Comments on: Canning Jar Safety

By: char an Ireland

char an Ireland — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:16:05 +0000

is it possible to make steamed pudding in weck canning jars and would you suggest a specific recipe

By: Charles

Charles — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:01:31 +0000

I just found out the metal canning lids are coated and have BPA in them!!!!
My main reason for home canning is to get away from these chemicals…

I will be using these wire bale jars for most of my pickles and jams to avoid BPA….

By: Angel Hamilton

Angel Hamilton — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 07:12:08 +0000

Ok Judy, I think there is some confusion. The MODERN bail type jars, are a one peice contraption where the rubber ring is firmly stretched around the “inner neck” of the LID, and when you unlock the bail the whole lid AND ring lift off of jar. BUT what she was describing are the VINTAGE wire bail type jars where the wire clamps down OVER the top of the glass lid, instead of acting as a hinge and locking mechanism. With the VINTAGE ones the biggest issue is the age of the glass and the number of times they have been processed and finding them in sufficiently sturdy chipless state.

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:35:04 +0000

I recently canned some jam and when I was checking for proper seal, I found that when I pressed down on the center of the lids, some popped down. It has been about 18hrs since I canned the jars. I’m just wondering if I’m ok, and they are sealed. I have taken the ring off and held onto to jar by only the lid….and the lid stays on. I have done the tapping with a spoon test….and well thats just confusing. Someone please help me. I’ve canned alot of these jams already….and now I’m getting discouraged

By: Judy Gertz

Judy Gertz — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:45:26 +0000

Please be advised that WECK jars are nothing like the bail type jars. Bail type jars are not recommended for canning as there is no way to tell if you have a proper seal, they are 1 piece jar. As for WECK jars they are as fool proof as Ball or Kerr using 4 pieces. There is 2 ways to check for a proper seal. First once the jar has been processed the tongue on the rubber ring will point down if a proper seal has been achieved, second after the jar has completely cooled you must remove the 2 stainless steel clamps and you can lift the jar by the lid. Thank you

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:50:32 +0000

What do you mean exactly by “lifting the jar by the lid” for the purpose of checking for a proper seal? I am sure when you reply it will be obvious to me but I just can’t seem to wrap my brain around it right now……better to be certain anyway. Thanks.

By: Marisa

Marisa — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Cynthia, you can definitely reprocess the fruit, although the final texture of the peaches may be slightly softer than a typical canned peach. To do so, empty all your fruit and juice into a saucepan and bring it up to a simmer. Thoroughly clean your jars and simmer a fresh batch of lids (you can’t use the same ones). Fill the jars, wipe the rims, apply lids and bands (tightening the lids well) and reprocess.

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:02:48 +0000

i canned peaches and didn’t pack enough fruit in the qt jars and then didn’t have the lid screwed on tight,they have all sealed but of course i don’t have liquid that covers all the fruit. can i reprocess them with more juice and fruit (from the other processed jars) ty

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 21:26:57 +0000

They are soooo cute!

By: Marisa

Marisa — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:59:00 +0000

Tamidon, thanks for the warning about the shattered lids.

Tara, I’m glad my response was helpful!

Kate, check out Center City hardware stores. I used to buy jars at the hardware store at 19th and Chestnut, but they went out of business a few weeks ago. Other hardware stores might have them though. Also, I know that Foster’s will be carrying jars sometime soon (they haven’t gotten them in stock yet, but should have them this week or next).

Additionally, if you’re up for heading a bit out of Center City, I know that the ShopRite in S. Philly (the one right by Target) carries canning supplies.