Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PB724
Canning Foods
Fruits Vegetables Pickles Jellies
Canning Foods
Fruits
Vegetables
Pickles
Jellies
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
4 Canning Foods
INTRODUCTION
P reserving food is more than an art; it is a science. Scientists and home economists
have established that certain procedures are essential for a given food to make it safe, as
well as retain its color, flavor, texture and nutrients. Standard recipes are designed with these
research findings in mind and, when carefully followed, insure both a high-quality and a
safe product.
Food is preserved by using methods that destroy or hinder the growth of microorgan-
isms, such as molds, yeast and bacteria. These organisms may be present in the soil, on the
food, in the air, on equipment or on work surfaces.
Yeasts, molds and bacteria must be destroyed during processing to prevent the food from
spoiling. The correct amount of time to process varies with the kind of food. Sufficient heat
for a specified length of time kills microorganisms and insures a safe product. Processing
also helps to secure an airtight seal when using closures containing sealing compound.
Temperature of Food*
For Control of Bacteria
Degrees F
250
Canning temperatures for low-acid vegetables, meat and poultry in pressure canner.
240
Canning temperature for fruits, tomatoes and pickles in water-bath canner.
212
Cooking temperatures destroy most bacteria. Time required to kill bacteria decreases
as temperature is increased.
165
140
Some bacterial growth may occur. Many bacteria survive.
125
Danger Zone. Temperatures in this zone allow rapid growth of bacteria and
production of toxins by some bacteria. (Do not hold foods in this temperature zone
for more than 2 or 3 hours.)
60
Some growth of food-poisoning bacteria may occur.
40
Cold temperatures permit slow growth of some bacteria that cause spoilage.**
32
Freezing temperatures stop growth of bacteria, but may allow bacteria to survive.
(Do not store food above 10 degrees F for more than a few weeks.)
0
*USDA Keeping Food Safe to Eat, Home & Garden Bulletin, #182.
**Do not store raw meats for more than 5 days or poultry, fish or ground meat for more
than 2 days in the refrigerator.
6 Canning Foods
CANNING
Canning is the process of sterilizing and sealing foods in airtight containers to preserve them.
To retain nutrients and optimum quality, preserve fruits and vegetables when at their peak of
freshness. Clean the food thoroughly before processing. Salt and/or sugar may be added to
canned fruits and vegetables but these ingredients are not essential for a safe product.
Selecting Equipment Lids: Select the two-piece metal of flat metal lids. Sealing compounds
lid (self-sealing lid). The two-piece lid may vary in composition and require
For Canning consists of a screwband with a flat metal different heat treatments.
Jars: Select standard canning lid; the flat metal lid contains the sealing Canners: A boiling waterbath
jars. These jars should have the word compound. The closure is screwed on canner is used for fruits, tomatoes
“Mason™” printed somewhere on the the jar mouth firmly by hand. and pickled vegetables. These acid-
jar. In the past, mayonnaise, peanut When the metal screwband is tight, containing foods may be processed
butter and pickle jars have been this lid has enough “give” to let air safely in boiling water for a specified
designed for commercial use (one-time escape during the processing. When length of time, depending on altitude.
use only) and may not have been heat- taken from the canner, the two-piece A pressure canner is used for all meats
treated. Unless jars are strong enough lid needs no further tightening. and vegetables. To safely process these
to withstand high temperatures, they Sometimes the bands on the two- low-acid foods, temperatures higher
may break when used for canning. piece metal lids are loose when the hot than boiling are needed: 240 degrees F
However, some commercial companies jar is removed from the canner. Do not (116 degrees C). Use pounds pressure
are now using jars that are acceptable attempt to tighten. Often the lid has as given in the altitude table.
for home canning. Just be sure to look started to seal and further tightening
for the word “Mason™” on the jar. will break the partial seal. After a hot
Check the mouth of jars for nicks jar is removed from the canner, some
or cracks; defects prevent airtight seals. time may elapse before a “popping”
This is especially important since the sound is heard. This sound indicates
sealing compound of the flat metal lid the jar has sealed.
must stick to the rim of the jar to make Follow directions given by the
the seal. manufacturer concerning the heating
Canning Foods 7
8 Canning Foods
Hot Pack: Heat food in syrup, Berries (except 1 crate (24 qts.) 12-18 qts.
juice or water before filling jars. Keep strawberries) 1½ -2 lbs. (1-2 qts.) 1 qt.
food at or near boiling temperature
and pack fairly loosely into jars. Cherries (canned, 1 bu. (56 lbs.) 22-32 qts.
unpitted) 2-2 ½ lbs. 1 qt.
Raw Pack*: Fill jars with raw food
and cover with boiling hot syrup, juice 1 bu. (48 lbs.) 18-24 qts.
Peaches
or water. Pack raw fruits and vegetables 2-3 lbs. 1 qt.
tightly, because they tend to shrink
during processing. Pack raw corn, lima 1 bu. (50 lbs.) 20-25 qts.
Pears
beans and peas loosely, because they 2-3 lbs. 1 qt.
expand.
1 bu. (56 lbs.) 22-30 qts.
Plums
* "Raw pack" is the term now used in 1½ -2½ lbs. 1 qt.
place of cold pack.
1 crate (24 qts.) 12-16 qts.
Strawberries
1½ -3 lbs. 1 qt.
Can fruit with or without sweeten- To prepare the syrup, select from the following table:
ing. Sugar helps cooked fruit to retain
its shape, color and texture. For most Amount of
fruits, sugar is combined with liquid Amount of Yield
Type of syrup water or juice
(water or juice extracted from fruit) to sugar (cups) (cups)
(cups)
form a syrup. The syrup may be thin,
medium or heavy, depending on the
sweetness of the fruit and personal Light 4 1 43/4
preference. Medium 4 13/4 5
Heavy 4 2 51/3
Sweeteners
Boil sugar and liquid for one minute.
Light-colored corn syrup or mild-
flavored honey may be used to replace
half of the sugar for canning fruit. Do Boiling Waterbath quickly to a rolling boil. Start counting
not use dark sugar or strong-flavored (See below) processing time when and not before
syrups, as they may darken or change water returns to boiling. Adjust heat
the flavor of the fruit. For raw pack, place the filled jar to maintain a steady boil. When time
in hot (not boiling) water; bring to is completed, carefully raise the lid
Artificial Sweeteners: For boiling. Allow water to cover jars at away from the body to allow steam to
correct amount, substitute sweetener least 2 inches. escape and prevent burns. Immediately
for sugar as directed on label. Process For hot pack, place filled jars in remove jars from the canner. Let jars
artificially sweetened fruit the same as boiling water. cool naturally (avoid drafts) on a
for sweetened. Add additional boiling water to rack. Do not cover. When jars are at
cover if necessary to bring water level room temperature, label with name of
Without Sugar 2 inches over the top of jars. Place product and date. Store canned foods
lid on waterbath container and bring in a cool, dry place.
Sugar is not an essential ingredient
in the canning of fruit; so it may be
omitted. Fruit may be satisfactorily
canned in its own juice or in water to
result in a product lower in calories and Water
cost than the sweetened fruit. Process Top of level 2"
unsweetened fruit the same as the jars above top
sweetened fruit. of jars
Head Space
Leave space between the packed
food and the jar lid. This allows for the
expansion of food during processing.
Use time given for specific Add 5 minutes to time Add 10 minutes to time Add 15 minutes to time
recipe in this publication given for specific recipes. given for specific recipes. given for specific recipes.
(see recipes)
10 Canning Foods
APPLES
Pare, core and cut into slices. Drop slices in a solution
containing 3000 mg ascorbic acid (vitamin C)* per
gallon of water to prevent darkening. Drain.
Hot Pack: Boil apple slices 5 minutes in thin syrup or
water. (Refer to syrup chart on page 8.) Adjust jar
lids. Process. ½ inch 20 20
APPLESAUCE
Select apples that mash easily when cooked. Pare,
quarter and core. Add only enough water to prevent
apples from scorching and simmer until fruit is tender.
Mash or put fruit through a sieve. Reheat sauce. Pack
hot. Adjust lids. Process. ¼ inch 15 20
APRICOTS
Follow method for peaches. Procedure is given on
page 10.
CHERRIES
Wash cherries. Remove pits, if desired.
Hot Pack: Add ½ cup sugar per quart of fruit. Add ½
cup water per quart of fruit to unpitted cherries. Cover
pan. Bring to boil. Pack hot. Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 15 20
Raw Pack: Fill jar with fruit. To insure a full pack, shake
jar while filling. Cover with boiling syrup. (Refer to syrup
chart on page 8.) Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 25 25
PEACHES
Wash peaches and remove skins. Skins may be removed
by peeling, but an easier method is to dip fruit into boiling
water for about one minute, or until skin slips. Cool
immediately in cold water. Drain and remove skins. Drop
fruit pieces into a solution containing 2 tablespoons each of
salt and vinegar per gallon of water. Drain before packing. ½ inch 20 25
Hot Pack: Heat peaches through in hot syrup. (A very
juicy fruit may be heated with sugar only.) Pack hot.
Cover with boiling syrup. Adjust lids. Process.
Raw Pack: Fill jar with raw fruit. Cover with boiling syrup.
(Refer to syrup chart on page 8.) Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 25 30
PEARS
Wash and peel. Cut in halves and core. Follow directions
for hot pack as recommended for peaches, except boil 5
minutes in syrup before filling jars. ½ inch 20 25
PLUMS
Wash fruit. Freestone varieties may be halved and pitted.
When canning whole plums, prick skins to prevent
bursting of fruit.
Hot Pack: Heat plums in syrup or juice to boiling. (A
very juicy fruit may be heated with sugar only.) Pack hot.
Cover with boiling liquid. Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 20 25
Raw Pack: Fill jar with raw fruit. Cover with boiling syrup.
(Refer to syrup chart on page 8.) Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 20 25
RHUBARB
Wash and trim. Cut into ½-inch pieces. Add ½ cup sugar
to each quart of fruit. Let stand three to four hours to
draw out juice. Heat to boiling. Pack hot. Cover with
boiling juice. Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 15 15
12 Canning Foods
STRAWBERRIES
Select firm, ripe strawberries. Wash; lift out of water and
drain. Hull (cap) berries and measure.
Hot Pack: Carefully mix ½ to 3/4 cup sugar to each quart
of berries. Let stand in a cool place for approximately five
hours. Heat at low temperature until berries are hot. Pack
hot. Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 15 15
TOMATO SAUCE
Wash and trim firm, ripe tomatoes. Cut into pieces.
Simmer, stirring frequently until softened. Press through
a sieve. Cook pulp until reduced by one-half. Add 2
tablespoons bottled lemon juice or ½ teaspoon citric acid
to each quart jar. Add ¼ teaspoon salt to each cup. Pour 40
hot sauce into jars. Adjust lids. Process. ½ inch 35
FRUIT JUICES
Wash, stem, remove pits and crush fruit. Slowly heat to
simmering. Strain through cloth. Add 1 to 2 cups of sugar
to each gallon of juice. Adjust lids. Process in boiling
waterbath. ½ inch 10 10
GRAPE JUICE
Wash, remove stems and crush grapes. Add water to
cover and heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer for 10
minutes. Strain through cloth and let stand in refrigerator
for 24 hours. ( Juice is allowed to stand at refrigerator
temperature for 24 hours and strained to remove tartrate
crystals. The crystals are formed from natural substances
in the grapes.) Strain juice again. Add 1 to 2 cups sugar
to each gallon of juice. Heat juice to boiling. Fill jars with
hot juice. Adjust lids. Process in boiling waterbath. ¼ inch 10 10
14 Canning Foods
Hot pack 20 25
Apricots
Raw pack 25 30
Hot pack 15 15
Berries (except strawberries)
Raw pack 15 20
Hot pack 20 25
Cherries
Raw pack 25 30
Hot pack 20 25
Peaches
Raw pack 25 30
Hot pack 20 25
Plums
Raw pack 20 25
Hot pack 85 85
Tomatoes (whole or halves)
Raw pack 85 85
Canning Foods 15
CANNING
VEGETABLES
Selecting Vegetables Wash small amounts of vegetables 1. When preparing a pressure canner
quickly under running water, or for processing, add 2 to 3 inches
for Canning through several changes of water. Lift of boiling water. The amount of
Most varieties of vegetables grown food out of water each time so dirt will water to use depends on the shape
and harvested for eating purposes are not collect on food again. and size of the canner.
suitable for canning. Some varieties are 2. Put the rack in the bottom of
selected because they grow well in a Methods of Filling Jars canner; place canner on the
particular area and are family favorites. range to heat.
Only fresh, properly matured Hot Pack Methods: Preheat 3. As each jar is filled and lid is
vegetables should be canned. A good vegetables in water or steam. Heat adjusted, place the jar on the rack
rule to follow is to can them when they small amounts, two or three quarts, at a in the canner.
are just right for table use. For uniform time. Use liquid from vegetables to fill 4. Leave space between each jar to
products, it is wise to sort some jars after packing to conserve nutrients. allow for the circulation of steam
vegetables according to size and degree Add boiling water when there is not around the jars.
of maturity. enough cooking liquid. 5. Adjust the pressure canner lid
according to the design. For
Preparing Vegetables Raw Pack Methods: Pack cold, canners with petcocks, make sure
for Canning raw vegetables into containers and the petcock is open. Allow steam
cover with boiling water. Pack corn, to escape from the petcock for at
Regardless of which vegetable is lima beans and peas loosely because least 10 minutes. This allows air
canned, a good rule to follow is “from they expand. to be pushed from the canner. Air
garden to the canner as quickly as left in the canner may interfere
possible.” If the vegetable must be kept Headspace with a true pressure reading.*
longer, store in the refrigerator or in 6. For a dial gauge canner, close pet-
the coolest place available. Leave space between the packed cock and allow pressure to rise to
food and the jar lid. This space allows 11 pounds 240 degrees F (116
for the expansion of the food during degrees C). Increase pounds
processing. pressure for elevations over 1000
feet. For weighted gauges, use
Pressure a 10-pound weight and let the
Canner steam build until it escapes from
Process all vegeta- the gauge.
bles except tomatoes 7. For a dial gauge canner, adjust
and pickled vegetables the range unit so the gauge will
in a pressure canner. remain on 11 pounds. If pressure
Canners are made is allowed to fluctuate during
with different types of processing, there may be a loss of
gauges. Carefully fol- liquid from the jar. For weighted
low the manufacturer’s gauges, the gauge should move
directions for use of a and make noise. Adjust heat so
specific canner. that gauge begins to jiggle or rock
as the manufacturer describes.
*if weighted gauge is used, allow steam to escape from vent for 10 minutes.
Canning Foods 17
ASPARAGUS
Wash, trim scales and tough ends. Wash again and
cut into 1-inch pieces.
Hot Pack: Cover asparagus with boiling water.
Boil 2-3 minutes. Pack hot, filling jars loosely. Add
½ teaspoon salt to pints; 1 teaspoon salt to quarts.
Cover with boiling liquid. Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 30 40
Raw Pack: Pack raw asparagus tightly in jars
(do not crush). Add ½ teaspoon salt to pints;
1 teaspoon to quarts. Cover with boiling water.
Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 30 40
BEANS, Snap
Select tender crisp pods. Wash beans, trim ends
and break or cut into 1-inch pieces.
Hot Pack: Cover beans with boiling water. Boil
5 minutes. Pack hot, filling jars loosely. Add ½
teaspoon salt to pints; 1 teaspoon to quarts. Cover
with boiling cooking liquid. Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 20 25
Raw Pack: Pack raw beans tightly in jar. Add ½
teaspoon salt to pints; 1 teaspoon to quarts. Cover
with boiling water. Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 20 25
BEANS, Soy
Use green soybeans. Follow directions for lima
beans except increase processing time. 1 inch 55 65
* Check with your county Extension agent or your local district conservationist with the Soil Conservation Service for altitude
where you live.
20 Canning Foods
BEETS
Sort for size. Cut off tops, leaving 1 inch of
stem. Leave roots attached. Cover with boiling
water and boil until the skins slip easily (15-25
minutes). Skin and trim. Leave small beets
whole. Cut medium and large beets into ½-inch
cubes or slices; or halve or quarter.
Hot Pack: Pack hot. Add ½ teaspoon salt to
pints; 1 teaspoon to quarts. Cover with boiling
water. Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 30 35
CARROTS
Wash and scrape. Slice or dice carrots.
Hot Pack: Cover carrots with boiling water.
Bring to boil and simmer for five minutes. Pack
hot. Add ½ teaspoon salt to pints; 1 teaspoon
to quarts. Cover with boiling cooking liquid.
Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 25 30
Raw Pack: Pack raw carrots tightly into jars.
Leave 1 inch headspace. Add ½ teaspoon salt to
pints; 1 teaspoon to quarts. Cover with boiling
water to ½ inch from top. Adjust lids. Process. Refer to recipe 25 30
SQUASH, Winter
(Acorn, Banana, Buttercup, Butternut, Golden Follow the preparation procedures for cubed pumpkin
Delicious or Hubbard)
SWEET POTATOES
Sort for size and wash. Boil or steam until partially
soft (15-20 minutes). Skin and cut into uniform
pieces. Caution: Do not mash or puree. Fill jars
with hot potatoes. Add ½ teaspoon salt to pints;
1 teaspoon salt to quarts. Cover with fresh boiling
water or medium syrup. Adjust lids. Process. 1 inch 65 90
TOMATOES, CRUSHED
Follow directions for preparation on page 11. ½ inch 15 15
TOMATO JUICE
Follow directions for preparation on page 12. ½ inch 15 15
Reprocessing Storing Canned Foods lids, break seals and allow recontamina-
Unsealed Jars tion and spoilage. Accidental freezing
Press the center of the lid to be sure of canned foods will not cause spoilage
If a lid fails to seal on a jar, remove the lid is “down,” indicating a tight unless jars become unsealed. If jars
the lid and check the jar-sealing surface vacuum seal. Remove screw bands must be stored where they may freeze,
for tiny nicks. If necessary, change the from cooled jars; wash the lid and jar wrap them in newspapers, place them
jar; add a new, properly prepared lid; to remove food residue. Label and date in heavy cartons and cover with more
and reprocess within 24 hours using the jars and store them in a clean, cool, newspapers and blankets.
the same processing time. Headspace dark, dry place. Do not store jars above
in unsealed jars may be adjusted to 1½ 95 degrees F or near hot pipes, a range,
inches and jars can be frozen instead of a furnace, in an uninsulated attic or in
reprocessed. Foods in single unsealed direct sunlight. Under these condi-
jars can be refrigerated and consumed tions, food will lose quality and may
within three days. spoil. Dampness may corrode metal
24 Canning Foods
Hot pack 25 30
Carrots
Raw pack 25 30
Hot pack 85 Not recommended
Corn, Cream Style
Raw pack 95 Not recommended
Hot pack 55 85
Corn, Whole Kernel
Raw pack 55 85
Hot pack 40 50
Peas, Fresh, Blackeye
Raw pack 40 50
90
Pumpkin, Cubed Hot pack 55
Hot pack 25 25
Tomatoes, Whole or Half
Raw pack 25 25
Q. Is it safe to can vegetables without Q. Why do beets lose their color? Q. Can fruits be canned without heat-
using salt? ing if aspirin is used?
A. When cut, the red juice bleeds from
A. Yes, salt is not a necessary part of the beet. To prevent this color loss A. No. Aspirin cannot be relied on to
the canning process. when canning, pre-cook beets with prevent spoilage or to give satisfac-
part of the stem and all of the roots tory products. Adequate heat
Q. What is the meaning of the left on. treatment is the only safe procedure.
term “process?”
Q. Why do foods darken in the top Q. Is it safe to process food in the oven?
A. In canning, “processing” is the of jars?
method used in cooking the food A. No, oven canning is dangerous. Jars
to preserve it. For vegetables, this is A. Liquid did not cover food or food may explode. The temperature of the
done in a pressure canner. In other was not processed long enough to food in jars during oven processing
words, vegetables are put into jars destroy enzymes. may not get high enough to insure
and processed in a pressure canner. destruction of spoilage bacteria.
Q. Does it damage vegetables to over-
Q. What causes white sediment in the process them? Q. What causes fruit to float in jars?
bottom of jars of vegetables?
A. Over-processing may alter the A. Fruit is lighter than the syrup. Pack
A. The white sediment may be due to texture and flavor of a product, fruit tightly in jar, but do not crush
minerals in the water, starch in the but this will not affect its safety. If it. Use a light syrup.
food or it may indicate spoilage. there is any doubt about timing,
If food is soft or liquid is dark and it is better to over-process than to Q. Is canned food safe to use when the
murky, do not use. under-process. Vegetables must be liquid is cloudy?
processed long enough to destroy A. Cloudy liquid may be a sign of
Q. What is meant by blanching? spoilage organisms. spoilage. Also, it may be caused by
A. Food is dipped or plunged into boil- Q. How long should vegetables stand af- starch from over-ripe vegetables or
ing water or steam for a given length ter gathering before they are canned? from minerals in the water. If liquid
of time. is cloudy, boil the food. Do not taste
A. The shortest time possible. If veg- or use any that foams during heating
Q. What is meant by pre-cooking? etables are to be held over for a time or has an odd odor.
A. Food is cooked in a small amount of before canning, store them in a cool,
well-ventilated place. Spread them Q. When canned fruits are bought in
water before it is put into jars. large containers, is it safe to can
out carefully or store in refrigerator.
Q. Should all vegetables be blanched or them in smaller containers?
precooked before processing? Q. Why is there sometimes a loss of
liquid during processing? A. Canned fruit may be heated through,
A. No, but blanching or pre-cooking packed and processed the same
serves to set color and shrink A. Loss of liquid may be due to length of time as recommended for
certain products. fluctuating pressure in the pressure hot packs. Food canned in this way
canner, food packed too tightly in may be lower quality than if fruit had
Q. Should the water in which foods are jars or lowering pressure too sud- been canned when fresh.
pre-cooked be used in packing? denly. Constant pressure should be
A. Yes, if vitamins and minerals are to maintained during processing time.
be retained. At the end of processing time, allow
pressure to drop to zero naturally
and wait two to five minutes before
opening the lid.
Canning Foods 27
Canning Pickles
And Relishes
Pickles, crisp and spicy, stimulate bright green to an olive or yellow green. Pears and peaches may
the sense of taste and enhance the The interior of the cucumber becomes be slightly underripe for
flavor of bland foods. uniformly translucent and the pickle pickling. Wax-coated cucum-
Pickles and relishes contain small develops a desirable flavor. When bers (bought from a vegetable
amounts of nutrients, depending on properly cured, the skin and interior of counter) are not suitable for pickling
ingredients used in making them. Most pickles are firm and tender. To prevent whole because wax interferes with pen-
pickle products are low in calories, sour, salty, hard, rubbery, shriveled or etration of brine. Sort for uniformity of
except for the sweet varieties. mushy pickles, carefully follow recom- size and select the size best suited for
Pickling is the process of preserving mended fermentation procedures. the recipe being followed.
foods in brine or vinegar or a combina- Use foods soon after gathering or
tion of the two. Quick Process Pickles purchasing when possible. If fruits and
Brine is made by combining salt vegetables can not be used immedi-
with water in proportions to make This method includes: ately, store in the refrigerator or in a
either a weak, medium or strong Pickles that are brined for several well-ventilated, cool place. Discard
solution. In some instances, salt is add hours, drained and then combined fruits and vegetables that show any
directly to the food in the dry form and with boiling hot vinegar or heated with evidence of mold.
the brine is formed as juices are drawn vinegar and processed.
out of the food. Pickles that are combined with boil- Ingredients
Vinegar, an acid, acts as a preserva- ing hot vinegar or heated with vinegar
tive and contributes flavor different to boiling temperature and processed Salt: Pure, granulated salt is best.
from the flavor produced by lactic acid without a previous brining period. This is often sold as pickling or canning
fermentation that occurs during the salt. It is sometimes called meat-
brining process. Fruit Pickles: These pickles are curing salt. The non-caking material
The method using both salt and usually made from small whole added to iodized and non-iodized
vinegar calls for a short brining period fruits or fruit chunks and simmered table salt may make the brine cloudy.
before the vinegar is added. in a spicy, sweet-sour syrup. The iodine in iodized table salt may
Kinds of pickles and cause pickles to darken.
relishes are varied and Relishes: Relishes are
numerous. Processing mixtures of chopped Vinegar: Use either cider or
methods for each should fruits or vegetables. They white distilled vinegar of 5 to 6 percent
be selected in keeping with may be mild in flavor or acidity (50 to 60 grain strength).
the food to be processed hot and spicy. Cider vinegar, used in most recipes,
and the desired product. has a good flavor and aroma, but may
Chutney: A mixture of discolor light foods. Distilled (white)
Types of Pickles fruits with dates and/or vinegar is often used for onions and
And Relishes raisins seasoned with cauliflower where clearness of color is
spices. desirable.
Brined pickles go
through a fermenting Selection Spices: Spices add flavor and aroma
process for about three to to pickles and both whole and ground
five weeks. Dilled cucum- Use only good- spices are used in making them. For best
bers and sauerkraut are quality fruits and flavor, always use fresh spices and store
in this group. During this vegetables. Select tender amounts that are not used immediately
curing process, color of the vegetables and fruit. in air-tight containers.
cucumber changes from a
28 Canning Foods
Sugar: Use either granulated or the surface of the brine. A more recent Procedures for Safe
brown sugar, depending on recipe. method is to use a water-filled plastic Pickling
bag, the kind intended for use with
Water: If hard water is used in food. The bag covers the container, To insure a safe and quality product,
brining, it may interfere with the keeping contents at a correct level so use fresh fruits and vegetables follow-
formation of acid and prevent pickles that a plate is not needed. For heat- ing standardized recipes and process
from curing properly. Boil hard water ing pickling liquids, use as recommended for the
for 15 minutes and remove from heat. unchipped enamelware, product.
Cover and let stand for 24 hours. aluminum, stainless steel
Remove any scum that might have or glass. Do not use brass, Filling Jars: Fill jars,
formed. Slowly pour water from copper, galvanized or leaving headspace at the top
containers so that sediment will not be iron utensils. Containers of the jar after brine or syrup
disturbed. Discard sediment. Water is of these metals may has covered the pickles.
now ready to use. react with acids or salts Avoid over-packing jars
and form undesirable so there will be enough
Ingredients Found in compounds or cause color headspace. Wipe the rim and
Older Recipes changes in the pickles. Use threads of jars thoroughly.
large wooden or stainless Small food particles left
The following ingredients are still steel spoons for stirring on the rim may prevent an
used in some of the older pickling reci- pickles. airtight seal.
pes. These substances are not essential
for making crisp, colorful pickles if Jars: Use standard canning jars Adjusting Caps (Lids): Select
up-to-date methods and good-quality with the word “Mason™” on them. the two-piece metal lid (a screw band
ingredients are used in making them. Some food processors are now using with a flat metal lid; the flat metal lid
“Mason™” jars. However, most jars from contains the sealing compound). The
Lime: Lime is not essential for commercially canned food have not closure is screwed on the jar mouth
making crisp, firm pickles if good-qual- been heat-treated and may break when firmly by hand.
ity ingredients are used and up-to-date subject to home-canning methods. When metal screwband is tight, this
methods are followed in making them. Pack pickles or relish in jars and lid has enough “give” to let air escape
If recipe calls for lime, use food-grade cover with liquid. Wipe the jar mouth during processing. When taken from
pickling lime from the grocery store. with a clean, damp cloth or paper the canner, the two-piece lid needs no
Do not use agricultural or burnt lime. towel. Adjust the lid according to the further tightening.
manufacturer’s directions. Sometimes the bands on the
Alum: Alum is not needed to make two-piece metal lids are loose when the
pickles crisp and firm if good-quality Lids: Use the two-piece closure, hot jars are removed from the canner.
ingredients are used and up-to-date which has a metal screw band and a DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TIGHTEN.
methods are followed in making them. metal lid with sealing compound. The Often the lid has started to seal and
It is better not to use alum, but if alum metal screw bands may be re-used, but further tightening will break the partial
is used, be sure to measure it accurate- metal lids containing sealing com- seal. After a hot jar is removed from the
ly. This ingredient can be purchased pound may be used only once. canner, some time may elapse before a
from the grocery store. “popping” sound is heard. This sound
Waterbath Canner: Waterbath indicates the jar has sealed. Follow
Equipment canners may be purchased on the directions of the manufacturer concern-
market, or any large container meeting ing the heating of the flat metal lids.
Utensils: For brining, use a clean the requirements of a waterbath canner
crock or stone jar, unchipped enamel- may be used. The container should be Heat Treatment: Heating is
lined utensils or a large glass container. deep enough to hold jars placed on needed to destroy microorganisms
To cover vegetables while they are in a rack and allow for 2 to 4 inches of that cause spoilage and to inactivate
brine, use a heavy plate or large glass water above jar tops. A rack with divid- enzymes that may affect flavor, color
lid that fits inside the container. Use ers will hold jars in place and prevent and texture. Processing jars of pickles
a filled jar of water to hold the cover them from touching each other or in a boiling waterbath is considered to
down so the vegetables are kept below sides of canner during processing. The be the best way to achieve adequate
container must also have a cover. heat treatment.
Canning Foods 29
The U.S. Department of Agriculture down and keep the cucumbers Test bubbles by tapping con-
recommends the processing of all at least 1-2 inches under the tainer on the side with your hand.
pickle products in a boiling waterbath. brine. A glass jar filled with water As a second test, cut a cucumber
An open-kettle method is not recom- makes a good weight (do not use in half; if it is the same color
mended, since there is always danger of brick or cement block). A more throughout and has no noticeable
spoilage from microorganisms entering desirable method of covering rings, fermentation is completed.
the food when it is transferred from cucumbers during fermentation 10. If the cucumbers are to be kept
kettle to jar. consists of placing a polyethylene for some time, place 1 cup salt
For safe pickle products made from bag filled with 3 quarts of water on the plate and at intervals,
low-acid vegetables, always use vinegar and 4½ tablespoons of salt on continue to add a cup of salt
of 5 percent acidity. Certain bacterial top of them. The water-filled bag until the solution will no longer
spores that are present in air, soil and seals the surface from exposure dissolve the new salt. A total of
raw foods grow well in sealed, air-tight to air, and prevents the growth of about six cups may be needed.
jars of low-acid foods. As these spores yeast or molds. It also serves as a Keep the container covered.
(Clostridium botulinum) grow, they weight. For extra protection, the 11. To use these fermented pickles in
produce a poisonous toxin. The use of bag with water in it can be placed recipes, they will generally need
strong vinegar in combination with the inside another polyethylene to be soaked in water to remove
heat treatment prevents the growth of bag. Any bag used should be of the salt. Several changes of water
these organisms. heavyweight, water-tight material during a 24-hour period is usually
intended for use with foods. The adequate. Use three or four parts
Pickles and Relish amount of water in the bag may of water to one part fermented
be adjusted to give just enough cucumbers for each soaking.
Recipes pressure to keep the fermenting
food covered with brine. Sweet Cucumber Pickles
Processing times as given in these 5. The next day, in order to
Yield: about 4 pints.
recipes are for altitudes of 1,000 feet maintain a 10 percent brine solu-
or less. If you live at a higher altitude, tion, add 2 cups salt for each 10 ½ gallon cucumbers (about 3 pounds)
add times as given in Altitude Table on pounds of cucumbers. Place salt 6 cups of vinegar
page 8. on a plate or a cloth to prevent its 3 cups of sugar
As recommended by the United sinking and forming too strong 1 tablespoon pickling spices*
States Department of Agriculture, a brine on the bottom of the
processing times in a waterbath can- container. *Use 1 tablespoon cloves and 1
ner are given for all pickle recipes in 6. At the end of the week and each tablespoon ginger root in place of pickling
this publication. succeeding week until cured, spices, if desired.
place on the plate or cloth ½ cup
Brined Cucumbers salt for 10 pounds of cucumbers. Remove cucumbers from brine
7. Remove scum daily as it forms. If and soak in water to remove salt as
1. Wash cucumbers carefully in scum is left on, it will destroy the described above. Leave small pickling
cold water to remove soil. Cut acidity of the brine. The acidity is size cucumbers whole; larger ones may
1/16-inch slice from bottom end necessary to prevent spoilage. be cut into pieces.
and discard. Leave 1/4 inch of stem 8. During fermentation, keep Combine vinegar, sugar and spices
attached. pickles in a moderately cool place (tied loosely in a cheesecloth bag).
2. Fill crock or jar with cucumbers with temperature preferably Bring mixture to boiling point, add
to within 3 or 4 inches of the top. between 60 to 70 degrees F. At drained cucumbers and boil 2 to 3
3. Cover cucumbers with a 10 lower temperatures, the fermen- minutes.
percent brine made by using ½ tation proceeds slowly. Above Remove spice bag and pour into
cup salt to each quart water. 70 degrees F, the fermentation container. Allow to stand for three
4. Place a heavy china or glass plate tends to be souring, without days. Each day, pour off liquid, bring to
inside the fermentation con- gas production and poor flavor boiling point and pour over cucumbers.
tainer. Plate should be slightly development. Pack pickles in hot jars. Bring the
less than the container opening. 9. Fermentation is completed when same vinegar solution to boiling point
Use a weight to hold the plate bubbles stop coming to the top. and pour over pickles, leaving ½-inch
30 Canning Foods
headspace; adjust lids and process Fermented Dill Pickles In about three weeks the cucumbers
in boiling waterbath at 212 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, 3½ to 4 will have become an olive-green color
degrees F for 15 minutes. inches in length and should have a desirable flavor.
2 teaspoons whole mixed pickling Any white spots inside the fermented
Sour Cucumber Pickles spices cucumbers will disappear in process-
4 to 5 heads fresh or dry dill weed or 2 ing. Discard if soft or slimy.
Use recipe for Sweet tablespoons dill seed The original brine is usually cloudy
Cucumber Pickles above ¼ cup vinegar (5 percent) as a result of bacteria and yeast develop-
except omit most or all of sugar. ½ cup pure granulated salt ment during the fermentation period.
8 cups water If this cloudiness is objectionable,
Sweet Pickle Sticks fresh brine may be used to cover the
Cover cucumbers with cold water. pickles when packing them into jars. In
Yield: 7 to 9 pints.
Wash thoroughly, using a vegetable making fresh brine, use ½ cup salt and
8 pounds of 3- to 4-inch pickling brush, handling gently to avoid bruising. 4 cups vinegar to 1 gallon of water. The
cucumbers Take care to remove 1/16 inch off blos- fermentation brine is generally preferred
1/3 cup canning or pickling salt som end. Drain on rack or wipe dry. for its added flavor. Strain brine, heat to
4½ cups sugar Place half the pickle spices and a boiling and simmer 5 minutes.
3½ cups vinegar (5 percent) layer of dill in a 5-gallon crock or stone Pack the pickles, along with some of
2 teaspoons celery seed jar. Fill with cucumbers to 3 to 4 inches the dill, into clean, hot quart jars; add
1 tablespoon whole allspice from top of crock. Place a layer of dill garlic if desired. Avoid too tight a pack.
2 tablespoons mustard seed and remaining spices over the top of Cover with boiling brine to ½ inch
cucumbers. (Garlic may be added, if from the top of the jar. Adjust jar lids.
These pickles may be canned as desired.) Thoroughly mix the vinegar, Process in boiling waterbath canner
either strips or slices. salt and water and pour over the for 15 minutes. Remove jars and set
Wash cucumber and cut off 1/16 of cucumbers. jars upright, several inches apart, on a
blossomed end. Slice or cut into strips. Cover with a heavy china or glass wire rack to cool.
Sprinkle with the a cup of salt. Cover plate or lid that fits inside the crock.
with 2 inches of crushed or cubed ice. Use a weight to hold the plate *A food quality polyethylene bag
Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours. Add more ice down and keep the cucumbers under filled with 3 quarts of water and 4½
as needed. Drain well. the brine. A glass jar filled with water tablespoons of salt also makes a desirable
Combine sugar, vinegar, celery seed, makes a good weight.* Cover loosely covering. See step 4 on page 28.
allspice and mustard seed in a 6-quart with a clean cloth. Keep pickles at
kettle. Heat to boiling. room temperature and remove scum Quick Dill Pickles
Hot Pack: Add cucumbers and daily when formed. Scum may start
Yield: 7 to 9 pints.
heat slowly until vinegar solution forming in three to five days. Do not
returns to boil. Stir occasionally to stir pickles, but be sure they are com- 8 pounds fresh cucumbers, 3 to 5
make sure mixture heats evenly. Fill pletely covered with brine. If necessary, inches in length
sterile jars with cucumbers and cover make additional brine, using original 1¼ cups canning salt (divided)
with vinegar solution leaving ½-inch proportions specified in recipe. 2 gallons water
headspace. Adjust lids. Process in 6 cups vinegar (1½ quarts)
boiling waterbath canner, either pints ¼ cup sugar
or quarts, for 5 minutes. 8 cups water (2 quarts)
Raw Pack: Fill jars, leaving ½-inch *Processing times 3 tablespoons whole mustard seed
headspace. Add hot vinegar solution, given in these recipes (1 teaspoon per pint)
leaving ½-inch headspace. Adjust lids are for altitudes of 2 tablespoons mixed pickling spices
and process in a boiling waterbath, pints 1,000 feet or less. If 1½ teaspoons dill seed per pint*
for 10 minutes; quarts for 15 minutes. you live at a higher
Store jars of processed pickles four altitude, add times * 1½ head of dill per pint may be
to five weeks to develop ideal flavor. given in Altitude substituted for dill seed.
Table on page 8.
Canning Foods 31
Wash and drain cucumbers. Cut off 1 cup sweet red pepper strips crushed ice or ice cubes; refrigerate for
1/16 inch of blossom end and discard. ¼ cup salt 3 hours, adding more ice as needed.
Make a brine of ¾ cup salt and the 2 quarts ice cubes (2 trays) Drain and remove garlic.
2 gallons of water and pour over 1 quart white vinegar Combine sugar, spices and vinegar;
cucumbers. Let stand 12 hours. Drain. 2 cups sugar heat to boiling and boil 10 minutes.
Combine vinegar and remaining ½ 1 tablespoon mustard seed Add cucumbers and onion slices
cup of salt, ½ cup sugar, 2 quarts water 1 tablespoon celery seed and heat to boiling. Fill hot jars with
and pickling spices (tied in thin white 1 teaspoon turmeric slices and cooking syrup. Adjust lids.
cloth). 1 hot red pepper pod Process in boiling waterbath canner
Heat mixture to boiling. Pack (212 degrees F) for 10 minutes. Start
cucumbers into clean hot jars; add Wash cauliflower; divide into to count processing time as soon as the
mustard and dill seed to each jar. Cover florets. Combine cauliflower, sliced water in canner returns to boiling.
with boiling vinegar solution to within onion and red pepper strips; add salt.
½ inch of top of jar. Adjust jar lids. Cover with ice and let stand 3 to 4 Pickled Beets
Process in boiling waterbath – pints 10 hours. Drain well.
Yield: 6 pints
minutes; quarts 15 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients.
Bring to a boil. Add vegetables; boil 10 3 quarts beets, sliced (about 7 pounds
Dilled Green Beans minutes or until vegetables are tender- without tops)
crisp. 1 tablespoon allspice, whole
4 pounds green beans, whole (about Remove hot red pepper from 2 cinnamon sticks
4 quarts) vegetable mixture. Pour hot vegetables 2 cups sugar
Hot red pepper, crushed (¼ teaspoon into hot pint jars. Cover with boiling 1½ teaspoons salt
per pint jar) vinegar mixture to ½ inch from jar top. 3½ cups vinegar
Whole mustard seed (½ teaspoon per Cut hot red pepper into five pieces and 1½ cups water
pint jar) add one piece to each jar. Adjust lids.
Dill seed (½ teaspoon per pint jar) Process in boiling water for 10 Wash beets. Leave 2-inch stem and
Garlic (1 clove per pint jar) minutes. Remove jars. Set jars upright taproots. Cover with boiling water and
5 cups vinegar on a wire rack or folded towel to cool, cook whole until tender.
5 cups water placing them several inches apart. Drain; peel and slice.
½ cup salt Loosely tie allspice and cinnamon
Bread and Butter Pickles sticks in a clean, thin, white cloth.
Wash beans thoroughly; drain and Combine sugar, salt, vinegar and
Yield: 8 pints.
cut into lengths to fill pint jars. Pack water, add spice bag. Bring to a boil.
beans into clean, hot jars; add pepper, 4 quarts cucumber, medium size Add beets, bring to a boil and boil 5
mustard seed, dill seed and garlic. (about 6 pounds), sliced minutes.
Combine vinegar, water and salt; 8 cups onions, thinly sliced (about
heat to boiling. Pour boiling liquid over 3 pounds)
beans, filling to ½ inch from top of jar. 2 large garlic cloves
Adjust lids. ½ cup canning or pickling salt
Process in boiling water for 5 1-2 quarts (2 trays), ice, crushed or *Processing times given
minutes (start to count processing cubes in these recipes are for
time as soon as water in canner returns 4½ cups sugar altitudes of 1,000 feet
to boiling). Remove jars and set jars 1½ teaspoons turmeric or less. If you live at a
upright, several inches apart, on a wire 1½ teaspoons celery seed higher altitude, add
rack to cool. 2 tablespoons mustard seed times given in Altitude
4 cups vinegar (5 percent) Table on page 8.
Cauliflower Pickles
Wash cucumbers thoroughly, using
Yield: 5 pints
a vegetable brush; drain on rack. Slice
3 quarts cauliflower florets (about 3 unpeeled cucumbers into 3/16 inch
medium heads) slices. Add onions and garlic. Add
2 cups sliced onion salt and mix thoroughly. Cover with
32 Canning Foods
Remove spice bag. Pack beets into Pickled Okra Pickled Pears
hot pint jars. Cover with hot cooking 3 pounds small tender okra 4 quarts pears
liquid, filling to ½ inch from top. ½ cup plain salt 2 quarts sugar
Adjust jar lids. Process pints or quarts 4 cups vinegar (5 percent) 1 pint water
in boiling waterbath for 30 minutes. 1 tablespoon mustard seed 1 quart cider vinegar
Set jars upright on a wire rack or folded 1 cup water 2½ sticks cinnamon
towel to cool, placing them several 6 pods hot pepper 2 tablespoons whole allspice
inches apart. 6 garlic buds
Wash pears, peel, cut in half or
Pearl Onion Pickles Wash okra, pack in hot clean pint quarters and core. Boil pears in a
jars. Add 1 pepper and 1 garlic bud to covered vessel in 1 pint of water for 10
Yield: 7 pints.
each jar. Heat salt, vinegar, mustard minutes. Tie spices loosely in a thin
4 quarts small onions seed and water to boiling. Cover okra cloth bag. Combine water that the
1 cup salt with hot mixture. Adjust lids. Process pears were cooked in, sugar, vinegar
2 cups sugar in boiling waterbath (212 degrees and spices and heat to boiling. Pour
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish* F) for 10 minutes. Remove jars from over pears and let stand overnight in
3-4 tablespoons mustard seeds canner. a covered vessel. Drain and boil syrup
2 quarts vinegar (white vinegar will until thick. Add pears and cook until
help to retain white color) Pickled Peaches tender. Do not stir, but keep pears
7 small hot, red peppers under syrup. Pack into hot jars and
Yield: 5 quarts.
7 small bay leaves cover with syrup. Process in a boiling
5 quarts peeled peaches waterbath canner (212 degrees F) for
* 3½ tablespoons of mixed pickling spices 6½ cups sugar 10 minutes. Yield: about 8 pints. If
may be substituted for the horseradish 1 quart cider vinegar Kieffer pears are to be used, best results
and mustard seed. 1¼ teaspoon mixed pickling spices are obtained if pears are gathered about
10 cloves 2/3 or 3/4 mature. The best stage appears
Select fresh tender onions, cover 5 small pieces stick cinnamon to be when the green in immature fruit
with boiling water and let stand for 2 gradually fades and the fruit becomes
minutes. Drain; dip at once into cold Use firm, ripe peaches such as lighter or slightly yellow. Spread out
water and peel. Sprinkle onions with Hiland, Cardinal, Dixie Red and in a cool (about 60-65 degrees F),
salt and add cold water to cover (about Cornet. Make a syrup of 6½ cups of dry place for about 2 weeks. The pear
2 quarts water to 1 cup salt). Let stand sugar and 1 quart of cider vinegar. Heat will have a better flavor and texture.
at least 12 hours or overnight. Drain off and add peeled peaches. Let fruit and Proceed as the recipe directs.
salt water; rinse and drain thoroughly. syrup simmer for 10 minutes. To each
Combine sugar, horseradish, mustard jar add: ¼ teaspoon of mixed pickling Quick Party Pickles
seed and vinegar. Simmer 15 minutes. spices, 2 cloves and 1 small piece of
Pack onions into jars, leaving stick cinnamon. Add hot fruit to jar, 1 quart commercial dill pickles
¼-inch headspace. To each jar, add 1 cover with hot syrup, adjust the lid. 1 quart commercial sour pickles
bay leaf and 1 pepper. Pour boiling hot Process in boiling waterbath for 25
vinegar mixture over onions; adjust minutes. Let peaches “season” at least Drain pickles and slice (or you may
lids according to manufacturer’s direc- one week; for best flavor, wait 6 weeks. buy the hamburger dills). Put in 2½
tions. Process pints for 10 minutes in quart jar and add alternate layers of
boiling waterbath. pickles and the following mixture:
4 cups of sugar
2 tablespoons whole allspice
2 or more cloves of garlic, sliced
Pickled Peppers prevent scorching. Tomatoes should be mustard and turmeric and blend
Yield: about 8 pints. tender and transparent when properly with liquid from boiling mixture;
cooked. Remove spice bag. Fill jars add, with corn, to boiling
4 quarts pepper, Banana, Hungarian or and cover with vinegar solution. Leave mixture. Return to boiling
other ½-inch headspace. Adjust lids and and cook for 5 minutes,
10 cups vinegar cover with vinegar solution. Adjust stirring occasionally.
2 cups water lids and process in boiling waterbath Fill jars loosely with
canner – pints 10 minutes; quarts 15 mixture while boiling hot into
Cut two small slits in each pep- minutes. clean, hot half pint or pint
per and cover with a salt brine (1½ jars, filling to ½ inch from
cups salt in 1 gallon water). Let stand Corn Relish top. Adjust lids. Process in
overnight in a cool place. Drain; rinse hot waterbath for 15 minutes
Yield: about 9 pints.
and drain. Combine 10 cups of vinegar (start to count processing
with the 2 cups water; bring to boiling 10 cups fresh whole kernel corn (16 time as soon as water in canner
temperature and boil gently for 10 to to 20 medium-size ears) or six returns to boiling). Remove jars
15 minutes. Pack peppers into hot jars, 10-ounce packages of frozen whole and set jars upright, several inches
leaving ½-inch headspace. Cover with kernel corn apart, on a wire rack to cool.
the hot pickling solution. Adjust lids 2½ cups diced sweet red pepper (4 to
and process in boiling waterbath – half 5 medium) Piccalilli or Chow Chow
pints 10 minutes; pints 10 minutes. 2½ cups diced sweet green pepper (4 to
Yield: 3 pints.
Variations: Add to Pickled 5 medium)
Peppers recipe one or more of the 2½ cups chopped celery 1 quart chopped green tomatoes
following: 1¼ cups diced onions (8 to 10 small) 1 cup chopped red sweet pepper
• 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared 1¾ cups sugar 1 cup chopped green pepper
horseradish 5 cups vinegar 1 ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 head of dill 2½ tablespoons canning or pickling salt 5 cups (about 2 pounds) chopped
• 1 to 2 cloves of garlic (remove 2 teaspoons dry mustard cabbage
before packing into jars) 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/3 cup salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar 3 cups vinegar
Fresh corn: Remove husks and 2 cups brown sugar, packed
Green Tomato Pickles silks. Cook ears of corn in boiling water 2 tablespoons whole mixed pickling
for 5 minutes; remove and plunge into spice
Yield: about 9 pints.
cold water. Drain; cut corn from cob.
1 gallon (16 cups) sliced tomatoes Do not scrape cob. Combine vegetables, mix with salt
2 cups sliced onions Frozen corn: Defrost overnight and let stand overnight. Drain and
¼ cup canning or pickling salt in refrigerator. press in a clean, thin, white cloth to
4 cups vinegar (5 percent) Combine peppers, celery, onions, remove all liquid possible.
3 cups brown sugar sugar, vinegar, salt and celery seed. Combine vinegar and sugar. Place
1 tablespoon whole cloves Cover pan until mixture starts to spices loosely in a clean cloth; tie with
1 tablespoon allspice boil, then boil uncovered for 5 a string. Add to vinegar mixture. Bring
1 tablespoon celery seed minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix dry to boil.
1 tablespoon mustard seed Add vegetables, bring to boil, and
boil gently about 30 minutes, or until
Slice tomatoes and onions thin. mixture is reduced one-half in volume.
Sprinkle with ¼ cup salt and let stand Remove spice bag. Pack hot relish
4 to 6 hours. Drain; heat and stir sugar into clean, hot pint jars.
into vinegar until dissolved. Tie cloves, Fill jars to ½ inch from top.
allspice, celery and mustard seed in Adjust lids.
a cheesecloth or spice bag. Add to Process in boiling waterbath for 5
vinegar with tomatoes and onions. minutes.* Remove jars. Set jars upright
Bring to boil, reduce heat and sim- on wire rack or folded towel to cool,
mer 30 minutes, stirring as needed to placing them several inches apart.
34 Canning Foods
Tomato Apple Chutney Pack the salted cabbage firmly and Formation of gas bubbles indicates
evenly into a large clean crock or jar. fermentation is taking place. If jars
3 quarts tomatoes, pared and chopped Using a wooden spoon or tamper, press are used as weights, check kraut 2 or
3 quarts apples, pared and chopped down firmly until the juice comes to the 3 times each week to remove scum if
2 cups raisins, seedless, white surface. Repeat the shredding, salting it forms. A room temperature of 68
2 cups chopped onions and packing of cabbage until the crock to 72 degrees F is best for ferment-
1 cup chopped green pepper is filled within 3 to 4 inches of the top. ing cabbage. Fermentation is usually
(2 medium) Juice should cover cabbage. Add boiled completed in 4 to 6 weeks.
2 pounds brown sugar and cooled brine if needed (2 table- Hot Pack: Heat kraut and liquid
1 quart white vinegar spoons salt to one quart of water). slowly to a boil in a large kettle. Pack
4 teaspoons salt Cover cabbage with a clean, thin, hot sauerkraut into clean, hot jars and
1 teaspoon ground ginger white cloth (such as muslin) and tuck cover with hot juice to ½ inch from top
¼ cup whole pickling spices the edges down against the side of the of jar. Adjust jar lids. Process in boiling
container. Cover with a plate or round waterbath – 10 minutes for pints and
Combine all ingredients except the paraffined board that just fits inside 15 minutes for quarts.
whole spices. Tie spices loosely in a the container so the cabbage is not Remove jars. Cool upright.
clean cloth and add to tomato apple exposed to the air. Put a weight on top Two-piece lids do not need further
mixture. Bring to a boil; cook slowly, of the cover so the brine comes to the tightening.
stirring frequently until mixture is cover but not over it. A glass jar filled
thickened (about 1 hour). Remove with water makes a good weight. Watermelon Pickles
spice bag. Pack the boiling hot mixture A newer method of covering cab-
Yield: 4 to 5 pints.
into hot pint jars to within ½ inch from bage during fermentation consists of
top of jars. Adjust lids and process in placing a plastic bag filled with brine 3 quarts watermelon rind
boiling waterbath for 5 minutes.* Start (4½ tablespoons of salt to 3 quarts 3/4 cup salt
counting processing time when water of water) on top of the fermenting 3 quarts water
in canner returns to boiling. cabbage. The brine-filled bag seals 2 trays ice cubes
the surface from exposure to air, and 9 cups sugar
Sauerkraut prevents the growth of film yeast or 3 cups vinegar, white
molds. It also serves as a weight. For 3 cups water
Yield: about 9 quarts.
extra protection, the bag with the 1 tablespoon whole cloves
25 pounds of cabbage water in it can be placed inside another 6 1-inch pieces stick cinnamon
¾ cup salt, pure granulated plastic bag. 1 lemon, thinly sliced, with seed removed
(canning salt) Any bag used should be of
heavy-weight, water-tight plastic and Pare rind and all pink edges; cut
When making kraut in smaller intended for use with foods. into 1-inch pieces. Cover with brine
quantities, allow 2 pounds of shredded The amount of water in the plastic made by mixing the salt with 3 quarts
cabbage and 4 level teaspoons of salt bag can be adjusted to give just enough of water. Add ice cubes. Let stand 5 or 6
for each quart. pressure to keep the fermenting cab- hours.
Remove the outer leaves and any bage covered with brine. Drain; rinse in cold water. Cover
undesirable portions from the firm, ma- with cold water and cook until
ture heads of cabbage; wash and drain. fork-tender, about 10 minutes (do not
Cut into halves or quarters; remove the overcook). Drain.
core. Use a shredder or sharp knife to *Processing times given Combine sugar, vinegar, 3 cups
cut the cabbage into thin shreds, about in these recipes are for water and spices (tied in thin white
the thickness of a quarter. altitudes of 1,000 feet cloth); boil 5 minutes and pour over
In a large container, thoroughly or less. If you live at a rind with spices; add lemon slices. Let
mix 3 tablespoons salt with 5 pounds higher altitude, add stand overnight.
shredded cabbage. Let the salted cab- times given in Altitude Heat rind in syrup to boiling and
bage stand for several minutes to wilt Table on page 8. cook until translucent (about 10
slightly. This allows packing without minutes). Pack hot pickles loosely into
excessive breaking or bruising of the clean, hot pint jars. Add 1 stick cin-
shreds. namon from spice bag to each jar; cover
Canning Foods 35
Tomato Catsup 1 gallon (4¼ pounds) sliced squash 4 pounds (7 quarts) diced squash
(yellow) or zucchini 2 cups diced green bell peppers
Yield: 3 pints.
2 green bell peppers, diced 1 large bunch celery (1 quart) diced
1 gallon chopped ripe tomatoes, 5 medium onions, diced 1 cup diced onion
(peeled) ½ cup salt 1½ cups sugar
2 medium onions, chopped 5 cups vinegar 4 cups vinegar
1 cup chopped red peppers 4½ cups sugar 2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon ground mustard 2 teaspoons celery seed
4 tablespoons sugar 1½ teaspoons turmeric 3 hot peppers, medium size*
1 tablespoon mustard, powdered 1 teaspoon celery seed 2 tablespoons powdered mustard
1 teaspoon whole allspice 20 whole cloves 1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon whole cloves
3 2-inch sticks cinnamon *One-fourth to one-half teaspoon crushed
2 cups vinegar red peppers to each pint of vegetables may
*Processing times given be substituted for hot peppers. Start with
Cooked chopped vegetables until in these recipes are for one-fourth teaspoon and add as desired.
tender; about 30 minutes. Press through altitudes of 1,000 feet
a fine sieve. Add spice, tied in a bag, to or less. If you live at a Prepare vegetables, discarding
the pulp and heat slowly. higher altitude, add leaves from celery.
Cook 1½ hours, or until slightly times given in Altitude Combine peppers, celery and onion
thick. Remove spice bag. Add vinegar Table on page 8. with vinegar, sugar, salt, celery seed and
and cook until desired thickness. Pour 3 pods of hot pepper.** Heat mixture
into hot pint jars. Leave ½-inch head- to boiling and boil 5 minutes. Stir in
space. Process in a boiling waterbath squash, mustard and turmeric. Return
canner (212 degrees F) for 15 minutes. to boiling and boil 5 minutes.
36 Canning Foods
Spoon into clean pint jars; adjust No-Sugar-Added boiling water over the cucumber slices
lids. Place jars in boiling water to cover, Pickled Products and let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Drain
boil 15 minutes. Begin counting time as off the hot water and pour cold water
soon as all jars are in boiling waterbath. over the cucumbers. Let cold water
No-Sugar-Added Sweet run continuously over the cucumber
**Add 2 pods of hot pepper, heat mixture, Cucumber Slices slices, or change water frequently until
taste for hotness and add the third pod of Yield: about 4 or 5 pint jars. cucumbers are cooled. Drain slices well.
pepper if desired. Mix vinegar, 1 cup water, Splenda®
31/2 pounds of pickling cucumbers and all spices in a 10-quart Dutch
Sweet Squash Relish boiling water to cover sliced oven or stockpot. Bring to a boil. Add
cucumbers drained cucumber slices carefully to
Follow recipe for making hot relish, 4 cups cider vinegar (5 percent) the boiling liquid. Return to a boil.
but decrease amount of hot pepper. 3 cups Splenda® Place one cinnamon stick in each
Use about ½ to 1 pod of hot pepper, or 1 tablespoon canning salt jar, if desired. With a slotted spoon, fill
just enough to give desired flavor. 1 cup water hot pickle slices into clean, hot pint
1 tablespoon mustard seed jars, leaving 1/2 inch at top to allow for
Fresh Pack Pickle Squash 1 tablespoon allspice headspace. Cover with boiling hot
1 tablespoon celery seed pickling brine with 1/2 inch headspace.
Yield: about 6 pints.
4 one-inch cinnamon sticks Remove air bubbles and adjust head-
5 pounds (11/8 gallon) squash space if needed. Wipe rims of jars with
1/3 cup salt Wash and rinse pint canning jars; a dampened clean paper towel; apply
1 cup water keep hot until ready to use. Prepare lids two-piece metal canning lids. Process in
4 cups vinegar according to manufacturer's directions. a boiling water canner for 10 minutes.
Wash cucumbers. Slice 1/16 inch off
Cut squash into ¼-inch slices; the blossom ends and discard. Slice
combine with salt. Let stand for 1 cucumbers into 1/4 inch thick slices. Pour
hour; drain. Pack drained squash into
jars. Mix vinegar with water; heat to
boiling temperature. Cover squash
with the boiling vinegar solution.
Adjust lids; process pint jars in
boiling waterbath for 5 minutes.
Start to count processing time as
soon as the water in canner returns to
boiling temperature.
Variation: To vinegar and water
solution, add 2 cups sugar and heat
to boiling temperature. Proceed as
given above.
Canning Foods 37
Chow-Chow Needs
Pickles Catsup Excellent Good Fair
and Relish Improving
Pleasing – in
keeping with Pleasing – in Pleasing – in
Flavor
Vegetables cut
Texture
Problem Cause
Soft slippery pickles • failure to remove 1/16 inch of blossom
• cucumbers exposed above the brine
• vinegar or brine too weak
• precooked at too high temperature (overcooked)
Effect of scum • spoilage from top layer of cucumbers or cabbage will occur unless the scum (yeasts, molds and
bacteria) is frequently removed
• scum may also weaken the acidity of the brine and cause spoilage
Equipment
JAMS, JELLIES AND Select a large kettle, allow enough
space for fruit or juice to bubble when
PRESERVES
boiling. Use standard measuring cups
and spoons.
When making jelly, a cheesecloth or
jelly bag will be needed to strain juice.
Other equipment should include a
long-handled spoon, ladle, paring knife,
jelly or candy thermometer and bowls.
Jams, jellies and preserves are fruits have enough to make high-quality
similar in that they all contain sugar products. Other fruits require added Containers
and fruit or fruit juice. pectin for making jellies. Commercial
Jam is made from crushed fruit and fruit pectins made from apples or citrus Use standard canning jars as con-
is less firm than jelly. fruits are available in liquid or powder tainers for jams, jellies and preserves.
Jelly is a clear, tender gel made form and may be used with any fruit. Seal only with lids.
from fruit juice, yet firm enough to The use of commercial pectin* shortens Wash glasses, jars and lids in
hold its shape when cut. the cooking time, permits use of fully warm soapy water and rinse. Sterilize
Preserves are small whole fruit or ripe fruit and insures a greater yield jelly containers in boiling water for
large pieces of fruit in a thick syrup. from a given amount of fruit. 10 minutes. To seal with lids, follow
Acid is higher in underripe than manufacturer’s instructions for prepar-
Ingredients in fully ripe fruits and is necessary for ing the flat metal lid that is held in place
flavor and for gel formation. Lemon by a screw band.
To make a jellied fruit product, four juice is frequently added to fruits that
basic ingredients are needed: are low in acid. Processing Jams, Jellies
Fruit furnishes flavor, color and part Sugar helps in forming a gel, aids in and Preserves in a
or all of the acid and pectin necessary firming fruit, acts as a preservative and
for successful gels. Apples, crab apples, gives flavor. Use either bean or cane sugar Waterbath
blackberries, grapes and plums, when unless the recipe specifies other kinds. To prevent mold growth and to
slightly underripe, contain enough make a firm seal, process all jams, jellies
pectin, acid and flavor for successful *To make jams, jellies or preserves us- and preserves in a boiling waterbath.
jelly making. These fruits may be com- ing commercial pectin, follow the recipes Follow directions for use of canner on
bined with fruits that contain smaller that are included with the pectin. pages 7 and 8.
amounts of pectin and acid.
Pectin occurs naturally in fruit; some Remaking Soft Jelly Paraffin
To remake soft jellies without Sealing with paraffin is no longer
added pectin, add 2 tablespoons recommended.
bottled lemon juice for each quart of
jelly. Heat to boiling and boil for 3 to Selecting Fruit
4 minutes. for Jelly Making
Recipes Select about one-fourth underripe
fruit and three-fourths ripe fruit. When
Recipes in this publication all fruit is fully ripe, for best results,
contain proportions of ingredients use a commercial pectin and follow
suitable for making jams, jellies and manufacturer’s directions.
preserves without the addition of
commercial pectin.
40 Canning Foods
Extracting Juice
Wash fruits in cold water, lifting
Jellies Apple Jelly
(without added pectin)
them out of water after each washing.
Yield: 3 to 4 half pints.
Do not leave fruit standing in water. General Directions for
Discard damaged parts; remove stems Making Jelly 4 cups apple juice (about 3 pounds
and blossom ends. Cut large fruits into apples and 3 cups of water)
pieces. Crush berries and grapes. 1. Measure juice and sugar into a 2 tablespoons strained lemon juice, if
Pour hot fruit into a damp jelly large container, large enough to desired
bag or one made from unbleached prevent jelly from boiling over. 3 cups sugar
muslin, or two layers of closely woven Better results will be obtained if
cheesecloth. For clear jelly, allow juice jelly is made in small quantities – To prepare juice: Select about one-
to drip through without pressing, but about 3 to 4 cups of juice. fourth underripe and three-fourths
for a greater yield, press or twist bag 2. Place on hot unit and quickly fully ripe tart apples. Sort, wash and
to extract juice. Straining the juice bring to a rolling boil. remove stem and blossom ends. Do
extracted by pressing or twisting will 3. Test doneness. If a thermom- not pare or core. Cut apples into small
help to clarify it. Strain through muslin eter is used, bulb of the candy pieces. Add water, cover and bring to
or cheesecloth. thermometer should be covered boil on high heat. Reduce heat and
with the jelly mixture but must simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until
Fruits Ranked as to Acid not touch bottom of the kettle. apples are soft. Extract juice.
and/or Pectin Content Gel stage is reached at about 8 To make jelly: Measure apple juice
degrees F (4 degrees C) above into a kettle. Add lemon juice and
High Acid – High Pectin the boiling point of water. In sugar; stir well. Boil over high heat to
Fruits: Fruits containing sufficient most areas of Tennessee, this 8 degrees F (4 degrees C) above
acid and pectin for making jellied would be 220 degrees F (104 boiling point* of water or until jelly
products include: degrees C).* mixture sheets from a spoon.
• Apples, tart varieties Remove from heat; skim off foam
• Gooseberries If a spoon or sheet test is used, dip quickly. Pour jelly immediately into
• Blackberries, tart or underripe spoon into the boiling jelly mixture. hot containers. Adjust lids. Process in
• Grapefruit Raise spoon 10 to 12 inches above the boiling waterbath for 5 minutes.
• Crab apples kettle and turn spoon until syrup runs
• Lemons off the side. If two drops form and drip Blackberry Jelly
• Cranberries off the spoon, syrup is near gel state. (without added pectin)
• Plums, sour varieties When the two drops flow together and
• Currants fall off spoon as one sheet, the jelly Yield: 3 to 4 pints.
• Grapes, sour varieties should be done. 4 cups blackberry juice
Another suitable home method (about 2½ quarts blackberries, ¾
High Pectin – Low Acid is to pour a small amount of boiling cup water)
Fruits: Fruits containing sufficient jelly syrup on a cold dish and put into 3 cups sugar
pectin but low in acid: the refrigerator for a few minutes. If
• Apples, sweet varieties mixture gels, jelly should be done. To prepare juice: select about one-
• Quinces At higher elevations, gel stage may fourth underripe and three-fourths
be reached at a lower temperature ripe berries. Sort and wash; remove
High Acid – Low Pectin than 220 degrees F (212 degrees F + 8 any stems or caps. Crush berries, add
Fruits: Fruit containing sufficient degrees F), since moisture evaporates water, cover and bring to a boil on high
acid but low in pectin: at boiling temperature even if boil- heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 5
ing temperatures are lower than 212 minutes. Extract juice.
• Apricots degrees F. For example, at an altitude To make jelly: Measure juice
• Strawberries of 2000 feet, gel stage may be reached into a kettle. Add sugar and stir well.
• Peaches, sour at 216 degrees F, and at 3000 feet, 214 Boil over high heat to 8 degrees F (4
• Rhubarb degrees F. degrees C) above boiling point* of
water or until jelly mixture sheets from
a spoon.
*The boiling point of water in most areas of Tennessee is 212 degrees F (100 degrees C).
Canning Foods 41
Processing times recommended in this publication are correct for much of the
state except in high elevations. For these high areas, add processing time given in the
Altitude Table below. Learn the altitude in your area. Consult with your Extension
agent or local district soil conservationist.
At Altitudes:
0-1000 ft. 1001-6000 ft. Above 6000
Jellies Needs
Jams Preserves Butters Excellent Good Fair
Improving
Tender, Tender,
Tender, cuts thick thick
Texture
Problem Cause
Jelly soft, does not hold shape • too much juice in proportion to sugar
• juice low in acid
• insufficient cooking time
Weeping of jelly (syneresis) • juice mixture contains too much acid
• storage place too warm
Cloudy jelly • improper extraction of juice – pressing juice from fruit instead of letting it drip
• using green fruit (underripe) in preparing juice
Excessive shrinking of preserves • syrup too heavy for fruit used – juice drawn out of fruit much faster than syrup
enters fruit
Temperature
Bacteria Microorganisms (invisible to naked eye) are always present in the air, soil and water.
Brining A curing process using salt. For pickles or kraut, salt is combined with the raw food
and cured (fermented) for about three to five weeks.
Clostridium botulinum A spore-forming bacterium that is capable of producing a poisonous toxin under
certain conditions if the spore is not destroyed. These bacteria do not grow in
air. High acid content of foods also deters their growth. But these bacteria, if not
destroyed, grow well in closed jars of low-acid foods.
Enzymes Enzymes are chemical substances found in all animals and plants. Enzymes in foods
help them grow and mature. After maturity, continued activity of enzymes cause loss
of flavor and color if they are not destroyed or inactivated.
Fermentation See brining.
Molds A microorganism – fungi that form filaments and if not controlled, cause food
spoilage.
Pickling 1. Fermenting food in a salt brine. An acid (lactic acid) is formed during the
fermenting or brining process.
2. Using vinegar, (acetic acid) to make food high in acid.
Pressure canner A large kettle with a lid designed to hold steam in the kettle. The lid is also equipped
with a gauge for controlling pounds of pressure. All low-acid foods such as meat and
vegetables are processed in a pressure canner.
Processing The heating of food to destroy spoilage organisms.
Waterbath canner Any large metal container may be used if it is deep enough for water to cover the
tops of jars as much as 2 to 4 inches and boil freely. A rack is needed to hold jars off
the bottom of the canner to allow water to circulate under them. The canner must
also have a cover or lid. All acid foods such as fruits and pickles are processed in a
waterbath canner.
Yeast A microorganism – a very small plant that if not controlled may cause food spoilage.
Canning Foods 47
Index
SUGAR
Canning Without 8
In Pickle and Relish recipes 27
TABLES
Altitude Charts 8, 16
Yield from Fresh Fruit 7
Yield from Fresh Vegetables 17
Syrup for Canning 8
SCORECARDS
Fruits 14
Pickles and Relishes 36
Jams, Jellies and Preserves 43
Vegetables 24
TERMS 45
TESTS
For jelly 39
TOMATOES
Canned 8, 11, 22, 23
Catsup 34
Chili Sauce 34
Green Tomato Pickles 32
Juice 12, 13, 22, 23
Sauce 12
VEGETABLES
Approximate Yields 17
Canned 15-23
Pickled 26
VINEGAR 26
WATERMELON
Pickled Rind 33
YEASTS 3, 45
Acknowledgements
The author wishes to express appreciation to the following persons
for their contribution in preparing this publication:
PB 724-5M-6/08 E12-5315-00-031-08
Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development.
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating.
UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.