- As part of my normal canning process, I take the jars out of the canner, and let them cool for several hours or overnight. Then I remove the bands, and check the seal: first by pressing the lid (doesn’t move? good) and then by trying to lift the jar by the lid only (it should stay quite sealed, and still not move).
- If some problem develops in the jar during storage, it will probably affect the seal. I want to see this as soon as possible, and having no band makes that easier.
It’s true that most jars will never develop such problems. But if I have a seal that begins to leak, weep, or mold, I want to spot it as soon as I can.
Remember to store your jars away from light and in a cool place. My grandmother used to have a special shelf ‘down cellar’, and that’s still a great idea. Jars like it cool and dark!
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My father-in-law told me to do that when we were canning earlier this summer. Its a wonderful trick, and helps spot any problems you might have right away!
Happy Wednesday!
~Carolyn
Cookin’ for my Captain
Its a good trick… but I’ve never figured out what to do with the bands.
I store my bands on long ribbons or strings, hung from the shelf.