Fixes
Preserving problems, one page each
What went wrong, the likely causes in checking order and what to do next. For anything about food safety, the tested USDA or NCHFP method comes first.
- Why jars break in a pressure cannerWhy do jars break in a pressure canner? Thermal shock, a missing rack, old or chipped jars and cooling too fast, and how to prevent each one next batch.Pressure canning
- Vacuum sealer not pulling a vacuumVacuum sealer not vacuuming? Check gaskets, bag placement, punctures and a clogged drip tray in order, with fixes for edge and chamber sealers.Vacuum sealers
- Bag vacuums but seal failsVacuum sealer pulls a vacuum but will not seal, or the seal fails later? Fix wet bag mouths, worn heat strips, overheating, wrong bags and wrinkles step by step.Vacuum sealers
- Canner pressure drops or steam leaksPressure canner losing pressure or leaking steam? Check the gasket, lid, vent pipe and heat, and follow USDA guidance to restart timing when pressure drops.Pressure canning
- Pressure canner lid won't close or sealPressure canner lid won't close or seal? Check the gasket, alignment, lock pin and metal to metal seal, with fixes for Presto, All American and Barton.Pressure canning
- Jars not sealing after pressure canningJars not sealing after pressure canning? Rim residue, headspace, siphoning and old lids explained, plus the USDA rule: reprocess within 24 hours or refrigerate.Pressure canning
- Vacuum error or slow freeze dryer cycleHarvest Right troubleshooting in the order to check: vacuum errors, door gasket leaks, pump oil, slow cycles and wet food, with when to call support.Freeze dryers
- Dry, discolored spots on frozen foodWhat freezer burn is, whether freezer burned food is safe, and how to prevent it with airtight packaging, vacuum sealing, a steady 0 F freezer and faster freezing.Storage and shelf life
- Freeze dried food still wet or chewy in the middleFreeze dried food still wet or chewy in the center? Find the cause (overloaded trays, thick pieces, short dry time) and how to test dryness before you bag it.Freeze dryers
- Trays dry at different ratesWhy some dehydrator trays or pieces dry faster than others: airflow design, overloaded trays, uneven slices and room conditions, plus when and how to rotate trays.Food dehydrators
- Dehydrated fruit still sticky or softDehydrated fruit sticky or not drying? Sugar content, case hardening and humidity explained, plus how to test dryness and condition fruit before storage.Food dehydrators
- Chamber sealer weak vacuum or bad sealChamber vacuum sealer not pulling full vacuum or not sealing? Check the lid gasket, pump oil, seal bar tape, bag and settings in this order to find the fix.Vacuum sealers