Jar bands
Do you leave your jar bands on your jars after storing them? I have only left my lids on and unscrewed the bands and took them off. Then I stored my jars full of food away. Is this ok to do?
Michelle Tibbs
Peebles, Ohio
Yes, it is. In fact, it is the recommended way to store canned foods. The rings can sometimes collect condensation underneath them and start rusting, which spreads to the lids. This can reduce the storage time your foods are good for. I sometimes leave the rings on my jars of foods that are “clean,” such as green beans and tomatoes. Some other foods are “sticky”, such as corn, jams, etc. I wash these jars with the rings removed and either dry them before putting the rings on or leave the rings off. The only reason I sometimes leave rings on is because it’s an easy way to store them! My drawers are often full of rings and to keep them handy, I sometimes leave them on. Our pantry is NOT damp, so it does not cause rusting as it did in our old basement, back in Sturgeon Lake. Leaving the rings on will NOT help the jars keep their seal. — Jackie
Canning turkey broth
I canned some turkey and broth today. The broth is very cloudy. Sealed good but looks not so good. Well maybe not so good. It sputtered and sprayed several times before it sealed. Any ideas?
Nancy Foster
Dallas City, Illinois
My guess (only a guess!) is that somehow the pressure varied and got high during processing. This can cause meat particles to soften and mix with the broth and also cause the jars to blow and boil vigorously. As long as the jars are sealed, take normal precautions on opening any canned food (look, check seal, sniff) and your turkey should be fine. — Jackie
To store moms excess rings Dad took a wire hanger and cut one of the sides about 2 inches from the bottom wire, then using pliers he twisted both sides where it was cut into a hook. Mom took the rings off the sealed jars and slid them on the bottom of the hanger and then hooked the wire back together. She kept it hung up on a knob on her kitchen cabinets ready to use when needed. They stayed dry and didn’t get dented.
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