Water Bath Canning for Beginners | Step-by-Step Guide
Water bath canning is the easiest method for preserving high-acid foods like jams & relishes, which is also perfect for beginners.
Water bath canning can be intimidating, and from what I have learned from preserving, I tell you that it is not as hard as you think. The process becomes second nature once you understand the basic steps and follow your recipe carefully.
With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll gain the confidence to stock your shelves with homemade jams, pickles, and sauces that not only taste amazing but also bring a sense of pride and accomplishment to your canning journey.
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Original Post from August 16, 2021
Why You Want to Start Water Bath Canning
Water bath canning is a popular and time-tested method for safely preserving high-acid foods such as fruits, jams, jellies, pickles, and tomato-based sauces. Here’s why it’s the go-to choice for many home canners:
Safe for High-Acid Foods
Water bath canning works best for foods with a high acidity level (pH of 4.6 or lower). The acidity, combined with the high temperature of boiling water, kills harmful microorganisms and helps prevent the growth of bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism.
Simple Equipment Required
Unlike pressure canning, which requires a specialized pressure canner, water bath canning only requires a deep pot with a lid and a rack to hold jars. This makes it more accessible and affordable for beginners.
Great for Beginners
The water bath method is straightforward, making it ideal for those just starting out with home food preservation. With just a few steps, you can safely can seasonal fruits, jams, and more.
Builds Pantry Stock
It’s a practical way to create a shelf-stable pantry filled with delicious, homemade goods that are free from preservatives and excess sugar often found in store-bought alternatives.
Examples of High-Acid Foods
Canning is a lower-temperature process; water bath canning is excellent for high-acid foods and recipes. For this reason, the combination of time and temperature destroys mold, yeast, and enzymes that cause spoilage while creating a vacuum seal.
This process for recipes that are frequent includes:
- Jams and jellies
- Pie Fillings
- Pickles and relishes
- Salsas
- Tomatoes
- Pickles and relishes
Benefits of Home Canning That Make it a Rewarding and Practical Skill
Water-Bath Canning Guidelines
Before you get started with the water bath canning method, there are canning guidelines you must follow to prevent your jars from not sealing properly.
- Sterilize your mason jars in the canner to rid them of harmful bacteria.
- Boil jars. Once the water reaches a boil, continue for 10 minutes.
- Use a jar lifter and place your sterilized jars on a clean towel.
- Always use new seals when canning.
- Make sure the bands are in good condition. Do not use bent or rusted screw bands
- Make sure to have the necessary supplies for water bath canning.
Must-Have Supplies for Water Bath Canning
First, you need to make sure you have the correct supplies & have them ready before you start the canning process.
Water Bath Canner
A water bath canner is a must. Make sure it includes a rack to hold your canned jars. The rack will keep the jars in place & from rattling around. However, if you do not have a canner, you can also use a regular stockpot as long as you have a rack for your jars.
Mason Jars
Depending on what you are canning & how much you are preparing, all depends on how many jars you will need for preserving.
Example: When I am preparing & canning strawberry jam, I am using three pounds of strawberries; I will need six 12-oz jars.
Jar Lifter, Ladle & Canning Funnel
The jar lifter makes lifting your jars from the hot water bath easy. You will need a ladle to pour your food into the jar. Using a funnel to ladle or spoon your liquid will make it much easier without all the mess.
Tea Towels
You can use any clean hand towels, but I prefer tea towels. You will need the towels to clean the rims of the jars before sealing them. Any food left on the rim wall causes the jar to seal incorrectly. In addition, you will also want to place your hot jars on a towel. Placing hot jars directly on a cold counter could cause the jars to break.
Seals & Bands
As a precaution, you should not use seals already used for sealing. Bands over & over as long as they are not rusted or bent. If you have purchased new mason jars, they come with new seals & bands.
Small Wooden Stick or Rubber Spatula
Once you have filled the jars, you will also need to use a wooden or plastic stick to release any air bubbles in your jars. Do not use metal as it can cause the jars to break.
Step-by-step Process for Preparing Your Jars for Simple Water Bath Canning
- Place jars and fill your canner with enough water to cover your glass jars, about an inch over your jars.
- Once a rolling boil has been achieved, turn to medium heat and continue to boil for ten minutes.
- This process will sterilize your jars.
- After sterilizing the jars, use the mason jar lifter, carefully empty the hot water back into the canner, and place the jar on the clean towel.
- Wash seals & bands in hot, soapy water and dry well. Set aside.
TIP: After many years of research on the Ball website, it has been determined that preheating Ball® and Kerr® lids is no longer necessary. The sealing compound used for our home canning lids also performs at room temperature when preheated in simmering water (180°F).
Basics of Water Bath Canning Process Instructions for Safe and Successful Preservation
- After you fill your hot jars with filling, use a clean towel and wipe the rim of the jar before placing the seal on top. Add the ring bands, finger-tight.
- Now that your jars have been filled & sealed, place the jars in the canner. Water needs to cover the jars by 1-2 inches. Place the lid on the water bath canner and bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Place your filled jars back in the hot water canner and following the processing time indicated on your recipe.
- After the process has ended, the jars should stay in the canner for five minutes to be acclimated to the outside temperature.
- Move jars from the canner using the lifter and set them upright on a towel. Leave jars undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. Do not retighten bands, as this may interfere with the sealing process.
- Now that your jars have been undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours, inspect the lids for proper sealing. There should also be no flex on the seal when you press the center. If the lid moves or pops up and down, it may indicate a false seal, which means the jar did not seal correctly and should be refrigerated and used promptly.
- Next, remove the bands and attempt to lift the lids off with your fingertips. Properly sealed lids will remain attached. If the seal fails to seal correctly within 24 hours, immediately refrigerate the product.
- Take a damp cloth and wipe down your jars of food.
- Label and store your jars in a cool, dry, dark place for 12-18 months.
Disclaimer: I am not an expert in water bath canning or canning for food preservation, nor do I claim to be as well. I am sharing my experience from what I have researched & learned about simple water bath canning.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Leave the recommended headspace:
*¼ inch for jams, jellies, and juices
*½ inch for pickles, fruits, and tomatoes
*Proper headspace helps create a strong seal.
For best results, letting jars sit for 5 minutes after boiling helps them adjust to the temperature outside the canner and reduces the risk of siphoning (when liquid escapes the jar).
Once jars have cooled for 12–24 hours:
*Press the center of the lid—it shouldn’t flex.
*Remove the ring and gently lift the lid. A good seal will hold the lid in place.
If a jar didn’t seal, refrigerate it and use it within a few days.
Final Thoughts…
Water bath canning is a rewarding and practical way to preserve your favorite high-acid foods at home. With just a few basic tools and patience, you can enjoy garden-fresh flavors all year.
Whether making jam from summer berries or putting up jars of homemade pickles, following the proper canning process ensures safety and delicious results.
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