Tips on Canning Vegetables

Many of our customers are experienced canners. But in case you are just starting out, here are the basic steps...

1. Clean your kitchen and clear enough counter space to work.
2. Lay out your tools; canning jars, a lip-ladle for pouring, canning pot, canning tool for removing jars, terrycloth towels.

3. Check your jars, jar lids and seals for cracks and chips.

4. Make sure all jars are properly sterilized.

5. Double-check your recipe and have everything you need ready. Some recipes are prepared the day before so the ingredients can soak in their juices.

6. Pour prepared recipe items into jars. Leave about 1 inch of space from the top of the jar. Secure lid tightly.

7. Spread out towels for the hot jars coming out of the canning pot. Do not set jars directly on the counter -- the sudden temperature change can break them!

8. Listen for the lids to "pop" as jars cool. The pop means your food has been sealed properly and is ready to be stored.

Have another question?  Return to the Customer Service Help page or send an e-mail directly to Customer Service.