AnswerLine: Information and resources for consumers with home and family questions. Iowa State University Extension Iowa State University Extension Answer Line

Child Development
Cleaning
Consumer Management
Food Preparation
Food Preservation
Food Safety
Home Environment
Household Equipment
Nutrition
Textiles and Laundry

Search By Keyword:

Advanced Search

Keyword Index

Other Links

Extension to Families

ISU Extension


Iowa State University

College of Human Sciences

Extension Publications

For Staff



My canned green beans lost some liquid during the processing time. Are they safe? Can I open them to add more liquid?

If the jars were processed correctly and are sealed, DO NOT open them to replace the liquid. The food may darken, but it will not spoil.

Here are some reasons for liquid loss in canning:

  • Food packed too tightly in jars
  • Air bubbles not removed before capping the jar
  • Pressure canner not operated correctly or pressure fluctuating during processing
  • Lowering pressure in canner suddenly after processing. Do not open canner lid until the pressure has returned to zero.
  • Starchy foods may absorb liquid during canning.

Reference: So Easy to Preserve, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

( Printer Friendly Version)

Some of the publications on this site are Adobe Acrobat pdf files. For more information about pdf files or to download a free copy of the Acrobat Reader, please consult the pdf help section.

Hotline Phone Number: 1-800-262-3804 (in Iowa) or 1-800-854-1678 (in Minnesota) | Email: answer@iastate.edu

Copyright © 2004 Iowa State University Extension. Ames, IA 50011. All rights reserved. Legal.