How Canning Preserves Foods

* Exported from MasterCook *

HOW CANNING PRESERVES FOODS

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Canning Information

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
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***** NONE *****

The high percentage of water in most fresh foods makes
them very perishable. They spoil or lose their quality
for several reasons:

* growth of undesirable microorganisms- bacteria,
molds, and yeasts, * activity of food enzymes,
* reactions with oxygen,
* moisture loss.

Microorganisms live and multiply quickly on the
surfaces of fresh food and on the inside of bruised,
insect-damaged, and diseased food. Oxygen and enzymes
are present throughout fresh food tissues. Proper
canning practices include:

* carefully selecting and washing fresh food,
* peeling some fresh foods,
* hot packing many foods,
* adding acids (lemon juice or vinegar) to some foods,
* using acceptable jars and self-sealing lids,
* processing jars in a boiling-water or pressure
canner for the correct period of time.

Collectively, these practices remove oxygen; destroy
enzymes; prevent the growth of undesirable bacteria,
yeasts, and molds; and help form a high vacuum in
jars. Good vacuums form tight seals which keep liquid
in and air and microorganisms out.

ÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿÿ ÿ * USDA Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539
(rev. 1994) * Meal-Master format courtesy of Karen
Mintzias



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