Moisture in Canning Jars Before Processing

Today’s canning question pertains to moisture in canning jars: “You mentioned keeping your jars and lids warm in hot water before you fill them. Is there a problem with the moisture on the lids and the jars?”

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Moisture in Canning Jars Before Processing

Video Transcript (Edited for Clarity)

So today’s Canning Chat question comes from Kristi. She asks, “Hi. I feel silly asking, but your website is the most informative and least overwhelming that I’ve come across. I’m going to try canning for the first time. I’m trying to educate myself well beforehand. I feel pretty confident except for one thing. You mentioned keeping the bottles and lids warm in hot water. I am planning on canning apple butter. If there’s moisture from the water in the jar or on the lid, will that affect the apple butter? Should I be worried?”

So the first thing I want to say is, no question is a dumb question! I would much rather people ask canning questions than just make assumptions and just go with it, not really knowing what they’re doing. So I am very confident that Kristi is going to do fine with her home canning, because she’s asking the canning questions and she’s educating herself. I’m really, really pleased with that. And also, thank you, Kristi, so much for your nice comments on Simply Canning, because least overwhelming? That’s exactly what I’m trying to do.

No, the condensation of water in your canning jars or on your lids is not going to affect your apple butter. And it’s the same with any other product. You want to keep things warm so that you have that hot jar going into your hot canner. Water is not going to affect it in the least little bit. So keep those jars warm, get your product in there, and enjoy your apple butter.

I hope that was helpful. You guys have a wonderful day. Don’t hold back on asking questions, even if you think they might be dumb. I appreciate you. You guys have a wonderful weekend and happy canning. We’ll talk to you later.