Pressure Canning - Not Enough Water - Ask Extension
I pressure canned raw pack turkey. My canner has both a gauge and a weight; I usually monitor the weight but keep an eye on the gauge for comparison....
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Pressure Canning - Not Enough Water #856876
Asked January 02, 2024, 2:14 PM EST
I pressure canned raw pack turkey. My canner has both a gauge and a weight; I usually monitor the weight but keep an eye on the gauge for comparison. The gauge never dropped below 11 pounds and the 10# weight did not stop rocking. When I opened the canner there was very little water left, and some of the siphoned broth had burned in the bottom of the canner. All the jars sealed and have liquid in at least half the jar. In hindsight I think I put three cups of water in the canner instead of three quarts. Is the turkey still safe to eat? Thank you.
Montgomery County Ohio
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. We've all made mistakes. According to the National Center for Home Food Preservation, siphoning of liquid from jars is not an issue unless the loss is excessive (for example, if at least half of the liquid is lost). In that case, refrigerate the jar(s) and use within 2 to 3 days.
When using a canner with both a weight and gauge, always trust the weight. The gauge can be used as a guide for when the canner may be fully depressurized. I would also encourage you to inspect the canner pot to make sure the boiling dry did not damage the pot in a any way.
Feel free to contact you local Extension office to schedule a safety inspection of your canner or request an appointment at http://go.osu.edu/pressurecannertesting .
When using a canner with both a weight and gauge, always trust the weight. The gauge can be used as a guide for when the canner may be fully depressurized. I would also encourage you to inspect the canner pot to make sure the boiling dry did not damage the pot in a any way.
Feel free to contact you local Extension office to schedule a safety inspection of your canner or request an appointment at http://go.osu.edu/pressurecannertesting .
Thank you for your response.
Normally I do process using the weight; I just added to my description that both the weight and the gauge were within normal range during processing.
My specific question is, considering the lack of appropriate water in the canner, is the finished product safe to eat?
Thanks so much for your time.
Karen
From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> On Behalf Of Ask Extension
Sent: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 9:33 PM
To: karen.borreson <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Pressure Canning - Not Enough Water (#0126800)
Yes, it should be fine to consume.
