I received a very nice steam canner (5" deep tray with a large cover) for my birthday from my parents. Trouble is, I've never heard of steam canning. Have any of you? Anyone use this method? We have a small house and kitchen so when I can, there is a ton of condensation on the windows. This seems like there would be less of that with this canner since less water is used. Thoughts?
Steam canning
- Thread starter JMediger
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mcnerd
Head Chef
Sorry to tell you, but the USDA, the National Center For Food Preservation and other food science agencies consider the steam canner as unsafe and not recommended to use. Studies have concluded that using steam canners as instructed by the manufacturer would result in under processing and spoilage.
National Center for Home Food Preservation | How Do I? Can
National Center for Home Food Preservation | How Do I? Can
Read this article on Are Steam Canners Safe to Use?
Kathleen
Cupcake
So....has there been more research about steam canners? I'd love to have one if they are safe just because they use less water.
mcnerd
Head Chef
Enough research to tell you they are not considered safe by US standards as mentioned above
Kathleen
Cupcake
That's good enough for me. Thank you!
Dawgluver
Chef Extraordinaire
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Actually, I use a steam canner. Never had a problem. Summer in a Jar, by Andrea Chesman, explains that the USDA has no funds to research steam canning, so can't recommend it. Her cookbook deals with canning by the jar, small batches, and she uses a steam canner exclusively.
For high acid foods only.
For high acid foods only.
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Kathleen
Cupcake
Thanks, Dawglover.
I typically only can tomatoes, apple sauce and strawberry jam. I'm looking at doing peaches in light syrup this weekend ... would you consider these high acid Dawg? I was actually surprised to find I could water-bath can peaches anymore. Thoughts?
Dawgluver
Chef Extraordinaire
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Ball Blue Book has recipes for canning peaches in a waterbath. I looked in Chesman's book, she has recipes for peach jam, but not for sliced peaches in the steam canner, though the focus of her book is pickles, jams, and jellies. An internet search revealed that yes, many people do can peaches in light syrup in the steam canner, I haven't yet. Steam canners do get as hot as waterbath canners, you have to follow the directions and make sure there's a steady stream of steam for 5 minutes, and that the jars seal (jar lid bump pops down while cooling).
If I find some good peaches, I might have to give it a try! I've mainly done green beans, green cherry tomatoes, jams, and apple butter in the steamer.
GA Home Cook
Sous Chef
Remember that canning is simply a function of raising the temperature of the contents of the jar to a sufficient level to kill any micro organisms that are present, and then as it cools it makes an airtight seal so no more bugs can get in the now sterile environment. This temperature can be low for some things like acidic tomatoes or high for things like meat containing stew. That is why water baths are sufficient sometimes and sometimes you need the heat of a pressure canner. Always research the time and temperature needed for what you are canning.
Best sound in the world! I did jam earlier this year with my niece (4) and nephew (6) and they were the official "Pop Listeners". I got a kick out of their reactions every time one would "go".
Raspberrymocha55
Senior Cook
I did honey spiced peaches not long ago. Used water bath method. They look so pretty.
GotGarlic
Chef Extraordinaire
Raz, can you post the recipe for that, along with a picture? It sounds really good and one of our master gardeners is selling his own honey at the farmer's market, where there are also tons of peaches coming in.
Raspberrymocha55
Senior Cook
GotGarlic
Chef Extraordinaire
Thank you.
fairygirl69
Senior Cook
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2006
- Messages
- 217
My MIL uses a steamer canner and she's never had one problem. But I must say I love my pressure canner. I've used both and my pressure canner is easier to use. However if you want to use a steam canner look online. I'm sure there are a lot of recipes.
