Why does fruit sometimes float in the jars after processing?
A. Use firm, ripe fruit and a light to medium syrup instead of heavy syrup. Hot packing will help to eliminate floating fruit. Heat the fruit in water, fruit juice or sugar syrup before packing into jars. Pack fruit as closely as possible without crushing it. Release trapped air bubbles and readjust liquid level before applying lids. Make sure liquid covers food pieces completely. Q. Why should I not make additions/deletions of my own to the canning recipe? I want the canned food to taste exactly like one of my own recipes. A. We all would like the convenience of great-tasting one jar meals. But, any additions or deletions made to an approved canning recipe would need a new process time calculated for it. It is not safe to change the recipe and use the same process time. One-dish meals often include thickening ingredients or are cooked down to a thicker consistency than expected for the process time for an individual ingredient. These situations are likely to result in hazardous foods.
