-cost canning tips to help you gather your produce without breaking the bank.

You Pick for Free:

One of the best ways to get free canning fruits and vegetables is by picking them yourself. Keep an eye out for fruit trees in your neighborhood or local parks that are heavy with fruit. Often, homeowners are happy to have someone take the fruit off their hands to avoid the mess and deter wildlife.

A Friend’s Tree:

Ask around! You might have friends or family with fruit trees who are more than willing to let you pick. Offer to share your canned goods as a thank you.

Marketplace Posts:

Check online marketplaces like Facebook or Craigslist. Many people post offers to let you pick fruit for free because they simply have too much.

U-Pick at a Discount

Many farms offer U-pick options where you can pick your own fruit at a discounted rate. This is a great way to get fresh produce at a lower price if you’re willing to put in a bit of work. Not only do you save money, but you also get the freshest produce possible.

Buy One, Get One Free

Some farmers and fruit stands offer deals like buy one, get one free. The free produce will be for immediate canning, as its fruit that is damaged. 

For example, there’s an apple stand in Naramata that gives me 20 pounds of free canning apples when I buy 20 pounds or more. This allows me to make apple sauce and apple pie filling for free every year. Keep an eye out for farmers who are able to offer this deal. 

Look for Canning Markdowns at Fruit Stands

Visit local fruit stands and ask if they have any markdowns on canning produce. Often, they will discount fruit that is slightly bruised or overripe, which is perfect for canning. If the markdown isn’t low enough, don’t be shy to ask for a bigger discount, especially if you’re buying in bulk.

Barter

Bartering is a fantastic way to source canning produce. I barter several things each year, including my homemade pickles for corn. I also exchange vegetables from my garden for fruits or other vegetables from friends or local farmers. Don’t be afraid to bring up bartering with new people if the opportunity presents itself.

How to Find Out if Something is Open to Bartering:

Just ask! Be friendly and polite. I’ve never met anyone who was annoyed by the question, especially when approached in the right circumstances.

Bargain

Bargaining is an art, and having lived in Bali for over 10 years, I’ve mastered it. The key is to be friendly and ask if they are open to an offer. Do a bit of research to know the lowest price in town and offer that price. If you’re buying in bulk, ask for a bulk discount. Remind them that you will shop there again, making it a win-win situation.

Building Relationships:

Through bargaining, I’ve made lots of friends with farmers and market stand owners. We even share tea together now! Respect and common courtesy go a long way. Farmers would rather give you a good deal than throw away surplus produce.

By utilizing these tips, you can source high-quality fruits and vegetables for canning at little to no cost. Happy canning!