Open Kettle (BBB) | Chickens in the Road

Feb
28

What is open kettle canning–and why isn’t it safe? That question arises often as new canners are sometimes confused either by vague memories of how their grandmothers canned or by posts or comments on message boards all over the internet where people still talk about using this method. While I love many old-fashioned ways, reviving former methods of canning isn’t a good idea. We know more now about the science of canning than our grandmothers did. And while they lived to tell about it, that doesn’t mean it was safe and doesn’t mean that sometimes people didn’t get sick from it. Our grandmas did the best they could with the information and guidance that was available at the time. So should we.

Open kettle canning is a method of filling boiling hot jars with boiling hot food then adding the lid and cap. Let the jars sit and cool–and the lid seals. (This is sometimes combined with turning the jar upside down.)

A seal does usually form in this method, so what’s wrong with it? In open kettle canning, the food doesn’t reach a high enough temperature to destroy the molds, yeasts, and other bacterial toxins that can cause illness.

Be safe. Take the extra step of placing your jars in the canner and process them either by a boiling water bath or the pressure method, depending on the type of food, for the time recommended by modern, tested guidelines.

And here’s a great resource for more information on safe canning!

***

It’s a Ball Blue Book Project day! Today’s Ball Blue Book is sponsored by an anonymous donor who wants you to LiveLoveLaugh and CAN!

For a chance to win: Leave a comment on this post and let me know you want it. You can just put (BBB) at the end of your comment or otherwise note that you want to be in the draw. One winner will be drawn by random comment number to receive a Ball Blue Book. Eligible entry cut-off is midnight Eastern (U.S.) time tonight (February 28). This post will be updated with the winner by 9 a.m. Eastern (U.S.) time tomorrow (March 1). Return to this post to claim your book if your name is drawn (or check the BBB Winners List).

Find out more about the Ball Blue Book Project and become a sponsor.

UPDATE 03/01/11: The winning comment number, drawn by random.org, is #146, Stephanie. Email me at CITRgiveaways(at)yahoo.com with your full name and address for shipping!

More posts you might enjoy:

149 Responses
RSS feed for comments on this post | TrackBack this post

2-28
1:54
am

Please enter me.

laurajenkins

Flag this comment
2-28
3:04
am

Botulism is not your friend

BBB

Howard

Flag this comment
2-28
3:57
am

Yes, BBB please!!

Richelle

Flag this comment
2-28
4:40
am

BBB please!
Wow, you really don’t know what you don’t know! I so need to read up on this.

Rachel

Flag this comment
2-28
4:45
am

Learning something new every day — BBB please — thanks

Jean - MN

Flag this comment
2-28
5:20
am

BBB please

Barbara at AtLast

Flag this comment
2-28
5:56
am

I keep trying to win a BBB…maybe this time!!

Roz

Flag this comment
2-28
6:31
am

BBB, please!

Kathy in FL

Flag this comment
2-28
6:33
am

I’ve never used this method any canning, nor do I remember my mother nor grandmothers using it either. As a matter of fact, I use my grandmother’s All-American pressure canner now for all my canning. I wouldn’t use any other method due to safety reasons. It’s not as scary as you might think if you never used a pressure canner – just don’t push the release valve up until its on ZERO lbs of pressure!

Trudy

Flag this comment
2-28
6:35
am

OH, yes…BBB for me….

Trudy

Flag this comment
2-28
6:43
am

BBB Please

jim

Flag this comment
2-28
6:59
am

Well I’ve sponsored a giveaway so now maybe I’ll win one?! LOL! Enter me in the BBB please!

Carmen at Old House Kitchen

Flag this comment
2-28
7:09
am

BBB pretty please.

Anke

Flag this comment
2-28
7:21
am

BBB, please!

GaPeach

Flag this comment
2-28
7:22
am

WOW! How generous! This would be a great prize to win! Enter me please!!!!!

debby68

Flag this comment
2-28
7:27
am

me too, enter me!

Ever heard of canning and then placing jars in oven to seal?
Seems it’s done alot up here in Canada.
Is it safe?

Phyllis

rephiddy

Flag this comment
2-28
7:37
am

BBB please

Teresa

Flag this comment
2-28
7:42
am

I’ve heard other people talk about that type of canning and just hearing about it I always wondered about the bacteria and all.

I’m not an experienced canner so I’d love to have a BBB!!

Renee

Flag this comment
2-28
7:53
am

would love the chance to win…BBB

justdeborah2002

Flag this comment
2-28
8:01
am

BBB please

Mary Fran

Flag this comment
2-28
8:03
am

please enter me in the BBB book drawing!!!!!! thanks!!

BBB BBB BBB BBB !!!!!!!!

rain

Flag this comment
2-28
8:06
am

Phyllis, no, the oven method is not recommended.

Suzanne McMinn

Flag this comment
2-28
8:08
am

BBB please. Thanks!

Lee in KY

Flag this comment
2-28
8:11
am

I’d love to win it.

Connie

Flag this comment
2-28
8:12
am

I also remember my Grandmother telling me about people who died from food poisoning and gotsick from keeping acidic foods in tin. Better safe than sorry.

Please pick me me me for the BBB BBB BBB !!!

I know Random.org picks the winners so they don’t care about the dancing emoticons, but they are cute.

Tx Aggiemom

Flag this comment
2-28
8:16
am

I freaked there for a second Suzanne! I use kettles! That are open! For canning! But I always water bath. I use kettles because the burners on my stove are too small to heat the honking big canner that I have that was my Grandmother’s. I just need to get a smaller canner I think. :-)

I’ve always wondered about the non-water bath method and have always been very gun shy of it. The last thing I want to do is give my family food poisoning with my jam! :-)

I’ve heard of using the oven to can, but it seems to be not as safe as water bath method.

I’d love a BBB very much!

Kari

Flag this comment
2-28
8:16
am

Yes please a BBB.

sam

Flag this comment
2-28
8:23
am

please, please, please, enter me

Melissa (N4M)

Flag this comment
2-28
8:25
am

Please enter me for the BBB.

langela

Flag this comment
2-28
8:26
am

I am hopeful that it’s ME to win the BBB!

Gem

Flag this comment
2-28
8:33
am

Would love to have a BBB!

Debbie

Flag this comment
2-28
8:35
am

I’d like the BBB.

Amanda

Flag this comment
2-28
8:42
am

BBB Thanks for another chance!

Ladychef

Flag this comment
2-28
8:43
am

The first canning I ever did was this way! An excellent peach butter recipe cooked in crockpot. I just this year have seen online that this is a no no. Thanks!

Sally

Flag this comment
2-28
8:43
am

BBB, please!

Renee

Flag this comment
2-28
8:46
am

little hope of actually winning, but BBB please!

kindigo27

Flag this comment
2-28
8:49
am

I would love the BBB!

Pam

Flag this comment
2-28
8:55
am

I would love to win the BBB!

Brittany P. aka Savanna's mama

Flag this comment
2-28
8:56
am

Me too! Sign me up!

Leah's Mom

Flag this comment
2-28
9:02
am

BBB me please!

Come on Random Draw ~ pick me!!

Debra

Flag this comment
2-28
9:05
am

Ooohh – I was going to ask about the oven method. I guess I got my answer – thanks for great information here! BBB please!

prayingpup

Flag this comment
2-28
9:06
am

I’ve heard of that method of canning before, but don’t think I could ever do it myself. It didn’t sound safe even before I was interested in canning.

BBB please!

Patricialynn

Flag this comment
2-28
9:12
am

BBB Please!!!

Carol H.

Flag this comment
2-28
9:12
am

would love a bbb please!

Teri

Flag this comment
2-28
9:18
am

I want it! I want it! I want it! Yes! BBB!

Sherry Thompson

Flag this comment
2-28
9:19
am

BBB for me i hope…

iowacowgirl

Flag this comment
2-28
9:25
am

BBB Please.

Kat J. - Arizona

Flag this comment
2-28
9:29
am

One thing you didn’t mention when you were being Mammy Jane was the incredible amount of work that went into preserving as well as growing and cooking food. Imagine it’s tomato season and you’ve got a big batch of luscious ripe tomatoes–too many to eat day to day. And a mess of beans. And the cucumbers are coming along great. Its a cool day of only 90 degrees outside so you start that kettle boiling–filling the house with steam, haul out your canning jars and start to work over the wood stove. Send the boys out to chop more wood and have the girls start chopping vegetables. You’re there in your long skirt cooking, filling, canning. Lord Almighty those were tough women! Why is it that the vegetables always seem to ripen during the hottest times?

Since I’m not my grandma (who miraculously had numerous children and lived to be 94), I’d like a copy of the BBB.

Joy (from Illinois)

Flag this comment
2-28
9:31
am

Please enter me too! Thanks!

Cindy

Flag this comment
2-28
9:32
am

I remember as a child we would open can jellies. It was the recipe that was either in a cook book or in the pectin box. I always give our small half pint jars of jelly at least 10 minutes in a water bath. BBB

Peggy

Flag this comment
2-28
9:36
am

bbb me please

Denise

Flag this comment
2-28
9:39
am

BBB. I love having jars of home canned food on my shelves – I know everything in each jar because I put it there. I love the simplicity and no strange ingredients in home canning.

Glenie

Flag this comment
2-28
9:40
am

I hadn’t even thought of that as a possible method. I can see where, prior to the better understanding, this would seem to be a suitable solution. Thankfully we have made strong progress in that area. Thanks again for all the wonderful info your site brings!(BBB)

Nathan B

Flag this comment
2-28
9:40
am

BBB please!

Katie

Flag this comment
2-28
9:42
am

I would love this. Enter me please! BBB.

Emandeli

Flag this comment
2-28
9:43
am

BBB….please! Loving all the Mammy Jane posts!

KentuckyFarmGirl

Flag this comment
2-28
9:49
am

Good to know. Please pick me for BBB.

Deb Klenke

Flag this comment
2-28
9:50
am

Me, please!

Linda T.

Flag this comment
2-28
9:50
am

BBB please!

Gerry

Flag this comment
2-28
9:52
am

I’ve never done any canning, Although my Mom did, but reading all of these posts has inspired me to try it. I would love to have a copy of the BBB to get started – thanks!

judithann

Flag this comment
2-28
9:54
am

I want that BBB and I’ll keep trying until I win one! Thanks for offering them!

Christina Bredenkamp

Flag this comment
2-28
9:55
am

Great one! BBB please.

lilac wolf

Flag this comment
2-28
9:59
am

I just did my first canning in over 20 years, boiling water bath, and it turned out great. Yum, orange marmalade. I need a BBB to remind me if I did it right!!

annabel52

Flag this comment
2-28
10:01
am

Oh, I’d love to get this book! Can’t wait until I’m moved onto our farm and can start preserving for the winter :-) BBB!

Heidi

Flag this comment
2-28
10:06
am

I love canning! BBB

Jayme

Flag this comment
2-28
10:09
am

Enjoy your site. So much good and entertaining information. Thank you for your efforts. Would love the BBB!

Kathy Chaney

Flag this comment
2-28
10:16
am

BBB me please!

LisaAJB

Flag this comment
2-28
10:28
am

Would love to win a BBB Thanks for the opportunity!

Lynette

Flag this comment
2-28
10:30
am

Exploding jars of peaches!! That I remember. Just like in the movie “Christmas In Connecticut”! lol BBB

Nancy Stickler

Flag this comment
2-28
10:35
am

BBB,please!!!

cricketjett

Flag this comment
2-28
10:36
am

BBB please?

Zusiqu

Flag this comment
2-28
10:37
am

I can the proper way and I would like the BBB please!

Carrie Johnston

Flag this comment
2-28
10:39
am

Would love to give this a go! Please enter me for BBB-Thanks!

windspiritwhimsies

Flag this comment
2-28
10:44
am

BBB please!

Lacey

Flag this comment
2-28
10:46
am

I would love to have the BBB.

CrystalGB

Flag this comment
2-28
10:52
am

Yay! BBB! count me in!

Andrea Pierce

Flag this comment
2-28
10:55
am

If I had my own canning book I could stop slopping all over the library’s copy. BBB please!

Debbie R

Flag this comment
2-28
10:55
am

Love entering contests, BBB, pls!

Tammy F

Flag this comment
2-28
11:04
am

Thanks. I can in very small amounts and always process them in the water bath only because somewhere, deep in my memory of when I learned to can as a young thing, I thought that was what I needed to do. Thank you for the clarification.

hollygee

Flag this comment
2-28
11:12
am

BBB me please!!!

BethAnn

Flag this comment
2-28
11:13
am

There is a difference in open kettle and boiling water bath. Open kettle is not safe—period!! Boiling water bath is certainly used for very high acid foods, as tomatoes, pickles and jellies. We have all learned a lot from Suzanne and this blog, Dede is my hero when it comes to canning, there are a lot more very smart canners here and they have helped me.

JeannieB

Flag this comment
2-28
11:24
am

BBB please! just made crock pot yogurt and love it! thanks.

jlc16

Flag this comment
2-28
11:26
am

Oh, I would love the BBB!!!

Kathi J

Flag this comment
2-28
11:40
am

I would really like to own the BBB!

Mark Garner

Flag this comment
2-28
11:56
am

Ooh. I want to start canning this year!

BBB

Angela Law

Flag this comment
2-28
11:58
am

Pleeeeeez BBB me!

Tina

Flag this comment
2-28
12:01
pm

thanks to this site, I am learning to be self sufficient in many ways. Thank you all for all of the informative adivise. I would love to win this book.
BBB

Bambi Tomaszewski

Flag this comment
2-28
12:09
pm

BBB, please and thanks.

Melanie

Flag this comment
2-28
12:09
pm

I would like to win this book, BBB.

Diane

Flag this comment
2-28
12:19
pm

Yes, please!

Michelle

Flag this comment
2-28
12:19
pm

BBB please!

zeitgewandt

Flag this comment
2-28
12:32
pm

Yes please! BBB

Sarah

Flag this comment
2-28
12:36
pm

I’m still trying to talk my brother out of this method. Mom taught him, that’s the way she always did it, so therefore that’s the way he does it! He needs a new BBB (he’s still using the 1983).

CindyP

Flag this comment
2-28
12:36
pm

Not sure I will ever get this book but it is worth a try! BBB please.

Jamie Dome

Flag this comment
2-28
12:38
pm

really need this book….hubby is getting tired of finding pages printed off of computer

Mim

Flag this comment
2-28
12:38
pm

I had a canning party this weekend! BBB

Gini

Flag this comment
2-28
12:41
pm

BBB
I would love to try my hand at canning and would love this book

Lynda Blackmon

Flag this comment
2-28
12:44
pm

BBB please. I’ve love to start making my own jams.

Susan W

Flag this comment
2-28
12:56
pm

I’ve got an old BBB, but would love to have an updated one. Thanks for the opportunity

Karen

Flag this comment
2-28
1:17
pm

Today’s my lucky day – c’mon BBB!

Jeanne

Flag this comment
2-28
1:18
pm

I have still so much to learn. A big help would be a BBB!

Clarissa

Flag this comment
2-28
1:28
pm

Never stop learning about canning! BBB please!

Terri Draeger

Flag this comment
2-28
1:35
pm

I would love a copy of the BBB for my daughter who is in her own first home. Thank you!

Tracy

Flag this comment
2-28
1:45
pm

BBB please!

Laurie

Flag this comment
2-28
1:50
pm

Sign me up for the BBB.

marymac

Flag this comment
2-28
1:52
pm

I would love an updated copy of the Blue Ball Book (BBB)!

Esther L.

Flag this comment
2-28
1:52
pm

Hats off to pioneer women!! BBB Please

geena22

Flag this comment
2-28
1:53
pm

Thanks for all of your tips. BBB

Joy

Flag this comment
2-28
1:59
pm

Did my 1st canning last summer…still have TONS to learn!
Thanks for the opportunity!

BBB~please~

Beverly

Flag this comment
2-28
2:11
pm

I entered already but do not see my post here now…anyway, would love to have the BBB! Thanks, Suzanne and “anonymous donor”.

brookdale

Flag this comment
2-28
2:31
pm

My husband would think aliens had taken over my body if I didn’t can. I can’t imagine not canning something! I think a refresher course in proper canning methods would be good for me. I started canning 34 years ago!

BBB please!

Pamela Adkins

Flag this comment
2-28
2:41
pm

I would love to win a bbb..

melody

Flag this comment
2-28
2:45
pm

PLEASE pick for for the BBB!!!

Sheepie~Girl

Flag this comment
2-28
2:58
pm

BBB please!

Kristen A

Flag this comment
2-28
3:15
pm

This is the greatest site I have ever found. I’m a newbie to the site, but not to canning. I usually just do the basics……beans, peaches, corn, and cabbage sometimes. Please enter me.

Heather

BBB

Heather

Flag this comment
2-28
3:17
pm

Seems like I remember jams and jellies done in an open kettle and sealed with paraffin. It is amazing any of us children of the ’50′s or earlier lived to tell about it.

lavenderblue

Flag this comment
2-28
3:30
pm

Cant wait for gardens and canning. Please pick me BBB.
Marj

Marj O'Halleran

Flag this comment
2-28
3:36
pm

I’d love to win the BBB!

Amy

Flag this comment
2-28
3:37
pm

Cant wait for gardening and canning! Pick me BBB
Marj

marjohalleran

Flag this comment
2-28
3:46
pm

Love all the info on canning as I am a newbie…
BBB please

rivergirl

Flag this comment
2-28
3:50
pm

yes! BBB please!

PastryCupcake

Flag this comment
2-28
4:21
pm

BBB, please!

Bonnie Schmidt

Flag this comment
2-28
4:30
pm

BBB Drawing

Oooooo….I am new to canning and have been told by many that I really need this BBB as it’s the canning bible! So please enter me in the BBB drawing.

Brandy Piercefield

Flag this comment
2-28
4:31
pm

I can remember open canning with my mom and being worried even then because I’d read we should be using pressure!

BBB

Piper

Flag this comment
2-28
4:37
pm

I would love to win a BBB please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Linda Goble

Flag this comment
2-28
4:42
pm

BBB, please!

Megan

Flag this comment
2-28
5:21
pm

BBB Please

Mark

Flag this comment
2-28
5:23
pm

Please enter me for a BBB.
Thanks Janice

Janice Jewett

Flag this comment
2-28
5:33
pm

This is one thing that I DO know about canning. But I’d like to learn more from the BBB please!

Martha in KS

Flag this comment
2-28
6:29
pm

BBB please!!! I’d love this book. I’m a VERY beginning canner and this would be beyond helpful!

Robyn

Flag this comment
2-28
6:38
pm

BBB me please!!!

farmershae

Flag this comment
2-28
7:01
pm

BBB,please.

patrice

Flag this comment
2-28
7:05
pm

Thank you for this opportunity to win a BBB.

Candace Gammel

Flag this comment
2-28
7:30
pm

I don’t know of anyone still using this method of canning, but I do know of someone who uses a steam canner. I like that it uses a lot less water, but I don’t believe that this is recommended anymore, either. It’s best to be safe!
BBB, please.

LeAnn

Flag this comment
2-28
7:48
pm

BBB please!

Kathleen H in Indiana

Flag this comment
2-28
8:01
pm

My friend told me they seal sometimes like that. Thanks for the info. BBB

Barbara W

Flag this comment
2-28
8:43
pm

I would love to get this BBB.

Alison Yusufzai

Flag this comment
2-28
8:45
pm

BBB please! Never too old to learn a few new tricks. Thanks to you and your mysterious generous one and BBB for this opportunity to win BBB!

k's grandma

Flag this comment
2-28
8:45
pm

I still open kettle my fruits and my tomatoes…been doing it for 30 years and never have a problem….BBB please.

Luann

Flag this comment
2-28
9:00
pm

BBB please.

Darlene in North Ga

Flag this comment
2-28
9:36
pm

BBB please!

Amy H

Flag this comment
2-28
9:44
pm

THANK YOU, Suzanne and the annymous donor for the BBB drawing. Please include me in it!

BBB

Shar

Flag this comment
2-28
9:45
pm

I need a new BBB, mine is used and abused. Last week I canned chickens, beef and navy beans.I love canning!

Paula Clark

Flag this comment
2-28
10:14
pm

BBB please!

Sarah Beth

Flag this comment
2-28
10:15
pm

I’ve been scouting used book stores and thrift stores waiting for this book to appear with no luck. It would be wonderful to win BBB

Sally

Flag this comment
2-28
10:24
pm

Enjoy your site, BBB

Stephanie

Flag this comment
2-28
10:28
pm

BBB please! With any luck, this might be the year that I get to plant some vegetables & can them!

Pam C

Flag this comment
2-28
11:24
pm

Thank you for all the good info (BBB)

Kayli

Flag this comment
2-28
11:36
pm

Wise advice, thanks for bringing up this type of canning and food safety.

Patti Jarrett

Flag this comment

Registration is required to leave a comment on this site. You may register here. (You can use this same username on the forum as well.) Already registered? Login here.

Discussion is encouraged, and differing opinions are welcome. However, please don't say anything your grandmother would be ashamed to read. If you see an objectionable comment, you may flag it for moderation. If you write an objectionable comment, be aware that it may be flagged--and deleted. I'm glad you're here. Welcome to our community!