Hot water processing jars

Question

is it totally neccesary to hot water bath jars when making dill pickles, i have done it in the past, but have not done it as of late, and they turn out better (firmer) this way.

Answer 1

Well, if you've done it w/o a water bath in the past, I guess it's ok.  Personally, I'd be scared to death I'd poison someone by not processing in the water bath!

Answer 2

Canning can be a very tricky thing. The main thing I do is to make sure the jars are thoroughly sterilized and cleaned. Always buy new seals even though you can still use the old rims. Heat the water in the canner to full boil and have your jars still warm. Make sure the water in the canner covers the lids because you need that hot water to seal them. I know people who do not use this method but I prefer it so as to assure my jars have no bacteria and none can get in them. And always make sure the lids pop down in the center. If I get one that doesn't then I empty it and re-do. Have fun canning. I have found that the crispiness of the pickles have more to do with the procedure before canning.

Answer 3

well,Iknow back in earlier times,women would flip the jars upside down and let the heat from the liquid inside seal the jar.

Ive never tried doing this but as long as the jar seals,thats the main thing.

Good Luck!