skip to main content

Canning - at what point do I start the timer for a "boiling bath"

12 years ago

I've been canning for a couple of years now, but have a question regarding statements like these I find in recipes: "process in a boiling water canner for 15 minutes." At what point does the timer start for the 15 minutes? The water is boiling when I submerge the jars, but it usually takes 10 minutes for the water to return to a rolling boil. So does the timer start when I submerge them into the boiling water, or once the water returns to a boil. One of my recipes states "when it returns", the other does not. TIA! Sharon

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

grainlady_ks
12 years ago
Time STARTS when the water comes back to a boil. If it is taking a lot of time, your range may not be large enough to generate enough BTUs to do a good job, or your canner may be too large for your stove.

Check the link below.

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: New To Canning
skc1962
Original Author
12 years ago
Awesome link! Thank you!
Related Discussions
What do I do with the Basil Plant when it starts to get cold?
Q
Comments (9)
Depends on how cold. If it's just a bit below 60, you should be ok. You could pull them up closer to a house for extra protection, or if it's easy enough move it in and out. I do both in spring to get a jump on growing season here. We have a brick town home with an enclosed back yard and many nights they just stay right next to the brick. If it's repeated nights, or 50 or below, your basil will stagnate and quit growing. Keep in mind that basil is annual, so you can extend it for a while, but there's a point to just start new, from seed or cuttings. I say this having harvested all mine today due to expected frost tonight, so your 60 in Dec is sounding nice!
...See More
1st timer, where to start?
Q
Comments (9)
You need a plan with an estimate of the cost---depending on local codes, you need to find an architect or construction company with design abilities and get a money amount for what you want to do. Start with how much you think you can afford and try to use only 75% of that figure. The old saw about 15% for overruns is gone, many jobs taking 3 or 4 months or more can easily go 50% over budget. Then go to the bank/refi to see if the money is there. BTW, adding onto a house---you have to check to see if there is room first------ can often involve refiguring the roof----which adds a lot of money most folks don't see at first. Also, depending on the foundation, adding plumbing can mean extensive reworking of the foundation/slab.
...See More
Where do I start? What do I look for?
Q
Comments (20)
I am in my late sixties and having seen my parents living on borrowed money I decided early on that I would not do that. Recently my husband who has dementia lost the use of his legs. Not having things in place I had to obtain a guardianship. In doing this my attorney asked if I could live only on what I owned. I set up a separate bank account for this and found that I could barely get by. I am lucky I could cash in my E bonds to cover the rest of my expenses, car payment, house and car taxes, and insurance on them. Every time I changed jobs I put the retirement funds in CD's. Most things do not pay more than a couple of dollars of current interest. Having invested in the E bonds I could cash one a month for years. The reason I suggest the Roth is that when I finally start withdrawing from my 401 we will be in a higher tax bracket unless I decide to file separate. Roth's were not available during most of my working years or I would probably have them. The downside of spreading things is that when I die some things might be missed since most of my things are handled electronically.
...See More
At what point do you just stop pointing out cosmetic mistakes?
Q
Comments (27)
Possibly, although it would depend on your selections and other construction details (eg, relocating plumbing, knocking down walls, etc...). But it is also possible to pay a contractor top dollar who chooses subs based on their bid (low), not the quality of their work. You mention above that you suspect your contractor hired inferior trades/handyman. Is this opinion based solely on the workmanship? I‘m sorry you are going through this. But you could hold back that $10,000 and hire a reputable painter to come in a correct those paint flaws. Although I would first give the contractor the opportunity to correct the problems.
...See More
annie1992
12 years ago
I agree, the timer starts when the water returns to a boil. However, even on my extremely cheap and not exactly new gas stove, that only takes 4 or 5 minutes. I agree that your stove might not be handling the size of the canner efficiently.

It's funny, I've been canning all my life and suddenly, it's popular again. All the "church grandmas" gave me their canning jars years ago, when they couldn't even give them away, and now they are a hot commodity on the online auctions and second hand stores. I guess it's come full circle.

Anyway, here's another link with some good recipes, I have the Cinnamon Red Hot pickles ready for the jar tomorrow, using zucchini instead of cucumbers. I'll let you know how that went, LOL. I think the jalapenos and pineapple will be next.

Annie

Here is a link that might be useful: Canning Homemade
anoriginal
12 years ago
Don't mistake bubbles coming out of jars as BOILING. That means excess air is starting to be forced out of jars, not that water is boiling. Probably better to err on side of caution and boil a few minutes longer than under-boil??
teresa_nc7
12 years ago
Annie, I smiled to hear you are making the Cinnamon Red Hot pickles! My good friend (who does not like to cook) attempted these pickles a couple of years ago and now makes them every year. I was literally standing in the dollar store giving her advice on my cell phone about what size canning pot to buy, which tongs to get, etc. She was tickled pink (or red) that her first attempt ever at making pickles was a success. She orders the cucumbers from a certain farmer at the market because his are the best (she says).

Teresa
lpinkmountain
12 years ago
Sharon are you using one of those large enameled pots that they sell for canning in the hardware stores? Unless you are processing a whole batch of pints or quarts, those things are notoriously inefficient for processing small jars and small batches. In fact, I have nicknamed my enamel pot "the beast" and only get it out if I have to, which is less and less now that I bought a smaller pot for canning pints and half pints. If you're not filling your canner, maybe you should look around and get a smaller pot that fits more with the size batches you do. Just be sure that it fits how ever many jars you want to process, and the water covers the top of the lids an inch or more. When I do jams and my small batch pickles, I usually can use just a stockpot. The beast gets used now mostly for big batches of tomato products.

Another issue with it taking so long might be that you are overfilling it with water. The water level does rise when you put the filled jars back into the canner for processing. I often take some water out until the water level is just a little over one inch above the jar rims.
annie1992
12 years ago
Teresa, I sampled the first of the Cinnamon pickles, and promptly picked all the zucchini and made more, I really like them.

Bud helped me make them, so he's laid claim to his "share". Like he won't eat his share every chance he gets, LOL.

Annie

Related Stories

FUN HOUZZ 14 Things You Need to Start Doing Now for Your Spouse’s Sake

By Mitchell Parker

You have no idea how annoying your habits at home can be. We’re here to tell you

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating 101: How to Start a Decorating Project

Before you grab that first paint chip, figure out your needs, your decorating style and what to get rid of

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

KITCHEN DESIGN Determine the Right Appliance Layout for Your Kitchen

By Vanessa Brunner

Kitchen work triangle got you running around in circles? Boiling over about where to put the range? This guide is for you

POWDER ROOMS Now Arriving on Platform 2, a Playful Powder Room

By Becky Harris

Subway graphics from a New York City station add unexpected depth and humor to a tiny half bath in California

BATHROOM DESIGN Powder Room Essentials to Keep Guests Happy

By Nicole White Designs Interiors LLC

Set out these bathroom necessities (hello, hand towels) to make your company comfortable and your parties run smoothly

BATHROOM DESIGN 12 Things to Consider for Your Bathroom Remodel

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Maybe a tub doesn’t float your boat, but having no threshold is a no-brainer. These points to ponder will help you plan

BATHROOM DESIGN 7-Day Plan: Get a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Bathroom

By Laura Gaskill

We’ve broken down cleaning and decluttering the bath into daily, manageable tasks

BATHROOM DESIGN 7 Elements of Craftsman-Style Bathrooms

By Mitchell Parker

If you like a handmade look and simple materials, this style is tailor made for your bath

Sponsored

More Discussions

Have you made fruit leather? Any tips?

3

10

Favorite fruits and recipes… berries included

9

To Shortcake or Not to Shortcake

5

Books for foodies (fiction)

2