How Does Home Canning Work

Home canning works by heating the contents of a canning jar to a high enough temperature to kill microorganisms inside the jar.  At the same time it creates positive pressure inside the jar, which forces out air and later as the jar cools it creates a tight seal and keeps new microorganisms from entering your food.  Also, the jar becomes an oxygen free environment that preserves the vitamins and minerals present in the food.

Home canning food safety involves the use of three principles.  The right equipment, the right processing time, and the right processing temperature.  The concepts of pressure canning and water bath canning also are important depending on type and acidity level of the food being processed.

The right equipment for home canning is easy to procure and mostly inexpensive.  With proper care, home canning equipment will provide years of service.

The right processing time for home canned foods depends on several factors, such as type of food, size of jar used, and altitude above sea level.

The right temperature for home canned food also varies based on the factors listed above as well as the type of home canning equipment available.

Overall, home canning is a safe food preservation method that has been used by millions of people for well over a hundred years.  Any person wishing to learn the aspects of home canning and home canning food safety will be well rewarded.