10
11
HoW To PRessuRe
Can foods
IMPORTANT: Read carefully . Do not attempt to use your
canner before reading these instructions .
Follow these step-by-step instructions for pressure canning in
your canner. Prepare food according to the directions in specific
recipe.
1. Be sure your canner is thoroughly cleaned and working
properly. Before each canning season, check the dial gauge
for accuracy (see page 18, step 12). Also check the sealing
ring, overpressure plug, and the small, white gasket of the air
vent/cover lock. Replace these parts when they become hard,
deformed, cracked, worn, pitted, or unusually soft.
2. Check Mason jars for nicks, cracks, and sharp edges. Check
screw bands for dents or rust. Use only jars, lids, and bands
in perfect condition so an airtight seal may be obtained.
Wash and rinse jars, lids, and bands. Pour hot water into jars
and set aside until needed. Follow closure manufacturer’s
directions for bands and lids.
3. Select fresh firm food. Sort food according to size. Clean food
thoroughly. Prepare according to recipe. Fill hot Mason jars
promptly with food and liquid to recommended level. Allow
½-inch headspace for fruits. Most vegetables and meats require
1-inch headspace due to expansion during processing.
Work out air bubbles with a clean nonmetallic spatula. Wipe
sealing edge clean with a damp cloth.
Adjust bands according to closure manufacturer’s direc-
tions.
4. Place
3 quarts
of boiling
water, canning rack, and jars
in canner (Fig. D). To prevent
water stains on jars, add 2
tablespoons white vinegar to
water in canner. Always use
canning rack. Jars may break
if set directly on bottom of
canner.
5. Hold the cover up to the light
and look through the vent
pipe (Fig. E) to be certain
it is open before placing the
cover on the canner. If it is
clear, proceed to step 6. If it is
blocked or partially blocked,
clean the vent pipe with a
small brush or pipe cleaner
(Fig. F). Also clean the vent
pipe nut as shown (Fig. G).
6. Place cover on canner, align-
ing the
V
mark on the cover
with the
V
mark on the body
handle (Fig. H). Press down
on the cover handles to com-
press the sealing ring and
turn the cover in the direction
indicated to close (clockwise)
until the cover handles are
centered directly above the
body handles. Do not rotate
the cover beyond this point.
0
5
10
15
20
Fig . D
Fig . E
Fig . F
Fig . G
Align the
V
mark on the cover with
the
V
mark on the body handle.
Fig . H
3-quart water line (lowest
mark in canner)
