You may have some jars of food you canned last year that didn’t turn out exactly as planned. Here are some reasons why some of your food didn’t come out as expected and some tips for ensuring perfection as you process your garden’s bounty this summer.
“One of the most common complaints from home canners is that the jars lose liquid during processing” said Tammy Roberts from University of Missouri Extension. She says that lost liquid can occur because the food was packed too tightly in the jar. Food shouldn’t be packed so tightly that it doesn’t move around in the jar. Loss of liquid can occur if the jar was filled too full. Be sure to always leave the headspace recommended for the food you are processing.
Fluctuation of pressure or pressure that is too high can cause liquid loss. Forcing the pressure down on the canner by pouring cool water over it causes a sudden drop of pressure. Opening the petcock before the dial gauge returns to zero can also cause a sudden loss of pressure.
There are a variety of reasons jars don’t seal. Screw bands that are rusty or dented can prevent a good seal. If the screw bands are on too tightly or too loosely the jar may not seal. Small particles of food can prevent the proper seal of a jar. Always wipe the rim of the jar with a damp clean cloth before putting the flat on the jar because the smallest particle of food can prevent a good seal. Re-using flats can result in a jar that doesn’t seal. Be sure to use a new flat each time. If you boil your flat the jar may not seal. The rubber on the flats is softer than it used to be and most need heated but not boiled. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for the flats.
Why do your tomatoes float in the jar? “That could be because you have used overripe tomatoes, you packed them in the jar too loosely, or they were processed too long or at too high of temperature” said Roberts.
Canning is lots of work and it can be frustrating when your hard work doesn’t come out as expected. Hopefully these tips will assure a pantry full of perfectly home-canned food this fall.
