Canning Beets
24 Steps -- Step 21

Into Pressure Canner

I always chuckle we I use my pressure canner. The label on the pressure gauge, sealed behind the glass of the gauge says, "Read Instructions before using." Good advice! Put about 2 inches of water in the canner. Fill cooker with jars, set lid and seal top of cooker. Apply heat until steam comes out the vent in a steady stream. At that point put the weighted cap on. When the pressure reaches 10 pounds reduce heat to keep it at 10 pounds. For beets give 30 minutes for pints and 35 minutes for quarts. If your altitude exceeds 1000 feet you must adjust for that. It is simply not safe to water bath or steam can beets. You won't die every time but it takes only once and a rather unpleasant death. It is very important not to hasten the cooling of the pressure canner. Using cold water on the canner to cool it can bring rather unpleasant results. Let the canner cool without help.