A couple months ago, I made blueberry jam for my son’s Christmas. Now, upon examining one of the jars, the one on the left, the lid does not appear to be concave like the others. Initially, I had examined them closely, and they were all fine. Now, after a couple months, this one has changed. Do you think it is safe? Thank you for any help.
by finnbiker
4 Comments
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No, not safe.
You should remove the rings before storing.
When the initial 24 hours had passed, did you do a tap test? I bet if you removed the rings and tapped the top with a spoon, there would be a clear sound difference between those two.
Although it’s more likely the lid will just pop off that left one.
In short, the one on the left is not okay to eat. After removing the rings from the rest, do a tap test to check for sound/seal. Throw out the contents of any that don’t pass that.
First, did you use a safe and tested recipe from a reputable source?
Second, take the rings off, they shouldn’t be stored with rings anyway, and try to lift the lid. If it comes off, the seal is broken and the jam is no longer shelf stable or safe to eat. If the lid is still sealed, there’s a chance it’s safe, but if these were stored with rings on, the seal could’ve popped and the ring could’ve caused it to form a false seal.
The seal failed on one for sure.
Jars shouldn’t be stored with the ring on because it can create false seals – or hold the lid down like this.
Its possible that jelly jar is fermenting & pressurized. So be careful opening it. Most likely though the gas has been escaping, but if that ring is on to tight its been trapped.
Remove the rings and see if any of the lids are sealed – lift the jar by the lid. If its a bad seal the weight of the jar will pop it off, good seal itll stay on.
This is assuming you a safe, tested, recipe and process for canning. Even if you did lids sometimes fail.