skip to main content

What to do with last jar when it is only half full?

14 years ago

When making pickles, relish, or anything I guess, what do you do with the last jar you are canning? What if you do not have enough to fill jar? Say you are doing pickles and you can only fill jar halfway, but you have enough brine to fill. Do you fill to 1/2" from top with brine, or is this a jar that always goes to the fridge?

I'm new to canning. I've done one batch of Linda Lou's Famous Sweet Chunks, and a sweet relish. The sweet relish was supposed to make 3 pints. If I divided into 3 pints, each was only 2/3 full. I had enough brine to fill 3 but didn't know what would happen so I made in into 2 pints instead.

Thanks,

Paul

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

digdirt2
14 years ago
For me it all depends on what the food is.

Say you are doing pickles and you can only fill jar halfway, but you have enough brine to fill.

Yeah in that case I'd fill the jar and process it with the rest. Pickles need time to turn into pickles. You could just put it in the fridge but since you have the brine - make pickles with it.

We did B&B pickles today and had left overs - too much for a pint but not enough for a quart. So we put them in a quart and filled it with brine and processed them all. It looks funny - 1/2 quart of pickles floating in all that brine but at least I know they are safe and can be stored. ;)

On the sweet relish - either approach is ok as long as making only 2 pints didn't overfill the jars. I would have done 2 jars to the normal fill line and, like the pickles, filled the 3rd jar with the leftovers and extra brine and processed it too. You can always drain it some when open.

Dave
User
14 years ago
I usually put it in the fridge and use it first.
Related Discussions
What do you can in half pint jars?
Q
Comments (17)
I use one half pint jar every time I make Annie's Salsa because I always seem to get ~7.5 pints per batch. Other things I use 1/2 pints for are pickled garlic, and bean seed saving. In the past I have used 1/2 pints for prepared horseradish that I freeze but I have found that often I don't use all of the jar before it greens up in the frig so this year I bought a dozen 4 oz. jars for the horseradish.
...See More
Tub or shower for only full bath for when we get old?
Q
Comments (9)
I know that there's the shift to showers as people age, but many, many people, especially those who are accustomed to baths, continue to take them well intp old age, if they are able to. As jewelisfabulous mentioned, as we age soaking in nice warm tub can be so soothing to sore muscles. I'm struggling now with picking a tub, and I would certainly suggest getting one of the shorter models - stepping over 19, 20, or more inches can be a challenge for many people, even younger ones, but a standard 14 inch tub should be doable for along time. My dad lived with us for 3 years, and passed away when he was 90, taking only baths, never showers, to the end. The only accommodation we made was a bar which attached to the side of the tub.
...See More
Small first floor full/half or laundry+half bath?
Q
Comments (14)
Do you have a separate Dining Room (this is where it would help if we saw the layout of the entire floor - both here and on Kitchens - not just the addition, the entire floor). I'm asking b/c if you do, you might consider making the table space a banquette and taking more space for the Powder Room. (Bench along the Powder Room and, possibly, "top" walls) Regarding the laundry - I'll be honest, I would not want my laundry anywhere where guests could see it - and putting it in the Powder Room means guests will definitely see it! It might help to build an enclosure around it - it would at least hide the washer & dryer, but it wouldn't help with any laundry sitting in the room - clean or dirty. Note that expanding the Powder Room may mean going with the narrower window (8'+ vs 10').
...See More
Half empty vs half full
Q
Comments (27)
At one level it is a trite cliche intended to illustrate the meaning of two antonyms trying to make the point that a person's outlook on life can color their perceptions of the world around them, but also intended to reinforce the propaganda embodied in the connotations of each of the words: where optimism is considered "good" and pessimism is considered "bad". At this basic level there is some truth in the saying. Given the same set of life circumstances you can choose to focus on the positive elements or on the negative elements, and if you choose to focus on the positive elements you may be happier. However at another level there are the persons viewing the glass filled to approximately 50% capacity and there is the person who placed the glass there, who is offering the choice to view it as half-full of half-empty hoping to keep those viewing the glass wondering and arguing over their beliefs as they pertain to the simple fact in front of them. Which is an effort distract those viewing the glass from wondering where the other 50% is.
...See More
readinglady
14 years ago
I always prepare a smaller jar.

Carol
ksrogers
14 years ago
I put whatever is left in a small jar if possible and process like the rest. Once cooled I place it in the fridge and enjoy it a few days later. Then I can tell how well the rest of the batch is going to be like.
Linda_Lou
14 years ago
Either store the partial jar in the fridge and eat or, depending upon the type of food, you can freeze that partial jar.
I keep all sizes of jars and use a small one, sometimes the little 4 ounce ones. You use the same processing time for the small ones. Using a small jar works well, if you don't want to eat right away.
busylizzy
14 years ago
Depends on what it is I am canning. Jams and jellies I always have 2 or 3 4oz jars that I process to test in a few days. Pickles I either put in a jar in the frig or process with more brine to the proper headspace. Bread and butter pickles extra I pulse in the food processor and make relish for tuna or chicken salads.
annie1992
14 years ago
For me, it also depends on what I'm canning. Jam or jelly I figure the last bit is the "cook's bonus", that goes in the refrigerator and I get to eat it. Pickles I'd just fill the jar with brine and process a whole jar but relish I'd probably go with a smaller jar.

Annie
gsevens
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you everyone. So many options. I like the idea of using a smaller jar to end the batch. I may use smaller jars for relish anyway. Looks like it's another trip to Walmart for more jars.

Thanks,
Paul

Related Stories

HOLIDAYS A Thanksgiving Tradition to Last the Whole Year

By Alison Hodgson

Looking for a thoughtful yet simple way to capture your family's gratitude? Grab a jar and paper

LIFE 21 Things Only People Living With Kids Will Understand

By Mitchell Parker

Strange smells, crowded beds, ruined furniture — here’s what cohabiting with little monsters really feels like

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

KITCHEN DESIGN Cooking With Color: When to Use White in the Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Make sure your snowy walls, cabinets and counters don't feel cold while you're riding white's popularity peak

LIFE How to Stay Relaxed When Hosting Overnight Guests

Make sure their visit goes smoothly by following these simple steps

GARDENING GUIDES How to Design a Garden That Lasts

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Climates are changing. Wildlife is evolving. Can your garden keep up?

KITCHEN STORAGE Artful Organizers: Jars for Pretty Pantry Displays

By Tiffany Carboni

Ditch the disheveled look of mismatched boxes and bags for colorful or clear pantry jars in an appealing arrangement

DECORATING GUIDES Super-Versatile Storage: Lidded Glass Jars

By Lily Gahagan

See-Through Containers for Kitchen, Bathroom, Laundry Room and Beyond

CONTRACTOR TIPS Building Permits: When a Permit Is Required and When It's Not

By Matt Clawson

In this article, the first in a series exploring permit processes and requirements, learn why and when you might need one

MOST POPULAR Simple Pleasures: Savor Summer’s Last Hurrah

By Laura Gaskill

Choose from 3 easy celebrations to close summer out in a soul-satisfying way

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

Help with macaroni and cheese.

78

A bit off-topic....about ceramic plates and spots.

7

What have you put up? 2024 version

18

Ball pints.....

1

What are you harvesting "now" 2024?

19