canner lid testing

Come to the Lid Testing Day on June 21st!

Now is the time to have your pressure canner checked! Before you start canning those delicious fresh veggies, make sure that the dial gauge on the lid is accurate.

A dial face is marked with a scale that includes 5, 10 and 15 pounds pressure. Also included on the scale is a "caution" zone in which the canner should not be operated. Dial gauges register the pounds of pressure inside the vessel during processing. A dial gauge must be tested periodically for accuracy. If the gauge is inaccurate, processing times may not be sufficient for destruction of microbial contaminants. An example of such a contaminant is the clostridium botulinum bacteria which can cause toxic botulism.

It is recommended that dial gauges be checked each year for accuracy. Weighted gauges do not need to be tested for accuracy.

The UT Extension Office in Sevier County is offering a FREE testing service for people who have dial gauge canners. Linda Hyder, Extension Agent, will be available to test canners the morning of Saturday, June 21, from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. The Extension Office is located in Room 102 of the Sevier County Courthouse. Entrance to the office is located just across from the front of the Sevier County Sheriff Building. UT Extension Canning Books will also be distributed with each lid checked. The test itself, only last about 15 minutes, so participants are encouraged to wait for this service.

Also, perhaps you've wondered how to clean that "black stuff" in the bottom of your canner. The darkened surface on the inside of an aluminum canner can be cleaned by filling a mixture of one tablespoon cream of tartar to each quart of water. Place the canner on the stove, heat water to a boil, and boil covered until the dark deposits disappear. Sometimes stubborn deposits may require additional cream of tartar. Empty the canner and wash it with hot soapy water, rinse and dry.

After using each time, clean your canner, being careful not to immerse the dial gauge if your canner has one. Dry the canner and store it with crumpled newspapers or paper towels in the bottom and around the rack. This will help absorb moisture and odors. Place the lid upside down on the canner. Never put the lid on the canner and seal it.

For additional information contact Linda Hyder, Extension Agent with The University of Tennessee Extension of Sevier County, 774-3764 or lhyder@utk.edu.