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Some BWB canning questions

7 years ago

So I'm rather new to canning and am trying to get it right. I just did three quarts of sliced pickles and ran into the following things and want to know how to prevent this in the future:

1. I filled the hot jars with the contents and kept it below the 1/2in headspace. Once I filled with liquid the pickle slices crept up above that 1/2in. Is there any way to prevent this?

2. I've realized I need a bigger canner as after I filled it with water above the jars I found that water kept splattering out the sides of the lid while in a rolling boil. this resulted in the tops of the jars slightly exposed after the 15min BWB. All my lids popped. My question is will these pickles still be safe to eat being the tops were exposed? Should I store in the fridge just to be sure? It's only 3 quarts so this one time I could store them in the fridge.

3. All my jars sealed within minutes of removing from the canner. They are sitting on the counter and all the pickles have floated to the top of the jar leaving just liquid at the bottom. Is this normal or how can I prevent this?

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Comments (3)

digdirt2
7 years ago
1. Pickles float. But with time as they absorb the brine they will settle. It is especially common with slices, less so with spears and wholes. You can prevent it with wholes and spears somewhat by wedging them in the jar tighter. No good way to do it with slices. But give them a bit of time to settle. The worst that can happen is some may remain above the liquid and turn dakr. Just toss them when you open the jar.
2. Tops exposed is a problem and normally requires full re-processing. It means air is left trapped in the jar. It isn't a serious problem with pickles since they are so acidic but with most other foods, yeah either full reprocessing is required or fridge storage, not shelf so yours should go to the fridge and if you are going to do quarts you'll need a deeper canner or stick with pints.

3. Normal. See info in number 1. ;-)

Dave
traceeo
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks Dave. I had them sit on the counter from the time I processed yesterday at 2pm and put them in the fridge by 9am this morning. Do you see anything wrong with that?

thanks again for all your expert advice!
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digdirt2
7 years ago
Again since they are pickles they are probably ok sitting that long out on the counter but it sure isn't ideal and should be avoided. Normally they should go into the fridge ASAP if you aren't going to reprocess.

Dave

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