Thanks for your questions, Kathryn. Glad that you are learning the processes for canning and being careful to follow directions.

Your Q: Is it Okay to leave more than the recommended headspace?

From the National Center for Home Food Preservation-

A: Do I really need to leave a certain amount of headspace in the jar?
Yes, leaving the specified amount of headspace in a jar is important to assure a vacuum seal. If too little headspace is allowed the food may expand and bubble out when air is being forced out from under the lid during processing. The bubbling food may leave a deposit on the rim of the jar or the seal of the lid and prevent the jar from sealing properly. If too much headspace is allowed, the food at the top is likely to discolor. Also, the jar may not seal properly because there will not be enough processing time to drive all the air out of the jar.

Your Q: If not, can I use the broth if I boil it or bring it to a certain temp for a certain length of time?

A: Yes, if you boil the broth to reach 212 degrees for 10 minutes, that should inactivate bacteria. You can safely consume the re-boiled broth within 3-4 days that has been refrigerated and if frozen, (for best quality), consume within 2-3 months.

Thank you for your questions today!

Cheryl D. Bush, MS, RDN, LDN, Agent Associate and FCS Educator, Contact: <personal data hidden><personal data hidden>; reviewed by Dr. Shauna Henley, FCS Educator and Senior Agent; Affiliate Agent in the Department of Food Science