Pickles

I tried pickling some cucumbers at 140F for 2.5 hours. After the time I let them sit on the counter until they cooled. None of them sealed. I took the lids off and wiped the rims again. The lids are new too. I started the process again. Took them out after the time was over and set them on the counter. NOTHING happened again. No seal on the jars. Anyone else having this problem? Any suggestions on how to fix the problem??

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brian_martin2001

When you cooked them, were they finger tight? When you removed them from the bath, did you fully tighten them? How many jars did you try this with? Did you inspect the seals for any damage or imperfections that would lead to an issue? What brand/type of jars were used?

Scott_Velasquez_186674

I finger tightened them. I did three 1 quart jars (ball). I inspected the jars for imperfections. None found. I didn't tighten them when removed from the water bath.

brian_martin2001

My suggestion would be to try and tighten them after you take them out of the bath. You can try it with just water, so you're not wasting any product. Just make sure the contents of the jar are up to temp before removing, tightening, and allowing to cool.

brian_martin2001

Eh, shit happens

Scott_Velasquez_186674

So I made another batch of pickles and did everything the same. Only change was at the end. I tightened the lids. Checked them after a few hours and the lids were still not sealed. Left them over night and checked them in the morning. BINGO! Sealed. Thanks. I guess they need that extra tightening after the bath so that air doesn't get sucked back into the jars.

montebello1964

It is because less pressure builds up at low temp. The solution is to crank the bath temp to 180°F for 10 min at the end of the 2.5 hours and then you'll get a good seal.

Why you should always read the comments below the recipes!

Manfred_18311

How often do you reuse the jars? I had some similar problems with twist lid jars. The temperature during the cooking process and usage takes its toll over the time, after 4-5 takes I decommission the twist lid and exchange it with new ones.

You might better off using mason/ glass jars with rubber ring, even trough one day you will have to replace them as well, the durability extend the twist lid by fare.