Headspace

[Tankgirl]

Hi. I canned tomato sauce yesterday (first time). I followed a recipe and technique on the Bernardin site. It said to leave 1/2" headspace when filling the jars, which I did. But 24 hours later after it's been processed it's more than 1/2". I read that too much headspace and mold can grow. Do you think these are ok?
Thanks so much.
T
#canning

 

[taxlady]

Sorry Tankgirl, I don't know the answer to your question. Someone here probably does. Welcome to Discuss Cooking.

 

[Tankgirl]

Thank you!

 

[GotGarlic]

Hi and welcome to Discuss Cooking [emoji2]

The hot water bath should have killed any mold spores. The only issue I've heard about with regard to too much headspace after canning is that the top can become discolored over time. But it's still safe to eat.

 

[Tankgirl]

Thanks! So my next batch I should just fill it up more I suppose.

 

[bethzaring]

Thanks! So my next batch I should just fill it up more I suppose.

No, don't fill the jars more. Just fill the jars leaving 1/2 inch head space.

 

[bethzaring]

I canned V-8 juice today in a pressure canner, leaving 1/2 inch head space. I can't take off the screw bands because the jars are still hot. I didn't lose any liquids.

 

[dragnlaw]

If you left the 1/2 " it should be just fine. As long as you have your indentation on the lid making a good seal.

If you leave too much space then the processing time might not be long enough to drive out the extra air and you probably won't get an airtight seal.

By the same token if you don't leave enough space, it could "boil over" and prevent the lid cover from sealing.

So always follow the recipes instruction as to 1/2" or 1/4" head space.

been there, done that

 

[Tankgirl]

Thanks. I did leave half an inch. It's tomato sauce so I guess it settled and lowered.

 

[Tankgirl]

And they are properly sealed.

 

[dragnlaw]

Here's another suggestion. Once the goods are in the jar, take a dinner knife and slide it up and down around the sides. This helps to release air bubble and you can see if you need to add more.

I did pickled beets the other day and it is amazing how much air can get trapped when you pour in the liquid.

 

[taxlady]

Did you remove any air bubbles before canning?

 

[Tankgirl]

I did stir it to remove air bubbles. ��

 

[Tankgirl]

I did do that. As per the instructions.

 

[bethzaring]

Did you have at least two inches of water covering the jars in the canner?

https://www.pickyourown.org/canning...ome of,canning, especially with starchy foods.

 

[Tankgirl]

I had more than 2 inches. ��

 

[dragnlaw]

so maybe you had larger chunks of whatever in there and they just collapsed more with softening. No big deal -

Enjoy your sauce this winter!

 

[Tankgirl]

Thanks!