Collection: Canning Lids
The Advantages of Using Canning Lids
What are canning lids? Canning lids are a winner's protective cover to help prevent contamination and prolong the processing of jams, jellies, sauces, soups, or other food materials. A thick, clear lid is suggested by all the canning societies because it allows proper ventilation and even preserves heat. The recommended lid material is silicone.
The two-piece lid or jar style dinner is considered the more common style used today. It has a one-piece lid that fits inside the second lid. This lid then fits over the original lid to keep the contents cool. The advantage of this style of canner is the ease of opening the lid and removing the contents from the jar. You just unscrew the two lids, separate them, and use them to fill the jars or to remove the jars from the canner.
However, one of the disadvantages of using this style of lid is that the jars may be too heavy for some families and individuals. The disadvantage of using these type of lids is that it does not allow the jars to breathe. A winner without a water bath is very different from a standard pot and pan style. These jars have a top of thin glass or plastic, a rim of clear or colored plastic, and a bottom of heavy glass or plastic or polyethylene film.
In comparison, the recommended lid for pressure canner which is called a semi-reactive or sealed canner has a much higher opening pressure and significantly lowers boiling times than a normal sized can. It also provides an extra degree of protection against contamination from airborne bacteria and viruses. The recommended lid is a two-piece can be made of clear or colored vinyl with a latex ring or flange on the bottom. These lids have a lower opening pressure than the sealed or semi-reactive canners because they do not use a top heavy material.
Canning of fresh fruits and vegetables requires both water bath and lid seal techniques to retain the quality of the product. Because of these two common techniques, there are four classifications of lids for canned products. The first is a water bath. It is recommended for all households with at least one canner. This type of lid allows steam to ventilate canning jars which prevents steam from reaching the food. A water bath is suggested for individuals with high ceilings and apartments.
The second type of canning lid is the recommended lid for pressure canner and commercial canning. This style is called a pressure sensitive lid. This lid reacts to pressure or heat, preventing the canning process from being stopped prematurely due to pressure. It is very different than a traditional canning lid.
The third type is a lidded canning lid, which has a slit on each side and is designed specifically for lids. This type of lid is recommended for families who want to prepare fresh foods. This style of lid also maintains product's freshness longer. The lids also help you visually inspect your products for color, clarity and texture.
The fourth type is called the canning rack. It is a type of frame that holds lids upside down and also protects them from spill or contamination. They are best used when you have less access to your containers. They also make it easier to handle large cans since they take up less space than most lids. This type of lid also keeps hot liquids from moving around in the can.
Canning is an easy and safe process. However, canners require proper storage and handling to assure proper product safety. A lid must be placed over the can before it undergoes any processing so as to prevent contamination. A winner's food grade lid is recommended for these purposes. Heat and pressure will kill bacteria before the product goes into storage. Food should always be frozen at cold temperatures.
If you are a new canner, you need to know which lid works best for you. There are five types of lids for canning: airtight canning lids, plastic lids, heat sealed lids, glass jars with tight lids, and glass jars without tight lids. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. You can choose which among these works best for your kind of food and the kind of containers you are going to store. The materials may also differ depending on the lid material.
Food preparation has never been easy. It has been made easier and more convenient with the advent of canning. Your task now is to choose from the many kinds of lids for safe and quick storing. These lids are very essential in preserving your family's favorite foods and keeping them in the safest manner for years to come. With proper care, these lids can last for years.