When you grow your own food or make large batches of soups, sauces or jams, it's important to know proper canning techniques. A vacuum seal is necessary to keep canned goods fresh, as oxygen speeds up the rotting process of food. An airtight seal can more than triple the shelf life of your canned goods. No matter what you put inside a seal jar, the process for getting an airtight seal is essentially the same.
1,Wash the jar with hot water and liquid dish soap. Let it air dry for at least 30 minutes. You can also use the sanitize cycle on your dishwasher.
2,Fill the jar with the contents that you wish to preserve. Screw the lid on tightly, but not so tight that it will be difficult to unscrew later on.
3,Fill a canner with water and put it on the stove at medium heat. The water level should be high enough that it will sit at least 1 inch above the jar.
4,Fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring it to a boil. Keep it at a constant boil as you may need to use it later on.
5,Check the temperature of the water in the canner every couple of minutes. If the jar is raw packed, meaning the contents weren't previously cooked or heated, you need a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the jar is heat packed, meaning the contents are still warm, the water should be 180 degrees.
6,Lower the jar into the canner with either the canner's wire rack or with a pair of tongs. Pour boiling water in the canner if the water level isn't at least 1 inch above the jar.
7,Put the lid on the canner and turn the heat up to the highest setting.
8,Check the water level throughout the process to ensure it stays above the jar. If it gets low, pour more boiling water into the canner.
9,Turn the heat off after the recommended amount of time. Remove the jar with a pair of tongs, or pull out the wire rack if you used one, five minutes after you turn the heat off.
10,Place the hot jar on a towel and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours. Do not put it in a cold area or any place with a cool draft as it may cause the glass to crack.
11,Push down on the center of the lid to ensure it is properly sealed. If the button pops up and down, repeat the process. If the center of the lid is flat, then the seal is good.
