Canning lids and/or rings... does it matter?

by Denise
(Forestville, CA)

My mother-in-law recently gave me preserves she canned with the ring tops removed. I always leave them on. Which way is best? I've seen them stored both ways. Thanks!
_________________

Denise,

This is a matter of personal choice. I prefer (and the USDA recommends) to store my jars without the rings. If there is any moisture on the rings they are likely to rust and may be difficult to remove. I reuse the rings on future loads of canning.

There are folks who like to store the jars with the rings on. I've heard the reasoning that they feel safer that the rings will hold the seal on the jar better.

My feeling on this is: If the jar is going to loose it's seal... I'd just as soon have the lid come off. If the ring is not there the lid should be noticeably loose. That way there is no doubt whether the seal is solidly in place when I go to open it.

I'd love to hear from others on this topic. How about an informal poll. Leave a comment, do you leave the rings on? Or off? And why?

Comments for
Canning lids and/or rings... does it matter?

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Jan 03, 2012
 I take them off
by: fay

I have been canning a little over 2 years now, and I always take the rings off. If the lid is loose, I certainly don't want to eat it's contents!
Jun 23, 2011
 Canning Lids or Rings
by: Sassy

I only started canning 2 years ago, but I did much research and with canning well over 200 jars I've learned alot by trial and error. I have caught loosened lids before storing and reprocessed or used it right away. I've had only 1 jar that started mold after being on the shelf. Not bad odds at all.

Always wipe clean the rim after filling you jar. It's helpful to have flat lids set in warm water before placing them on your jars. This softens the rubber and will help it seal most effectively.

When screwing on your rings or band, they should be "fingertip tight"; not too loose, and not too tight. The job of the ring is to hold the lid in place while the jar is being processed. Once your jars are processed, and have cooled for 24 hours, you can remove the rings and clean jars for storage. At this point you should be able to tell if you have a failed seal. You will notice that as jars cool the ring loosens more and should be easy to remove.

Do not retighten lids after processing jars. As jars cool, the contents in the jar contract, pulling the self-sealing lid firmly against the jar to form a high vacuum. Do not rely on a tightened ring to do the job, you may have more problems later down the road.

Screw bands are not needed on stored jars. Screw bands may be used many times. If left on stored jars, they become difficult to remove, often rust and may not work properly again.

There are many sites to read on the process here is just one:

http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/how/general/recomm_jars_lids.html

Sassy








Jun 23, 2011
 no rings~
by: daisha

i take the rings off. i want to reuse then and you can not reuse a rusty ring.

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