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It’s Time to Can Tuna

Posted by koehler | July 26, 2021

Get ready now to can tuna!
 
 

Canning Tuna

Rows of home-canned tuna in half pint jarsTuna may be canned either pre-cooked (bake/steam) or raw. If you pre-cook it, you will need to add water or oil to jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. You do not add any liquid to the jars if you process raw tuna. You may add ½ teaspoon of salt per half-pint or 1 teaspoon of salt per pint, if desired. In place of the salt you may choose to use powdered chicken bouillon, or add garlic or jalapenos; it depends on your personal taste. Consider using vinegar in place of water on a paper towel when cleaning the jar rims, then wipe with a dry paper towel. This helps to remove any fish oil prior to placing the jar lids to ensure a good seal. Process tuna in a Dial Gauge Pressure Canner at 11 pounds of pressure OR in a Weighted Gauge Canner at 10 pounds of pressure. Both half-pint and pint jars are processed for 100 minutes.

Tuna cut and prepared for canning with canning jars in backgroundWSU has a great publication titled, PNW 194 Canning Seafood. If you don’t have the manual for your pressure canner, you may want to read/print, PNW421 Using and Caring for Your Pressure Canner. Both publications can be downloaded or purchased directly from WSU Extension Publications at: https://pubs.extension.wsu.edu/.

Canning Tip

Newer jar lids no longer need to be simmered. Manufacturers are using a new compound so washing the lids in warm soapy water will suffice. Rinse and dry the lids before placing on the jars.