Canning jam

I made some jam a few days ago and missed one of the jars in the water bath. It cooled off along with the water. I found it the next day and the color was slightly darker than the other jars. Do you think it will be ok to use?

Sheryl Napier
Newport News, Virginia

If the jar sealed, the jam should be fine. That’s an oops that just happens to us canners at times! — Jackie

Heater for root cellar

We have a root cellar that is below ground and attached to the back of the garage/workshop with a stairway down to the cellar from the workshop. It will be insulated, walls and ceiling, with R-19 batts. We live in a colder climate and we realize that we will need to protect the cellar from freezing temperatures. Most electrical heaters and thermostats I have found seem to have a lower limit of 40 or 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and I would like to set the heater to 35 degrees or one or two degrees lower, Where can I find an electric heater with an internal or external thermostat that will keep the space at just above freezing?

Donald Mowry
Mondovi, Wisconsin

Check out greenhouse supply catalogs such as Growers Supply. You can find thermostats that will adjust that low and should work fine for your use. — Jackie

2 COMMENTS

  1. I’m not Jackie, but she has said that canned food, following directions, will stay good for years, if stored well, and the seals are good. Hopefully she will see your question soon, and give you a more definitive answer. I have worried about the same thing, in the past. I feel I’ve thrown out what would have been good food in the past. Good luck.

  2. Hello first I just love your site and all the information that you give wow I have learned so much. I have been canning peaches, pears and apple sauce. I am trying my hand at canning meat in my pressure cooker – I just love doing this stuff however I’m still learning. I would like to know Jackie just how long can I keep pressure can carrots ? I did some up 2009 and did not use them and I hate to get rid of them they still look good. Also I pressured canned beef with veg (soup) and did not eat all of that yet in 2010. My problem I do to much my husband says, it’s only the two of us. Thanks again for all the info

Comments are closed.