Can You Use an Instant Pot for Canning?
The Instant Pot has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years for its convenience, versatility, and safety features. But is this modern kitchen appliance suited for the old-fashioned art of canning? Here is all you need to know about canning with an Instant Pot.
Benefits of Canning with an Instant Pot
- Speed. Canning with an Instant Pot is much faster than other methods of canning. It takes only a few minutes to reach the necessary pressure and temperature for canning.
- Reliability. An Instant Pot eliminates the need to keep an eye on the temperature or worry about the pressure levels. It offers consistent results every single time.
- No babysitting. There is no need to invest hours in front of your stove monitoring the canning process. An Instant Pot takes care of it all, allowing you to multitask in the kitchen.
Types of Canning
There are two main techniques used for canning food: water bath canning and pressure canning.
Water bath canning is used for most jams, jellies, pickles, and fruits. This process requires boiling the jarred contents in a large pot of hot water for a certain amount of time.
Pressure canning is a bit more involved and is the only way to can low-acid foods like fish, vegetables, and meats. This method requires using a pressure canner to seal food in jars.
Canning with an Instant Pot
You can use an Instant Pot for both types of canning. This is possible thanks to the appliance’s multi-cooker feature, which includes a special setting for pressure canning. An Instant Pot can also be used as a water bath canner, but it requires an additional accessory.
Before you start canning with an Instant Pot, make sure to read the user’s manual that comes with the appliance. It includes all the information needed to understand the features and use the pressure cooker safely and efficiently.
Bottom Line
Canning is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the season throughout the year. An Instant Pot is a reliable and convenient way to can food easily and quickly. By following the directions in your user’s manual, you can create delicious homemade preserves and stock your pantry with healthy and delicious treats.
