Organisms that cause food spoilage–molds, yeasts and bacteria–are present everywhere in the air, soil and

water. Enzymes that may cause undesirable changes in flavor, color and texture are present in raw
vegetables.

When vegetables are canned, they are heated hot enough and long enough in the jar to destroy organisms
that can make people sick in addition to spoilage organisms. This heating (or processing) also stops the
action of enzymes that can spoil food quality.

Pressure canning is the only safe method of canning all vegetables (except tomatoes). Jars of food are placed
in a pressure canner which is heated to an internal temperature of at least 240°F. This temperature can be
reached only in a pressure canner.

The Clostridium botulinum microorganism is the main reason pressure canning is necessary. Though the
bacterial cells are killed at boiling temperatures, the spores they form can withstand very long boiling. In
the soils, these bacteria are naturally found in the spore form. The spores grow out well in moist, low-acid
foods in the absence of air, such as in canned low acid foods (vegetables and meats). When this happens,
the spores change to growing bacterial cells which produce the deadly botulinum toxin (poison). This
growth and toxin formation can occur without any noticeable signs of spoilage in the sealed jar.

These spores can be destroyed by canning the food at a temperature of at least 240°F. This temperature is
above the 212°F. boiling point of water, so it can only be reached in a pressure canner at the appropriate
pressure (10 pounds at sea level). Because most people do not can at sea level, use the pressure given with
the directions for canning vegetables. The pressures are different for dial and weighted gauge canners,
because the weighted gauge canners operate in a manner that provides some additional safety margin over
dial gauges. Recommended pressures are different for different altitudes; be sure to check altitude
corrections if canning at altitudes over 1000 feet.

Equipment
A pressure canner is necessary for home canning of vegetables. It must have a rack in the bottom, a tight-
fitting cover, exhaust vent (or petcock), safety valve and an accurate pressure gauge. The pressure gauge may
be a weighted gauge that fits over the vent or a dial gauge on which a needle indicates the pressure inside
the canner. Newer canners may also have an extra cover lock as an added safety feature.

Canning jars should be checked closely for cracks or chips. Use jars specifically designed for home canning.
Commercial food jars such as mayonnaise or coffee jars break easily, especially in pressure canners, and may
not seal with home canning lids. Use only half-pint, pint and quart sizes, and as specified for individual
food processing directions.

Before using the jars, check closely for cracks, nicks or chips. Wash jars in hot soapy water and rinse well. Keep
the jars hot until they are filled and placed in the canner. This will help prevent jar breakage.

Two-piece metal canning lids need to be prepared for use. The flat narrow metal
screw band
lids can be used only once for sealing new products, but the ring
bands can be reused as long as they are in good condition. Pretreat
metal lid with
the new flat lids as directed by the manufacturer. Do not reuse lids sealing compound
from commercially canned foods for home canning.
seals here
Preparing the Vegetables
Select only fresh, young, tender vegetables for canning. The sooner
you can get them from the garden to the jar, the better. If you buy
vegetables to can, try to get them from a nearby garden or farm.
For ease of packing and even cooking, sort the vegetables for size * Place the rack in the bottom of your pressure canner. Preheat
and maturity. Wash all vegetables thoroughly, whether or not they two to three inches of water in your canner. The water should
will be peeled. Dirt contains some of the bacteria hardest to kill. be hot but not simmering if you are canning raw pack foods.
Do not let vegetables soak; they may lose flavor and nutrients. For hot pack foods, the water should be simmering or 180°F.
Handle them gently to avoid bruising.
* Using a canning jar lifter, place filled jars on a rack in the
Filling the Jars canner containing hot or simmering water. Make sure the jar
Vegetables may be packed raw into jars or pre-heated and packed lifter is securely positioned below the neck of the jar and ring
hot. Read the directions for each vegetable to determine which band and keep the jar upright at all times. Tilting the jar could
method may be used. If given a choice, the hot pack produces a cause food or covering liquid to spill into the sealing area of the
higher quality product. Remember, have the jars hot to prevent lid. Space the jars evenly around the canner.
breakage as they are filled.
* Fasten the canner lid securely. Leave the weight off the vent
To raw pack - Put raw vegetables into jars and cover with boiling pipe or open the petcock.
water. Most raw vegetables (except for starchy ones) should be
packed firmly into the jars. Starchy vegetables such as corn, peas * Turn heat to high so it boils and steam flows freely in a funnel
and lima beans should be packed loosely, because they expand shape from the open vent pipe. Let the steam escape (vent)
during processing. continuously for 10 minutes with the heat on the high setting.
To hot pack - Heat vegetables in water or steam before packing.
See directions for specific vegetables. Then cover with the boiling * Close the vent, using a weight, or close the petcock, depending
cooking liquid. Pack the hot food loosely. on the type of canner. If you have a weighted gauge canner that
has a weight of varying pressures, be sure you are using the
For either pack, use enough liquid to fill around the solid food in correct pressure setting. The canner will begin to pressurize.
the jar and to cover the food. See directions for each vegetable for
the correct amount of headspace to leave between the top of the * For a dial gauge canner, let the pressure rise quickly to eight
food and the top of the jar. This headspace is important for pounds of pressure. Adjust the burner temperature down
obtaining a good seal. slightly and let the pressure continue to rise to the correct
pressure. (If the burner was left on high, the pressure would be
Salt may be added to each jar, if desired. The salt is only for hard to regulate when the correct pressure is reached.)
seasoning and does not help to preserve the food. If salt is used,
canning salt is recommended to prevent the liquid from turning * Start counting the processing time as soon as the pressure is
cloudy. Usually 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint is adequate. reached. For weighted gauge canners, let the canner heat
quickly at first and then reduce the heat slightly until the
Closing the Jars weight begins to rock gently or “jiggle” two or three times per
To remove any trapped air bubbles, slide a non-metallic (eg., minute, depending on the type of canner you have. Start
plastic) spatula between the food and the sides of the jar. Add counting the processing time as soon as the weight indicates the
more liquid if necessary to obtain the proper headspace. Wipe the canner is at pressure, according to manufacturer’s directions.
jar rim with a clean damp paper towel to remove any food
particles or liquids. Place the flat lid prepared according to the * Keep the pressure constant by regulating the heat under the
manufacturer’s directions on the filled jar. Screw the metal ring canner. Do not lower the pressure by opening the vent or
band down fingertip tight. lifting the weight. Keep drafts from blowing on the canner. If
the pressure ever drops below the recommended setting, bring
Processing Vegetables the canner back to pressure and begin timing of the process
Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of your pressure over, from the beginning. This is important for the safety of
canner. The following are general instructions: the food.

weighted gauge
safety valve

safety valve dial pressure gauge

weighted gauge safety valve

pressure regulator
on air vent safety lock
cover

vent

Pressure Canners

2
* When processing time is completed, turn off the heat. The vegetables can contain botulism toxin. Also, if not properly
canner may be removed from the heat of the electric burner if processed, canned vegetables can contain botulism toxin without
possible to do so without causing jars to tilt. If the canner is too showing signs of spoilage. Vegetables are considered
heavy, simply turn off the heat and leave it in place. It is not IMPROPERLY canned if any of the following are true:
necessary to move a canner from a turned off gas burner.
* The food was NOT processed in a pressure canner.
* Let the pressure in the canner drop to zero through natural
cooling. This can take 30 to 45 minutes in a 16-quart canner * The gauge of the canner was INACCURATE.
and nearly an hour for a 22-quart canner; the actual time will
vary by the type of canner and the amount of hot food in the * Up-to-date researched processing times and pressures were
canner. Do not rush the cooling by setting the canner in water NOT used for the size of jar, style of pack and kind of food
or by running cold water over the canner. Never lift the weight being processed.
or open the vent to hasten the reduction of pressure.
* Ingredients were added that were NOT in an approved recipe
* When the gauge on a dial gauge canner registers zero or when a or the proportions of ingredients were CHANGED.
gentle nudge to the weight on a weighted gauge canner does
not produce steam or resistance, wait two minutes, and then * The processing time and pressure were NOT correct for the
open the vent or remove the weight. Wait ten more minutes altitude at which the food was canned.
and then open the canner. Unfasten the lid, and tilt it so the
steam escapes away from your face. Do not leave the canner Because improperly canned vegetables may contain botulism toxin
unopened to cool completely, or the food inside could begin to without showing signs of spoilage, they should also be detoxified
spoil and the canner could be difficult to open. before being discarded if the seals are broken. Spoiled or suspect
jars of vegetables that are still sealed should be wrapped securely
* Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the jars from the canner in a heavy plastic garbage bag. Close and place the bag in trash or
being careful not to tilt them. Carefully place the jars right side dispose in a nearby landfill. Be sure to discard in a manner so
up on a rack or dry towels to prevent jars from breaking on they will not be eaten by humans or pets. If the jars are unsealed
contact with a cold surface. Leave at least one inch of space or opened, they should be detoxified before discarding. Be
between jars during cooling. extremely careful not to splash or come in contact with the
suspect food or any liquid. Contact with botulinum toxin can be
* Allow the jars to cool undisturbed, away from drafts, for 12 to fatal whether it is ingested or enters through the skin. Wear
24 hours. Do not tighten ring bands on the lids or push down disposable rubber or heavy plastic gloves. To detoxify these
on the center of the lid until the lid is completely cooled. Even products, place the jar(s) with lid(s) on their sides in a large
if a popping sound is heard as lids seal, leave the jar and lid stockpot or boiling water canner. Wash your hands and gloves
untouched until completely cool. thoroughly. Carefully add water to the pot, avoiding splashing,
being sure that the water completely covers the jars with at least
Day-After Canning Jobs 1-inch of water above them. Heat the water to a vigorous boil and
Test the seal on the jar lids. Press flat metal lids at the center of boil for 30 minutes. Cool and discard all contents, although the
the lid. They should be slightly concave and should not move. jar may be re-used if desired and care is exercised in cleaning it
Ring bands should be removed from thoroughly cooled jars; wash up.
and dry them so they will be in good condition after storing.
Surfaces that come in contact with spoiled or questionable canned
Wash food residue from the jars and rinse. Label sealed jars with vegetables or their liquid should also be cleaned up, taking care to
contents and date. avoid contact with suspect foods or liquids. Wear rubber or heavy
plastic gloves while cleaning up. A freshly made solution of 1 part
Store the canned food in a cool, dry place. Stored properly, canned unscented liquid household chlorine bleach (5 to 6% sodium
vegetables should retain their high quality for about one year. hypochlorite) to 5 parts clean water should be used to treat work
surfaces, water faucet and handles, equipment, or other items,
Unsealed jars of foods need to be treated as fresh. The food can be including can openers and clothing, that may have come in
eaten immediately, refrigerated, frozen or reprocessed. If you contact with suspect food or liquid. Spray or wet contaminated
reprocess the food, the whole processing time must be repeated. surfaces with this bleach solution and let stand for 30 minutes.
Wearing gloves, wipe up treated spills with paper towels, being
On Guard Against Spoilage careful to minimize the spread of contamination. Dispose of
Do not taste or use canned vegetables that show any signs of these paper towels be placing them in a plastic bag before putting
spoilage! Look closely at all jars before opening them. A bulging them in the trash. Next, apply the bleach solution to all surfaces,
lid or leaking jar is a sign of spoilage. When you open the jar, let stand for 30 minutes and rinse. As a last step, thoroughly
look for other signs such as spurting liquid, an off odor or mold. wash all detoxified countertops, containers, and other surfaces.
Discard gloves when the cleaning process is complete. (Note:
All spoiled canned foods should be discarded in a place where Bleach is an irritant itself and should not be inhaled or allowed to
they will not be eaten by humans or pets. Spoiled low acid come in contact with the skin.)

3
Directions for Canning Vegetables
Caution! Altitude Adjustments: The processing times and pressures given here are those recommended by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture. DO NOT DECREASE the processing times or pressures given. At varying
altitudes, the PROCESSING TIMES STAY THE SAME, but you must make the following adjustments:

In a Dial Gauge Pressure Canner

* At altitudes of 0 - 2000 feet, process at 11 pounds pressure.
* At altitudes of 2001 - 4000 feet, process at 12 pounds pressure.
* At altitudes of 4001 - 6000 feet, process at 13 pounds pressure.
* At altitudes of 6001 - 8000 feet, process at 14 pounds pressure.

In a Weighted Gauge Pressure Canner

* At altitudes of 0 - 1000 feet, process at 10 pounds pressure.
* At altitudes above 1000 feet, process at 15 pounds pressure.

There are NO safe boiling water processing times for any of the vegetables in this publication.

Vegetable Pack Preparation Processing Time (minutes)

Beans: Green Hot Wash; trim ends. Leave whole or break or cut into 1 inch Pints 20
Snap, Wax, pieces. Cover beans with boiling water and boil 5 minutes. Quarts 25
Italian Pack hot beans into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch
from top with boiling cooking liquid.


Raw Wash; trim ends. Leave whole or break or cut into 1 inch Pints 20
pieces. Pack beans tightly into hot jars, leaving 1 inch Quarts 25
headspace. If desired, add 1/2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill
jar to 1 inch from top with boiling water.

Beans: Lima, Hot Shell and wash young tender beans. Cover beans with boiling Pints 40
Butter, Soy water; bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Pack hot beans Quarts 50
loosely in hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. If desired, add
1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch from top with boiling
cooking liquid.

Raw Shell and wash young tender beans. Pack beans loosely in Pints 40
hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace for pints. For quarts, leave Quarts 50
1 1⁄2 inches if beans are small; 1 1⁄4 if large. If desired, add 1⁄2
teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar with boiling water, again leaving
1-inch headspace. water.

Beets Hot Cut off tops leaving 1 inch of stem and tap root. Wash. Cover Pints 30
with boiling water; boil until skins slip easily - 15 to 25 minutes, Quarts 35
according to size. Skin, trim tap root and stem. Can baby beets
whole; cut medium and large beets in 1⁄2 inch cubes or slices.
Halve or quarter large slices. Pack hot beets into hot jars leaving
1-inch headspace. If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint.
Fill to 1 inch from top with boiling water.

Carrots Hot Wash, peel and re-wash carrots. Baby carrots can be left Pints 25
whole; slice or dice larger ones. Cover with boiling water, Quarts 30
bring to a boil, boil 5 minutes. Pack hot carrots into jars,
leaving 1-inch headspace. If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
per pint. Fill to 1 inch from top with boiling cooking liquid.

  Raw Wash, peel and re-wash carrots. Baby carrots can be left Pints 25
whole; slice or dice larger ones. Pack carrots tightly into Quarts 30
hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. If desired, add 1⁄2
teaspoon salt per pint. Fill to 1 inch from top with boiling water.

4
Vegetable Pack Preparation Processing Time (minutes)

Corn: Cream- Hot Shuck, silk and wash corn. Blanch ears 4 minutes in boiling Pints 85
Style (use pint water. Cut from cob at about center of kernel; scrape cobs.
jars only) Add 1 cup boiling water to each 2 cups of corn. Boil 3
minutes. Pack hot corn into jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
If desired add 1 teaspoon salt per pint.

Corn: Whole Note: Some sweet corn varieties will turn very dark after
Kernel canning. Do not reduce the processing time or pressure.
Ask your seed company or farmer if the corn you have
is a variety recommended for canning.

Hot Shuck, silk and wash corn. Blanch 3 minutes in boiling water. Pints 55
Cut from cob at about 2/3's depth of kernel. Do not scrape Quarts 85
cobs. Add 1 cup boiling water to each 4 cups of corn and bring
to a boil. Simmer 5 minutes. Pack hot corn into jars, leaving
1-inch headspace. If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint.
Fill jar to 1 inch from top with boiling cooking liquid.

Raw Shuck, silk and wash corn. Blanch 3 minutes in boiling water. Pints 55
Cut from cob at about 2/3's depth of kernel. Do not scrape Quarts 85
cobs. Pack corn into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. If
desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill to 1 inch from top
with boiling water.

Greens: Hot Wash thoroughly and cut out tough stems. Blanch 1 pound of Pints 70
Spinach, greens at a time, until well wilted (about 3 to 5 minutes). Quarts 90
Turnip, Pack hot greens loosely into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
Mustard If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch from
top with boiling cooking liquid.

Mixed Hot Select your favorite mixture of vegetables, except leafy Pints 75
Vegetables greens, dried beans, cream-style corn, winter squash or Quarts 90
sweet potatoes. (Equal portions of carrots, whole kernel
sweet corn, green beans, lima beans, tomatoes and diced
zucchini make a good mix). Prepare each vegetable as for
canning and cut into the desired sizes. Mix together, cover
with boiling water and bring back to a boil. Boil 5 minutes.
Pack hot vegetables into jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
Add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt to each pint jar, if desired. Fill jar to
1 inch from top with boiling liquid.

Okra Hot Wash and trim pods. Cut in 1 inch pieces or leave whole. Pints 25
Pre-cook okra for 2 minutes in boiling water. Drain. Pack Quarts 40
into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. If desired, add 1⁄2
teaspoon salt per pint. Fill to 1 inch from top with boiling water.

Peas: Hot Shell and wash peas. Cover peas with boiling water; boil Pints 40
Blackeye, 3 minutes. Pack hot into jars, leaving 1-inch headspace Quarts 50
Crowder, for pints, 1 1⁄2 inch for quarts. If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon
Field salt per pint. Fill jar with boiling cooking liquid, leaving 1-inch
headspace.
   
  Raw Shell and wash peas. Pack loosely in hot jars, leaving 1-inch
headspace for pints, 1 1⁄2 inches for quarts. Do not shake
or press down. If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon of salt per pint.
Fill jar with boiling water, leaving 1-inch headspace.

Peas: Green Hot Shell and wash peas. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Pints 40
or English Boil 2 minutes. Pack hot into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Quarts 40
If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch from
top with boiling cooking liquid.

Raw Shell and wash peas. Pack into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Pints 40
Do not shake or press down. If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon Quarts 40
salt per pint. Fill to 1 inch from top with boiling water.

5
    

Vegetable Pack Preparation Processing Time (minutes)

Potatoes: Hot Select small or medium-size mature potatoes. For packing Pints 35
White whole, choose potatoes 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Wash, Quarts 40
pare, cut potatoes into 1⁄2 inch cubes, if desired. Place
cubes in solution of 1 teaspoon (3000 mg) ascorbic acid
and 1 gallon of water to prevent darkening . Drain. Cook
whole potatoes for 10 minutes, cubes for 2 minutes in boiling
water. Drain. Pack hot into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch from
top with boiling water.

Pumpkin: Hot Wash pumpkin, remove seeds and pare. Cut into 1 inch cubes. Pints 55
Cubed (It is Add to a saucepot of boiling water, boil 2 minutes. Pack hot Quarts 90
not safe to cubes into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. If desired, add
can strained 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch from top with boiling
or mashed cooking liquid.
pumpkin)

Squash: Follow preparation procedures and processing times for

Winter cubed pumpkin. DO NOT CAN spaghetti squash. Its flesh
(Acorn, Butternut, does not stay cubed during processing. Spaghetti squash
Golden Delicious, can be frozen.
Hubbard, etc.)  

   
Sweet Potatoes Hot Wash small or medium potatoes; boil or steam until partially Pints 65
soft (15 to 20 minutes). Cool slightly and remove skins. Quarts 90
Cut medium potatoes, if needed, so that pieces are uniform
in size. Pack hot potatoes in hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
If desired, add 1⁄2 teaspoon salt per pint. Fill jar to 1 inch from
top with boiling water or syrup made from 1 to 1 3⁄4 cups sugar
and 4 cups water.

Tomatoes   See Extension Publication FDNS-E-43-2, Preserving Foods: Canning

Tomatoes and Tomato Products.

Vegetable Soup Hot Choose your favorite vegetable ingredients. Prepare each as you Pints 60
would for a hot pack in canning. Cooked meat or poultry can Quarts 75
also be added, if desired. Combine ingredients with hot water,
broth, or tomatoes and juice to cover. Boil 5 minutes. If dried
beans or peas are used, they MUST be rehydrated first.
CAUTION: DO NOT THICKEN OR ADD MILK, CREAM, FLOUR,
RICE, BARLEY OR OTHER GRAINS, NOODLES OR OTHER PASTA.
These ingredients can slow down the rate of heating and these
process times have not been tested for use with soups containing
these ingredients. Add salt to taste, if desired. Fill jars halfway with
solid mixture. Continue filling with hot liquid, leaving 1-inch headspace.

NOTE: Cooked seafood can also be added. If it is, additional Pints 100
processing time will be needed. Quarts 100

Edited by Elizabeth L. Andress, Ph.D., and Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., Extension Foods Specialists.
The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and the Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences & Family and Consumer Sciences
offer educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability.
An Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Organization Committed to a Diverse Work Force
FDNS-E-43-3 Revised 07-10