Press down on the cover handles to compress the sealing ring and make the cover easier to close. The cover has the words CLOSE V OPEN embossed on the top surface near a cover handle. Align the V mark on the cover with the V mark on the body handle for proper cover and body alignment (Fig. I). Turn the cover in the direction indicated to close (clockwise) until the cover handles are centered directly above body handles. Do not rotate cover beyond this
point.
When the cover is rotated to the closed position, the air vent/cover lock passes under the locking bracket. When the handles are aligned, one over the other, the pressure regulator is placed on the vent pipe, and heat is applied, pressure will begin to build within the canner. At this point, the air vent/cover lock lifts and locks the unit. The cover will remain locked as long as there is pressure in the canner. When pressure is completely reduced, the air vent/cover lock drops allowing the canner to be opened (Fig. J).
If the cover is not rotated sufficiently (cover handles directly above body handles), the air vent/cover lock will only raise slightly and steam will continue to flow from it, preventing pressure from building.
to close.
Cover
Handle
Body Handle
Fig. I
The pressure regulator is placed on the vent pipe following the
UNLOCKED
Fig. J
Air Vent/Cover Lock
in DOWN Position.
No Pressure in Unit.
LOCKED
Air Vent/Cover
Lock in UP Position.
Pressure in Unit.
To reduce pressure at the end of the canning period, turn
burner off and remove the canner from the heat source. Pressure is completely reduced when the air vent/cover lock has dropped and no steam escapes when the pressure regulator is tilted. Do not remove the pressure regulator until pressure is completely reduced. Always remove the pressure regulator before opening canner.
If the air vent/cover lock remains in its raised position, there may still be pressure in the canner. Do not remove the pressure regulator until the air vent/cover lock drops and no steam escapes when the pressure regulator is tilted. The cover should not be forced open. You may tap the air vent/cover lock lightly with a spoon. If pressure is present, steam will escape and the air vent/cover lock will pop back up. Continue to cool the canner until the air vent/cover lock drops.
HELPFUL HINT: To help yourself understand the operation of the pressure canner and cooker, pour 4 cups of water into the canner and follow the
PRESSURE CANNING
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends the pressure canner as being the only safe method for canning low acid
There are invisible microrganisms present all around us. Fruits, vegetables, and meat contain these microrganisms naturally, and yet, they are not a problem unless food is left to sit for extended periods of time, causing food spoilage. This is nature’s way of telling us when food is no longer fit to eat.
There are four basic agents of food
Bacteria, however are not as easily destroyed. The bacteria, Clostridium botulinum produces a spore that makes a poisonous toxin which causes botulism. This spore is not destroyed at 212°F. In addition, the bacteria thrive on low acids in the absence of air. For a safe food product, low acid foods need to be processed at 240°, which can be achieved only with a pressure canner.
In pressure canning, some of the water in the pressure canner is converted to steam, which creates pressure within the canner. As pressure increases, temperature increases, 5 pounds
As a safeguard against using canned foods which may be affected with spoilage that is not readily detected, boil all low acid foods and tomatoes for 10 minutes at altitudes below 1,000 feet. Extend the boiling time by 1 minute for each 1,000 foot increase in altitude.
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