How to *safely* use pressure canners
(nchfp.uga.edu)https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/uga/using_press_canners.htmlPlease - if you are interested in canning with a pressure canner for the first time, read and follow all directions. They aren't hard to follow and are there for a reason. Pressure canning can be done safely and easily. Failure to follow directions (or even getting too relaxed around a pressure canner) can cause you bodily harm.
I spent the night in the ER once for thinking I could set the canner lid askew on the top of the pot (without it screwed down) -- turns out the weight of the lid and the jiggling of the jars we were sterilizing was enough to create a small amount of pressure that released when I went to take the lid off. Some 2nd degree burns and a 20 minute drive to the hospital later, I gained a fair bit of respect for the pressure canner. I encourage anyone who is looking to can their garden harvest to use a pressure canner when appropriate. Just make sure you don't cook yourself! :)
