Did you know the dial gauge on your pressure canner lid should be tested annually?Canning season is just around the corner, and it's a great time to have your canner gauge tested and ready for the season.

Clostridium botulinum poses a risk when canning food, so it is important to follow tested recipes and make sure all parts of your canner are working correctly. The N.C. Cooperative Extension Office is coming to a close of a canning workshop series; however, we know the importance of testing a dial gauge before canning season and wanted to offer one more opportunity as we head into canning season. We can test a pressure canner with a dial gauge throughout the year for free. Just bring your canner lid with the dial gauge attached and drop it off during business hours at the N.C. Cooperative Extension office in Duplin County (165-C Agriculture Drive, Kenansville, NC). We do our best to get it tested and available for pick up within a week.

However, we’re hosting a day specifically for pressure canner dial gauge testing for those who may be interested. Join us anytime between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on May 6th for drop in testing. While we can’t calibrate or fix your gauge, we can test it to see how accurate it is. We’ll give a recommendation on whether it can be used as is or if/when you may want to consider replacing the gauge. We’ll also have additional handouts and resources on home food preservation. This is a great opportunity to chat with your Family and Consumer Sciences agent or ask any questions you may have about canning.

Miss our latest series but interested in learning more about canning? The National Center for Home Food Preservation is an excellent online resource updated by the University of Georgia. Their webpage covers information from the basics to niche questions and covers not only canning but other methods of food preservation like freezing and dehydration as well.

We can test dial gauges with National, Magic Seal, Maid of Honor, and Presto® Pressure Canners. While we can check to ensure the seal is in good condition, weighted pressure canners do not need to be tested like a dial gauge pressure canner does. If you have a canner from a brand other than the ones we test, check your user manual and consider reaching out to the manufacturer for any additional information.

For more information, contact Rachel Ezzell at rachel_ezzell@ncsu.edu or 910.296.2143.