How to Use a Canning Pot
Get step-by-step directions on how to use a canning pot
Equipment
- large pot or water bath canner with jar rack
- canning jars
- new canning lids
- screw on canning bands
- canning funnel
- lid lifter
- jar lifter
- stable wire cooling rack
- safe canning recipes
Instructions
- Add water to your canning pot, filling it 2/3 of the way.
- Cover with a lid and set it on the stove to boil.
- Wash canning jars and lids.
- Prepare your foodstuff according to your canning recipe.
- Stuff jars with food (use a funnel, if needed) and cover with hot syrup or brine.
- Be sure to leave proper amounts of headspace.
- Wipe the rim of the jar with a damp paper towel.
- Set a clean canning lid on the rim of the jar and fasten down with a canning band.
- Place the hot jar in your canning pot and continue filling jars.
- When all jars are in the canning pot, cover with a lid and bring up to a rolling boil.
- Set timer for the amount of time recommended in your recipe.
- Process jars and then use a jar lifter to transfer hot jars to cooling rack.
- Let jars sit undisturbed for at least 8 hours or until they return to room temperature.
- Test each jar for a seal; those that sealed can be stored on a pantry shelf for 1-2 years.
- Any jars that didn't seal need to be refrigerated and used soon.
