2024-09-03
What do you associate with food preservation? Chances are, canning comes to mind. This method is highly effective for keeping seasonal produce fresh, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the year. Glass jars with lids, available in various sizes such as 720ml, 500ml, and 250ml, are among the healthiest and most common containers used for this purpose.
Proper canning techniques are crucial to prevent contamination and spoilage, which can diminish the shelf life of your preserved items. Therefore, it's essential to be aware of and avoid typical pitfalls that can occur during the canning process. In this article, we will explore 15 common mistakes that could interfere with your canning success.
Common Canning Mistakes Made When Using a Glass Lidded Jar
1. Not Sterilising Jars Properly
Understanding the significance of properly cleaning and sterilizing your glass jars is crucial if you aim to prevent bacterial contamination in your canned food. This process is among the initial steps in canning. To effectively sterilize your glass jars, immerse them in boiling water for a maximum of 10 minutes, then allow them to air dry on a sanitized rack.
2. Using Chipped or Cracked Jars
A distinctive benefit of glass preserving jars is that they can be used multiple times. However, it is important to carefully check each jar for any chips or cracks before reusing them. A damaged glass jar with a lid will fail to create an effective seal, allowing air and contaminants to enter the preserved food, which can result in spoilage and loss.
3. Not Leaving Good Amount of Headspace
Headspace plays a crucial role in avoiding oxidation, facilitating expansion, and ensuring proper sealing. This refers to the gap between the lid and the food inside the jar. No matter if you're using a 720ml or a 250ml glass jar, insufficient headspace can result in breakage during the canning process. Conversely, leaving too much space may cause excess air to be trapped, potentially leading to inadequate sealing. Here are some tips for maintaining appropriate headspace in your canning jars:
4. Overfilling the Glass Jars
Overfilling your glass jars can lead to inadequate sealing. If you fill the jars to the brim, there is no headspace left, which can cause the contents to break and overflow, resulting in wasted food. To prevent this, refrain from using small 250ml jars for storing anything over 260ml. Be sure to accurately measure the amount you intend to preserve before purchasing glass containers for canning.
Understanding the amount of produce you plan to can is crucial for selecting appropriate jar sizes. If jars are not filled adequately, it may result in inadequate sealing, ultimately shortening the shelf life of the preserved food. For smaller batches, using 250ml glass jars is advisable.
6. Not Removing Air Bubbles
While this may seem trivial, it has the potential to compromise the seal and cause food to spoil. It's important to use a non-metal utensil or a plastic bubble remover to eliminate any air trapped in the food before sealing the preservation jar.
7. Using the Wrong Canning Method
Recognize that various canning methods exist for different types of foods. To guarantee you apply the appropriate technique for the food you are preserving, conduct comprehensive research to prevent any risk of foodborne illnesses. Here are some suggestions:
8. Not Adjusting for Altitude
Understanding the impact of altitude on canning processing times is crucial. For those residing at elevated altitudes, it's beneficial to familiarize yourself with the suggested canning durations specific to these heights, as they tend to be longer than those required at lower elevations.
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