Which Lids to Buy for Canning

To preserve the flavor and nutritional qualities of canned goods, it's important to use the right lids for sealing in an autoclave. If the seal is broken or the product oxidizes, you will have to discard the food. It is essential to understand which lids are suitable for canning in an autoclave.

Both tin and screw lids are suitable for the autoclaving process. Plastic lids should not be used.

Types of Canning Lids

When choosing lids for autoclaving, it's important to follow these recommendations:

Do not choose the cheapest lids. They may be of low quality with poor rubber seals. This can lead to seal failure, lid pop-off, and spoilage of the products;
Tinned lids are single-use, while screw and vacuum lids can be reused multiple times. Determine which type will be more economical;
It's better to choose lacquered lids, which will protect the finished product from oxidation.

Classic lids for canning are ordinary tin lids. They are popular due to their low cost and are easy to use with a special canning machine.

Canning lids are made from special food-grade tin sold in rolls. Scroll sheets are the same tin, just cut in a way to minimize material waste.

Disposable tin lids should be made from food-grade metal and coated with the same safe lacquer on both sides. These elements do not corrode and do not react with oxidizing substances usually present in marinades. A downside of such lids is that they are not ideal for long-term canning. It's better to consume the cans within a year. Lacquered tin lids are ideal for pickles in acidic brine. For jams and compotes, non-lacquered products can be used.

Which Lids to Buy for Canning

Reusable screw lids are used exclusively for jars with threading. Twist-off lids are inexpensive, and there is no need to buy a canning machine for their use. If the sealing ring is damaged, it is better not to use the lid, as it may spoil the preserves.

Vacuum sealing lids were invented recently. Manufacturers promise their long-term use - up to 200 sealings. The device consists of lids with valves and an additional pump. They are relatively expensive, but this drawback is offset by quick payback and the ability to store preserves for a long time without losing flavor quality. If such a lid contains plastic elements, it is not suitable for the autoclave.

The least common today are plastic lids. They are not recommended for long-term storage of products; excess pressure will lead to lid failure and product spoilage. Usually, plastic elements are used for jams or jelly, as the high sugar content prevents high pressure. This type of lid is strictly prohibited for use in an autoclave.

Which Lids Are Allowed for Use in an Autoclave

To determine whether screw lids can be used in an autoclave or if only tin lids are required, it's important to understand the autoclaving procedure.

All types of lids, except plastic ones, are suitable for canning in a special device. The canning technology is simple if you follow the recommendations.

When closing the autoclave, do not tighten the lid forcefully. Just align it properly with the thread and turn in one direction. Jars should not be overfilled, and the lid should be closed immediately after placing the jars in the machine.

Vacuum lids are safely and effectively used for canning in an autoclave. They need to be dipped in hot water for a while. Place the lid on the prepared jar, then press the pump and make a few pumps. This will create a seal, and the lid will be securely fixed. It’s important not only to understand which lids to use in an autoclave but also to remember the canning rules. The space between the lid and the contents of the jar should be 1 cm. If it is less, there is a risk of lid failure and loss of the product. Along with jars, it is advisable to use pressure discs (cassettes). They will help the jars withstand the high pressure that occurs during the canning process.

Share with Friends