July signifies the opening of canning season.  Canning, the old practice of preserving fruits and vegetables has traditionally been done in the home.  Hanover County has a Cannery that also operates as a commercial kitchen where residents, non-residents and commercial customers may process their produce on commercial-grade equipment including large kettles.

The Hanover County Cannery opens on Monday, July 1.  It is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays in July and August.  The Cannery also is open on Saturdays in September and October.

On Mondays during these months, processing can take place between 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (the Cannery closes at 10:30 p.m. on Mondays).  On the other days of the week, processing can take place between 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m., with the Cannery closing at 4:00 p.m.

The canning process must begin during these designated times in order to have the process completed by the Cannery closing time.  The Cannery Supervisor must approve processes that take longer than the average of five hours in advance.  Please contact the Cannery Supervisor at (804)365-6484 to check on the availability before you travel.

For Hanover County residents, the cost is $1.17 a can or .30 cents a jar.  For those who do not live in Hanover County, the charge is $1.32 per can and .40 cents per jar.  You must bring your own jars.  Additional charges apply for use of the kettle, blancher or corn machine.

Commercial customers are encouraged to set up an appointment with the Cannery Supervisor.  The Cannery is located at 12491 Taylor Complex Lane Ashland, VA 23005.

For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at (804) 365-6181.