Food preservation

The photo of the jar of tomato sauce in the letters to the editor section of the Nov/Dec 2011 edition is still a poor example of proper jar filling.  The head space must be measured from the very top of the jar, not 1/2" below the bottom of the jar neck.

The liquid in the jar pictured should be just about at the junction of the body of the jar and the neck of the jar. Use a ruler or a headspace gauge available from companies that produce home canning equipment.

If you need help in learning proper home canning techniques, I suggest you check for classes or information at your local Cooperative Extension office and don't follow the examples pictured in Fine Gardening.  I love Fine Gardening, but the editors/writer of the food preservation article flunked this one!

Susan Schoneweis, MS RD/LD

Horticulturist & K-State Extension Agent- Nutrition & Health

Fort Riley, KS

(and 1979 Kansas 4-H Food preservation champion :)  )