How Do I Can It

The #1 Rule of thumb "Keep it clean", "Use the correct process"

How to pick the right canner? If you want to can everything buy the large presto pressure cooker shown in the top picture, About $80. If you just want to can tomatoes, fruits, and jelly, buy the water bath canner in the bottom picture, About $20.

DO NOT CAN MEATS OR VEGGIES IN A WATER BATH CANNER. THEY DO NOT GET HOT ENOUGH TO KILL THE GERMS THAT WILL KILL YOU!!

I'm not going into "How to can" Ball and the Government have excellent web sites giving you all you need to know. Google " canning _________". [ fill in the blank]

Here are the important highlights;

1. Use "canning jars" [ Ball and Kerr are the top sellers ] other jars can break.

2. Make sure the jar rim is smooth. If not, pitch it. It won't seal.

3. You can reuse the "rings" [ the screw on thingy ] you CANNOT reuse the lid. [the flat thingy]

4. Wash then Boil jars for 15 min. before using.

5. Put lids in pan cover with water and Boil for 10 min. let them in water

6. Use a canning funnel to fill jars, and canning tongs to remove jars from canner.

WARNING; DO NOT TOUCH HOT JARS

7. You must leave at least 1/2" space between contents and the rim if the jar.

8. Make SURE rim is clean before placing the lid

9. Center lid on rim screw on ring. Do not over tighten ring. When it freely stops turning, just give it a slight turn. Make sure ring went on straight. There should be no gap between the ring and lid.

10. Boil all tools that will come in direct contact with food . Remember, KEEP IT CLEAN!

11. Use the right size jar for your intended use. If you want two servings use pints, if you need 4 servings use quarts. The goal is to have NO LEFTOVERS.

12. After you have strictly followed the canning guidelines, remove finished product from canner and set on a section of newspaper or towel to cool leaving about 4-6" between jars for air to circulate. Shortly you will hear the ping of a successful seal.
13. After two hours check the jars for a seal. The middle of the lid should have a small dimple in it. If you are not sure, lightly press on the CENTER of the lid. There should be NO GIVE, it should be solid, tight. If the jar did not seal put it in the frig and use within 3 days
14. Once sealed the rings may be removed or left on. Store in the coolest, darkest space you have, where they won't get knocked around.

NOTE; A pressure cooker will act as a water bath canner if you do not tighten the lid and leave the weight off the steam vent stem.

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