|
Tue, Feb 4, 14 at 21:01
| I remembered that I was supposed to move some kind of utensil around the edge of the jars to get rid of bubbles before sealing them, but I forgot it was supposed to be plastic or wooden, and I used a metal butter knife. What is the reasoning behind plastic or wood, and did I do anything "bad" by using metal? Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
- Posted by readinglady z8 OR (My Page) on Tue, Feb 4, 14 at 22:54
| It's just that the risk of scratching and thus weakening the glass is greater with metal. Obviously, over time the likelihood of that jar fracturing during the canning process is increased. So it's not a "sin" to use a metal implement but wood or plastic is less risky. Carol |
|
| Thanks, Carol! |
|
| Highly unlikely that you will scratch this jar - it is tempered glass. I use a plain old metal spoon and have, in 45 years of canning, never scratched the glass. Me thinks it is one of those old wives tales that never dies. There is an issue of the nickle in the composite of metal table spoons that perhaps this was born of -- or, perhaps of using a silver plate or sterling spoon that would certainly compromise any acidic ingredient to toxic levels. Nancy |
|
| Very interesting, Nancy. I always like the idea of ferreting out old wives tales (or urban myths as they now seem to be called). Thanks! |
|
| Hot tempered glass can be easily shattered if struck just right with any pointed metal utensil. It's heat tolerance is relatively low. Be it an auto windshield or a canning jar. And it doesn't even require much force to do it. Thus the jar manufacturer's recommendation to use only plastic or wood utensils in them. If you have never had it happen to you then count your blessings. :) Dave |
|
| Okay -- I'm going with plastic. Who would think there could be so much info about such a small point in canning! |
|
- Posted by readinglady z8 OR (My Page) on Fri, Feb 7, 14 at 22:26
| If you wish to check further the Virginia Tech document at the link re-iterates the recommendation to avoid metal. I might add that statistically one person's experience, even 45-years' worth, is not sufficient to disprove a point. Carol |
Here is a link that might be useful: Boiling Water Bath Canning
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Harvest Forum
Information about Posting
- You must be logged in to post a message. Once you are logged in, a posting window will appear at the bottom of the messages. If you are not a member, please register for an account.
- Please review our Rules of Play before posting.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review your post, make changes and upload photos.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- Before posting copyrighted material, please read about Copyright and Fair Use.
- We have a strict no-advertising policy!
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.
Learn more about in-text links on this page here
