AboutKindred Beisinger penname K D Elizabeth Beisinger Expertise I can answer questions about natural gardening. We refer to our type of gardening as Orthodox organic. We do not use chemicals of any kind for pest control or plant growth. I can offer information regarding the growth of herbs and spices, as well. I can also share some canning and freezing tips for enjoying home grown vegetables year round. Growing vegetables provides healthy benefits for the body and the mind.
Experience We live on what I believe is now termed a hobby farm. We are Messianic missionaries and raise all of our own vegetables, and some fruit. The change in the grocery budget is absolutely amazing.
Publications Last Days Survival Handbook, Simply Abundant
Question Hi, I canned about 20 jars of tomatoes for the first time yesterday and followed all the procedures from my grandmas recipe. After filling the hot jars and putting the lids on I only heard 2 of the jars ping. Now I am concerned the other jars are not sealed correctly. The lids all seem to be sucked down but I dont want to take any chances. How can I really tell? Also, how would I be able to tell if when I open a jar in a couple of months say, that the food has gone bad? Thanks so much for the help.
Answer Dear Janet,
If the jars are not sealed correctly, usually bubbles will start appearing in a couple of weeks, indicating the growth and activity of something. If the lids are sucked down, did they do that without your touching them? Sometimes we don't hear them all, but usually it happens fairly close together. Since this was only yesterday, the jars can be reheated in a hot water bath with the rings loosened, but if they were sealed and the heat pops it, they may not reseal properly. It's not too late to save the tomatoes if they aren't sealed, but you will have to use new lids. It's your call, but 20 jars of tomatoes would be worth new lids to me. I don't know your grandma's recipe, but I always recommend a hot water bath for canning tomatoes, since I don't use a pressure canner to preserve them. Tomatoes can be tricky, but they usually display some major discoloring and odor within a couple of weeks, if they haven't sealed properly.
I applaud your effort!
Kind Regards,
KD Liz
www.eingedi.us
