Knowledgebase

Can anyone answer a question about canning? #864767

Asked April 16, 2024, 3:11 PM EDT

Yesterday morning I canned 7 quarts of chicken soup. After it cooled, I noticed that four of the jars were still “bubbling”. Not like it was still boiling. But an occasional bubble would break the surface (I have a short video but apparently I can’t upload it on this form). The lids all seem to be properly sealed. I asked on the Alaska Harvesters Facebook page and people recommended I contact you folks. What would cause the content to bubble when it was cool to the touch? And are these jars still safe to eat? Thank you.

Anchorage County Alaska

Expert Response

Daniel, because the jar forms a vacuum when it seals, the liquid inside can boil at much lower temperatures than it would outside the jar where it experiences normal (atmospheric) pressure.  Observing some bubbling when the jar is cool enough to touch would not mean the contents are unsafe to eat provided the jars sealed and were processed properly using an approved recipe.  
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 16, 2024, 7:20 PM EDT

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