How do I know if I got a good seal?

Are the lids slightly concave?

As they cool they will make a popping sound and let if be music to your ears! It’s wonderful.

@Adirondackwannabe -They seem to be.I took the edge of a credit card and set it on top.I could see a space underneath,so I guess it is concave.]
@smilingheart1 -I don’t recall hearing them pop the first time I did it.I just went to bed.I was up the second time as they cooled and only heard one pop.Does that mean the other 3 are not sealed?

@lucillelucillelucille Maybe they popped in unison ;-)

@rebbel I keep telling myself that! I just don’t want to botulize anyone.

If you push gently in the middle of the lid, it shouldn’t move. If it goes in when you push and pops back out when you let go, it didn’t seal.

Make sure you don’t do this until well after they’ve cooled, though. My husband’s grandma said something about it being bad if you push on them before they seal. She wasn’t very clear about what was bad, so I’m not sure if it actually matters, but I figure better safe than sorry.

They sound like they sealed, if they didn’t you wouldn’t get the concave in the center of the lid. Check like @bobbinhood suggested to see if it pops back up if pushed on because then it would mean there is air still in the jar and its not a good seal. But the jar has to be fully cooled for that if you push too early you are breaking the seal that is forming and it may not re-seal in place.

What you don’t want to be doing is reusing any inserts for canning jars because the rubber seal that is in them are only made for one use and it will not get a good seal if they are used again.

@lucillelucillelucille, no the folks are accurate that mentioned the concave, this little indent in the middle. That is the mainn indicator. Sometmes they do make a distinctive pop and that is when you jump and dance just for the joy of being a happy canner. If you got one, I believe you got them all happy.

@smilingheart1 -Just looking at them,they are not obviously concave,but when I checked with the card I could see a small space between.I hope I did it right! :)

Because he’ll obey when you tell him to do stuff. You just gotta give him a cookie every once in a while and pat him on the head.

@Vunessuh Can’t I just club him?? :))

You press the top of the lid. They should not pop, click, or otherwise indent when you press them.

Also, when you are ready to eat them, open the lit slowly and listed for the vacuum seal to break. No vacuum seal = not safe.

@YoBob I did do that and they seem sealed up.Haven’t opened any yet though.

@lucillelucillelucille Whatever you do, don’t open them all to see if they’re sealed. :P

^ She lies. Open them all to see if they’re sealed.

@Vunessuh I am sending them all to you for Xmas!

I just have to say I admire all you home canners, not only for your industry and economy but for keeping the art alive when the grocery store shelves are telling us that everybody wants to buy prepared foods these days and doesn’t even plan to cook.

@Jeruba It is so much more healthier to do it yourself without all the additives they have in it. Its not good how we have evolved to that type of society to have all premade foods. I also shutter to think of all the hormones we give the animals and try to feed my daughters as little as possible of that so they can grow up healthy.

Completely submerse the can in water. If you see bubbles, then the can is not sealed.

Finally, something I know nothing about. However, put the tomatoes on a ham sandwich and I will eat them. Willingly.

@josie – :)