Reviewed June 2003

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Contents

• For safety's sake
• It's OK to skip the salt
• Asparagus; spears or pieces
• Beans or peas; shelled, dried (all varieties)
• Beans, fresh lima; shelled
• Beans, snap and Italian; pieces (green and wax)
• Beets; whole, cubed or sliced
• Carrots; sliced or diced
• Corn; cream style
• Corn; whole kernel
• Okra
• Peas, green or English; shelled
• Peppers (hot or sweet, including chilies, jalapeno and pimento)
• Potatoes, sweet; pieces or whole
• Potatoes, white; cubed or whole
• Pumpkins and winter squash
• Spinach and other greens

Related pages

• GH1451, Food Preservation: Before you Start to Can, Learn the Basics
• GH1452, Steps to Success in Home Canning
• GH1454, Preserve Your Garden Delights: How to Can Fresh Vegetables
• GH1455, Food Preservation: Fruitful Canning
• GH1456, Tantalizing Tomatoes: How to Can Fresh Tomato Products
• GH1457, In a Pickle
• GH1459, Pack a Pickled Product

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Quality for Keeps: Preserve Your Garden Delights -- How to Can Fresh Vegetables

Barbara J. Willenberg
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

Vegetables are at peak quality for six to 12 hours after harvesting. Vegetables picked from your garden or purchased from nearby producers are usually good for canning. If you must delay canning fresh vegetables, keep them refrigerated until you are ready to begin.

For safety's sake

Pressure canning is the only safe method for canning vegetables. Clostridium botulinum is the bacterium that causes botulism food poisoning in low-acid foods such as vegetables. When you process vegetables in a pressure canner at the correct time and temperature, you destroy the bacterium.

• Canning low acid foods in boiling-water canners is absolutely unsafe because the botulinum bacteria can survive this process.
• If Clostridium botulinum bacteria survive and grow inside a sealed jar of food, they can produce a poisonous toxin.

It's OK to skip the salt

Salt seasons vegetables, but it is not necessary for safety. It is perfectly safe to can vegetables without adding salt. Add salt substitutes when serving vegetables; don't use them when canning. If added before the canning process, salt substitutes may cause a bitter taste. If you do add salt, be sure to use canning salt.

Note
Don't taste vegetables not canned according to recommendations from MU Extension, USDA or Ball Blue Book (1989 or later editions only). Even a small bite of food containing this toxin can be fatal.

Asparagus; spears or pieces

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 24-1/2 pounds of fresh asparagus. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 16 pounds of fresh asparagus.
  • A crate weighs 31 pounds and yields 7 quarts to 12 quarts (an average of 3-1/2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Use tender, tight-tipped spears, 4 inches to 6 inches long.
• Procedure
  Wash asparagus and trim off tough scales. Break off tough stems and wash again. Cut into 1-inch pieces or can whole.
• Hot pack
  Cover asparagus with boiling water. Boil two minutes or three minutes. Loosely fill jars with hot asparagus; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Raw pack
  Fill jars with raw asparagus, pack as tightly as possible without crushing, and leave 1 inch of headspace.
  • Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Add boiling water; leave 1 inch headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 30 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 40 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Beans or peas; shelled, dried (all varieties)

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 5 pounds of dried beans or peas. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 3-1/4 pounds of dried beans or peas (an average of 3/4 pound per quart).
• Quality
  Select mature, dry seeds. Sort out and discard discolored seeds.
• Procedure
  Place dried beans or peas in a large pot and cover with water. Soak 12 hours to 18 hours in a cool place. Drain water. To save time, cover sorted and washed beans or peas with boiling water in a saucepan. Boil two minutes, remove from heat, soak one hour and drain.
• After soaking beans or peas, cover with fresh water and boil 30 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon canning salt per pint or 1 teaspoon per quart to each jar if desired. Fill jars with beans or peas and cooking water; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 75 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 90 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Beans, fresh lima; shelled

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 28 pounds of fresh, shelled lima beans. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 18 pounds of fresh, shelled lima beans.
  • A bushel weighs 32 pounds and yields 6 quarts to 10 quarts (an average of 4 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select well-filled pods with green seeds. Discard insect-damaged and diseased seeds.
• Procedure
  Shell beans and wash thoroughly.
• Hot pack
  Cover beans with boiling water and heat to boil. Fill jars loosely; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Raw pack
  Fill jars with raw beans. Do not press or shake down.
  • Small beans
    Leave 1 inch of headspace for pints and 1-1/2 inches for quarts.
  • Large beans
    Leave 1 inch of headspace for pints and 1-1/4 inches for quarts.
  • Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Add boiling water; leave the same headspace listed above.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 40 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 50 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Beans, snap and Italian; pieces (green and wax)

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 14 pounds of fresh beans. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 9 pounds of fresh beans.
  • A bushel weighs 30 pounds and yields 12 quarts to 20 quarts (an average of 2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select filled but tender, crisp pods. Remove and discard diseased and rusty pods.
• Procedure
  Wash beans and trim ends. Leave whole, cut or snap into 1-inch pieces.
• Hot pack
  Place beans in a large saucepan, and cover with boiling water; boil five minutes. Fill jars loosely; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Raw pack
  Fill jars with raw beans, pack tightly and leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to the jar, if desired. Add boiling water; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 20 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 25 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Beets; whole, cubed or sliced

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you will need an average of 21 pounds of fresh beets (without tops). For each 9-pint canner load, you will need an average of 13-1/2 pounds of fresh beets.
  • A bushel of beets (without tops) weighs 52 pounds and yields 15 quarts to 20 quarts (an average of 3 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Beets with a diameter of 1 inch to 2 inches are preferred for whole packs. Beets larger than 3 inches in diameter are often fibrous and tough.
• Procedure
  Trim off beet tops; leave 1 inch of stem and root to reduce bleeding of color. Scrub well. Cover with boiling water. Boil until skins slip off easily, about 15 minutes to 25 minutes depending on size. Cool just enough to remove skins. Trim off stems and roots. Leave baby beets whole. Cut medium or large beets into 1/2-inch cubes or slices. Halve or quarter very large slices.
  • Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Fill jars with hot beets and fresh, hot water. Leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 30 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 35 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Carrots; sliced or diced

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you will need an average of 17-1/2 pounds of fresh carrots (without tops). For each 9-pint canner load you will need an average of 11 pounds of fresh carrots.
  • A bushel of carrots (without tops) weighs 50 pounds and yields 17 quarts to 25 quarts (an average of 2-1/2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select small carrots, preferably 1 to 1-1/4 inches in diameter. Larger carrots are often too fibrous and tough.
• Procedure
  Wash, peel and rewash carrots. Slice or dice.
• Hot pack
  Cover with boiling water, bring to boil again and simmer for five minutes. Fill jars; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Raw pack
  Fill jars with raw carrots, pack tightly and leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Add hot cooking liquid or water; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 25 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 30 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Corn; cream style

• Quantity
  For each 9-pint canner load, you will need an average of 20 pounds of sweet corn (in husks).
  • A bushel weighs 35 pounds and yields 12 pints to 20 pints (an average of 2-1/4 pounds per pint).
• Quality
  Select ears containing slightly immature kernels or corn that is at the ideal stage or maturity for eating fresh.
• Procedure
  Husk corn, remove silk and wash ears. Blanch ears 4 minutes in boiling water. Cut corn from cob at about the center of kernel. Scrape remaining corn from cobs with a table knife.
• Hot pack
  To each quart of corn and scrapings, add two cups of boiling water. Heat to boiling. Add 1/2 teaspoon canning salt to each jar if desired. Fill pint jars with hot corn mixture; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 85 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Corn; whole kernel

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 31-1/2 pounds of sweet corn (with husks). For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 20 pounds of sweet corn.
  • A bushel weighs 35 pounds and yields 6 quarts to 11 quarts (an average of 4-1/2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select ears containing slightly immature kernels at the ideal stage of maturity for eating fresh. Some of the sweeter varieties may turn brown during the canning process. Kernels that are too immature may also turn brown. For best quality, can a small amount and check color and flavor before canning large quantities.
• Procedure
  Husk corn, remove silk and wash. Blanch 3 minutes in boiling water. Cut corn from cob at about three-fourths the depth of the kernel. Caution: Do not scrape the cob.
• Hot pack
  Place kernels in saucepan. Add 1 cup of hot water for each quart of corn, heat to boiling and simmer five minutes. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Fill jars with corn and cooking liquid; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Raw pack
  Fill jars with raw kernels; leave 1 inch of headspace. Do not shake or press down. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Add fresh boiling water; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 55 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 85 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Okra

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 11 pounds of fresh okra. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 7 pounds of fresh okra.
  • A bushel weighs 26 pounds and yields 16 quarts to 18 quarts (an average of 1-1/2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select young, tender pods. Remove and discard diseased and rust-spotted pods.
• Procedure
  Wash pods and trim ends. Leave whole or cut into 1-inch pieces. Cover with hot water in a saucepan, boil 2 minutes and drain. Fill jars with hot okra and cooking liquid; leave 1 inch of headspace. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 25 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 40 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Peas, green or English; shelled

Note
Sugar Snap and Chinese edible podded peas should be frozen for best quality.

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 31-1/2 pounds of fresh peas (in pods). For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 20 pounds.
  • A bushel weighs 30 pounds and yields 5 quarts to 10 quarts (an average of 4-1/2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select filled pods containing young, tender, sweet seeds. Discard diseased pods.
• Procedure
  Shell and wash peas. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired.
• Hot pack
  Cover with boiling water. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and boil two minutes. Fill jars with hot peas (don't pack tightly) and add cooking liquid. Leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Raw pack
  Fill jars with raw peas, add boiling water and leave 1 inch of headspace. Do not shake or press down peas.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack or raw pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 40 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 40 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Peppers (hot or sweet, including chilies, jalapeno and pimento)

• Quantity
  For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 9 pounds of fresh peppers.
• A bushel weighs 25 pounds and yields 20 pints to 30 pints (an average of 1 pound per pint).
• Quality
  Select firm yellow, green or red peppers. Do not use soft or diseased peppers.
• Procedure
  Select your favorite pepper(s). Caution: If you choose hot peppers, wear plastic gloves while handling them or wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your face. Leave small peppers whole. Cut large peppers into quarters. Remove cores and seeds. Slash two or four slits in each pepper, and either blanch in boiling water or blister using one of the following methods:
• Oven or broiler method
  Place peppers in a hot oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) or broiler for six minutes to eight minutes until skins blister.
• Range-top method
  Cover hot burner, either gas or electric, with heavy wire mesh. Place peppers on burner for several minutes until skins blister.
• Allow peppers to cool. Place in a pan, and cover with a damp cloth to make peeling the peppers easier. After several minutes, peel each pepper. Flatten whole peppers. Add 1/2 teaspoon canning salt to each pint jar if desired. Fill jars loosely with peppers, add fresh boiling water and leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended hot pack pressure canner process times
  • Process half-pint jars for 35 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process pint jars for 35 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Potatoes, sweet; pieces or whole

Caution
It is unsafe to dry-pack or can mashed or pureed sweet potatoes.

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 17-1/2 pounds of potatoes. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 11 pounds of fresh potatoes.
• A bushel weighs 50 pounds and yields 17 quarts to 25 quarts (an average of 2-1/2 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Choose small to medium potatoes. They should be mature and not too fibrous. Can within 1 month to 2 months after harvest.
• Procedure
  Wash potatoes and boil or steam just until tender (15 minutes to 20 minutes). Remove skins. Cut potatoes into uniform pieces. Fill jars; leave 1 inch of headspace. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Cover with fresh boiling water or syrup. (See GH1455, Quality for Keeps: Food Preservation -- Fruitful Canning for syrup directions).
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended pressure canner process times
  • Hot pack
  • Process pint jars for 65 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 90 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Potatoes, white; cubed or whole

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 35 pounds of potatoes. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 22-1/2 pounds of potatoes.
• A 50-pound bag yields 8 quarts to 12 quarts (an average of 5 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Select small-to-medium, mature potatoes of ideal quality for cooking. Potatoes stored below 45 degrees Fahrenheit may discolor when canned. Choose potatoes with a 1-inch to 2-inch diameter if they are to be packed whole.
• Procedure
  Wash and peel potatoes. Place in ascorbic acid solution to prevent darkening (GH1455, Quality for Keeps: Food Preservation -- Fruitful Canning). If desired, cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Drain. Cook cubed potatoes two minutes in boiling water and drain again. For whole potatoes, boil 10 minutes and drain. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per quart to each jar if desired. Fill jars with hot potatoes and fresh hot water, leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended pressure canner process times
  • Hot pack
  • Process pint jars for 35 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 40 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Pumpkins and winter squash

Caution
It is unsafe to can mashed or pureed pumpkins or squash. Instead, cut pumpkins or squash into cubes.

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 16 pounds of pumpkins or squash. For each 9-pint canner load, you need 10 pounds of pumpkins or squash (an average of 2-1/4 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Pumpkins and squash should have a hard rind and stringless, mature pulp of ideal quality for cooking fresh. Small pumpkins (sugar or pie varieties) make better canned products.
• Procedure
  Wash, remove seeds, cut into 1-inch-wide slices and peel. Cut flesh into 1-inch cubes. Boil two minutes in water. Fill jars with cubes and cooking liquid; leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjusts lids
• Recommended pressure canner process times
  • Hot pack
  • Process pint jars for 55 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 90 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

Spinach and other greens

• Quantity
  For each 7-quart canner load, you need an average of 28 pounds of fresh spinach or other greens. For each 9-pint canner load, you need an average of 18 pounds of fresh spinach or other greens. A bushel weighs 18 pounds and yields 3 quarts to 9 quarts (an average of 4 pounds per quart).
• Quality
  Can only freshly harvested greens. Discard any wilted, discolored, diseased or insect-damaged leaves. Leaves should be tender and attractive in color.
• Procedure
  Wash only small amounts of greens at one time. Drain water and continue rinsing until water is clear and free of grit. Cut out tough stems and midribs. Place 1 pound of greens at a time in cheesecloth bag or blancher basket and steam three minutes to five minutes or until wilted thoroughly. Add 1/2 teaspoon canning salt to each quart jar if desired. Fill jars loosely with greens, add fresh boiling water and leave 1 inch of headspace.
• Adjust lids
• Recommended hot pack pressure canner process times
  • Process pint jars for 70 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude
  • Process quart jars for 90 minutes
    • At 11 pounds of pressure in a dial-gauge canner at 0 to 2,000 feet altitude
    • At 10 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner at 0 to 1,000 feet altitude
    • At 15 pounds of pressure in a weighted-gauge canner above 1,000 feet altitude

GH1454, reviewed June 2003