By Amanda Johnson
Associate Extension Agent,
Family Consumer Science,
Virginia Cooperative Extension

As gardens begin producing fresh vegetables and summer harvest season approaches, many families are preparing for home food preservation. Before canning season begins, Virginia Cooperative Extension is encouraging residents to make sure their pressure canners are operating safely and accurately.

Virginia Cooperative Extension will offer free dial-gauge pressure canner testing throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley during the first week of June. Annual gauge testing is an important food-safety step for anyone using a dial-gauge pressure canner.

“Pressure canning is the only safe method for preserving low-acid foods such as vegetables, meats, soups and beans,” said Amanda Johnson, Associate Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences with Virginia Cooperative Extension. “An inaccurate gauge can lead to under-processing, which may allow dangerous bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum to survive.”

Botulism is a rare but potentially fatal foodborne illness. Because pressure canning safety depends on reaching the correct temperature under pressure, Extension recommends testing dial gauges each year before the canning season begins.

Why gauge testing matters

Dial gauges can become inaccurate over time due to normal wear, rust, dropping or age.

Gauges should be within 2 pounds per square inch, or psi, of accuracy. Inaccurate gauges may result in unsafe food or reduced food quality. Weighted-gauge canners do not require annual testing.

Residents only need to bring the lid from their dial-gauge pressure canner for testing.

Free pressure canner gauge testing schedule

All testing events will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Monday, June 1 — Shenandoah County Extension Office
Tuesday, June 2 — Page County Extension Office
Wednesday, June 3 — Clarke County Extension Office
Thursday, June 4 — Frederick County Extension Office
Friday, June 5 — Warren County Extension Office

Residents may also drop off their pressure canner lid at their local Extension office during normal office hours. Extension staff will test the gauge and contact participants when it is ready for pickup.

In addition to gauge testing, Virginia Cooperative Extension will offer several hands-on food preservation classes this summer focused on safe pressure canning practices for vegetable soup.

July pressure canning classes

The pressure canning vegetable soup classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following dates:

Monday, July 13 — Shenandoah County
Wednesday, July 15 — Page County
Saturday, July 18 — Warren County

Class size is limited to eight participants per session to allow for hands-on instruction and individualized support. The registration fee is $25 per person to help cover supply costs.

Participants will learn USDA-recommended pressure canning methods, jar preparation and safe processing procedures for low-acid foods.

Virginia Cooperative Extension also plans to offer hands-on jam-making classes in Clarke and Frederick counties in early September. Additional details will be announced later this summer.

“Research-based food preservation recommendations have changed over the years,” Johnson said. “Using up-to-date methods helps ensure food is preserved safely for your family.”

Registration for the July pressure canning classes will become available in mid-June. Individuals interested in receiving registration information are encouraged to email Amanda Johnson at [email protected].

For more information about pressure canner testing or Virginia Cooperative Extension programs, visit ext.vt.edu.