Canning Question

[t2000kw]

I used Freecycle to get me about 150-200 canning jars. One person even gave me their enamelware canning pot. The lid, however, has a cut like something sharp hit against it and cut through it. It is rusted a bit at the cut in the lid. (I do have another of my own from last year.)

I want to know if the lid must seal what's in the pot or not for most canning processes. I have access to a light duty wire welder if the cut should be closed.

Please note that I also have a pressure canner that I would use for canning that required that. I am aware that some things must be canned under pressure. This question is about a canning pot for what some call the cold-pack method, like you would use for canning pickles.

Donald

[rutabaga]

No, your pot will be fine for waterbath canning. Just make sure you get information from USDA on canning safety. Jams, and Jellies and pickles are fine at my house in a waterbath canner. My lid doesn't fit too well either but it doesn't matter, everything always seals (usually)! Good luck!

[murphysranch]

I agree. The lid does not need to "seal"...you have the lid on so that the pot will continue to boil while retaining the heat and saving energy.

[t2000kw]

Thanks for the quick replies.

[Patio Princess]

The lid should be o.k. Like others said, you don't "seal" when using it (unlike the rubber gasket on a pressure-canner). In fact, most of the time, I leave the lid off after the water is boiling, etc. None of my hot water bath pots have tight lids.

You're correct--some foods must be canned in a pressure-canner, such as meat. Most foods that you can do in the hot water bath method can also be done via the pressure method, but there are some exceptions, like applesauce, and anything that tends to foam up. Applesauce is fine using the hot water bath method; I make it all the time.