Adjustments for High-Altitude Canning
Home cooks who live at high altitudes may be used to adjusting recipes; high-altitude adjustments apply to home canning, as well. Canning food safely requires your filled jars to be processed at a specified temperature or pressure level for a specified amount of time. If you live at altitudes higher than 1,000 or 2,000 feet above sea level, adjust your canning recipes for food safety.
Water-bath canning: Generally, recipes are written for water bath canning at altitudes less than 1000 feet. If you live higher than 1,000 feet above sea level, follow these guidelines:
For processing times of less than 20 minutes: Add 1 additional minute for each additional 1000 feet of altitude.
For processing times of more than 20 minutes: Add 2 additional minutes for each 1000 feet of altitude.
Pressure Canning: Pressure canning recipes are generally written for altitudes of less than 2000 feet. If you live higher than 2000 feet above sea level, make this adjustment: Increase pounds of pressure by 1/2 pound for each additional 1,000 feet.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
acidity level
The pH level of a food, which helps to determine the proper method of canning. Experts generally recommend using a pressure canner for low-acid foods such as vegetables and meats, or a water-bath canner for high-acid foods such as fruits and pickled foods.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
dehydrator
An electric kitchen device used for drying (dehydrating) foods. Includes a thermostat and fan that help to regulate temperatures.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
headspace
In canning and preserving, the amount of space between the top of the food or liquid in a jar and the inside of the lid.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
nonreactive utensil
A kitchen tool that won't change the taste of acidic foods that it comes in contact with (recommended when canning and preserving foods).
Canning & Preserving Glossary
pH
A measure of acidity or alkalinity (stands for potential of Hydrogen). In food preservation, the pH or acidity level of a food helps to determine the proper method of canning.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
pressure canning
The recommended process for canning and preserving low-acid foods (such as vegetables and meats); uses a pressure canner.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
water-bath canner
A large kettle used for canning and preserving jars of (typically high-acid) food.
Canning & Preserving Glossary
water-bath canning
The recommended process for canning and preserving high-acid foods (such as fruits and pickled foods); uses a water-bath canner.
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