Food preservation and supporting a local artisan jam business
Anna Cash sits at the sewing machine where she repairs and alters clothing, at her Ogden home. (Deann Armes)
Anna Cash owns the business Smart Home Canning which focuses on two things: teaching people the importance of food preservation and supporting a local artisan jam business. After completing the Master Food Preservers Course through the USU extension office in 2018, Anna saw the need for young people to understand not only where their food comes from but how to preserve the harvest. Anna and her family have lived in Ogden since 2009.
What first inspired you to start making small-batch jams and jellies, and how did that turn into a business?
When we bought our first house in Ogden there was a gorgeous apricot tree brimming with luscious, juicy orange apricots. I was bound and determined not to let them go to waste, so I set to work making jams, syrups, BBQ sauce, and fruit leather. I began looking around at other trees in the neighborhood with fruit going to waste and decided to ask if I could use that as well. I eventually had a pantry full of jams, more than we would be able to eat in a lifetime, and decided to post on Facebook. The jams sold out in 6 minutes. Eventually, I got my cottage food license and began selling at markets and wholesale throughout the Wasatch Front.
How important is sourcing local fruit to your process, and what growers do you work with?
Using local fruit is one of the most important ways that my business has done well! I've developed friendships with Ogden locals who are interested in their fruit not going to waste as well as local farms. Some farms that I love can be found on Utah's "Fruit Highway", a section of Hwy 89 that stretches from North Ogden to Brigham City, Grammy's, Pettingills, and Tagge's just to name a few.
Preserving food can feel intimidating to beginners. What is the #1 myth about canning you love to debunk?
The myth I love to debunk is that you don't have to do large batch canning like our parents or grandparents did. I prefer new canners start with small batches to gain confidence.
What is your favorite flavor to make for the holidays?
My favorite flavor to make around the holidays is a pepper jelly for a charcuterie board, whether that's pineapple habanero, peach jalapeno or cranberry jalapeno.
What local products do you love pairing with your jams?
I love pairing my jams with butter from Mountain Born Creamery on a whole grain sourdough loaf from Chase at Wild Shaped Bakery.
Where can readers buy your preserves?
You can find my jams at Wild Shaped Bakery, The Local Artisan Collective, The Ogden Nature Center, Wild Meraki, Harmony Homestead, and The Hive Market in Trolley Square.
What other home projects do you enjoy?
I've recently become obsessed with sewing clothing, upcycling and repairing, specifically. I love finding ways to express myself by altering clothing to fit. Understanding clothing construction makes it easier to find quality clothing second hand or when you're at the store.
Learn more about Smart Home Canning here.
