I am new to canning and recently had a batch where my jars lids are able to be taken off using my hand. You have to pry hard on the lids to open them, but I am asking this because I was always under the assumption a true seal needs to be opened with a tool. My previous batch of smoked fish, I had to use a tool to open the jars.
My pressure gauge stopped working right before this batch, so the only solution I had was to make sure the 10lb pressure weight was constantly releasing.
Also, in this picture it looks like theres no liquid in my jars, but they all are about 1/3 filled with the oils from the fish.
by SockeyePicker
9 Comments
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From my understanding, if you process at the correct time and pressure and it’s sealed it’s good.
These may have a lighter seal because you have more air in the jar than last time, more air means weaker seal
I am able to open all of my properly sealed jars just with my hands, YMMV. It sounds like they are sealed just fine to me.
If you pressure canned them according to proper times, you should be fine. I can and generally open my jars with my hands. If I hear the suction when it comes off, it’s good.
But even so, I always do a smell test. If in doubt I toss it out.
I pick mine up by the edges of the lids. If the seal can hold its own weight I consider it good.
A bad seal will pop off on the shelf eventually. That’s why it’s important to avoid stacking the jars without a layer of cardboard in between and no higher than two.
And don’t store with the rings on for the same reason.
If they are sealed, they are fine. I pop lids off with my fingers all the time.
Did the liquid siphon out or is it just the angle? Anything less than 50% liquid is considered unsafe
It could also be that the rims were too greasy, happens when stuff siphons or if you didn’t wipe them when prepping them for the canner.
Should be covered in liquid ?