Canning pickles is a great way to preserve the taste of fresh cucumbers all year round. It’s a time-honored tradition that dates back centuries, and with the rise of the Instant Pot, it’s now easier than ever to do it yourself at home.
Summertime and canning pickles go hand-in-hand. As a parent, you remember the sense of accomplishment in making a jar of flavorful pickles that you can serve for the rest of summer months.
But have you ever heard about canning with an Instant Pot? If this is foreign to you, don’t worry!
This blog post will introduce the art and science of using your Instant pot appliance to nourish your family in less time than ever before – while still getting all the flavor that comes from traditional brined pickling!
The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for a wide variety of cooking tasks, including canning.
While traditional canning methods require a large pot and a lot of boiling water, the Instant Pot simplifies the process by allowing you to pressure can your pickles with ease.
To get started, you’ll need a few things.
First, you’ll need:
- fresh cucumbers
- pickling salt
- vinegar
- dill
- garlic
- other spices you want in your pickling brine
You’ll also need:
- canning jars
- lids
- rings
- Instant Pot with a a canning function
Begin by preparing your pickling brine.
Combine vinegar, water, pickling salt, and your choice of spices in a large pot, and bring to a boil.
While the brine is boiling, prepare your cucumbers by slicing them into spears or rounds.
Fill your jars
Next, fill your canning jars with the cucumbers and add any additional spices or seasonings you want.
Pour the brine
Then, pour the hot pickling brine over the cucumbers, leaving about a half-inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
Place jars in the Instant Pot
After you’ve filled your jars, place them in the Instant Pot.
Make sure the jars are spaced apart and not touching each other, and that there is enough water in the Instant Pot to cover the jars by at least an inch.
Canning Function
Then, use the canning function on your Instant Pot to process the pickles.
How to use the canning function:
The processing time will depend on the size of your jars and the altitude of your location, so be sure to consult a trusted canning guide for specific instructions.
Using the canning function on an Instant Pot is a simple process, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that your food is safely preserved.
Here are the general steps to use the canning function on an Instant Pot:
- Add enough water to the Instant Pot to cover the jars by at least an inch. Do not add too much water, as this can cause the jars to float and can affect the canning process.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it in place. Make sure the pressure release valve is set to “Sealing”.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Canning” function. The time and pressure will be automatically set based on the altitude of your location and the size of your jars.
- The Instant Pot will begin heating up and building pressure. Once it reaches the correct pressure, the timer will start counting down.
- When the timer is up, the Instant Pot will automatically switch to the “Keep Warm” function.
After the processing time is up
Once the processing time is up, allow the Instant Pot to depressurize naturally for about 10-15 minutes before removing the jars.
Check the seals
Finally, check the seals on the jars to make sure they have properly sealed. If any jars have not sealed, they will need to be reprocessed or stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few weeks.
Canning pickles in the Instant Pot is a great way to preserve the taste of fresh cucumbers and enjoy them all year round.
With a little bit of preparation and the right equipment, you can create delicious homemade pickles that are sure to impress.
Using the canning function on an Instant Pot can be a great way to preserve your favorite foods and enjoy them all year round. Just remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use caution when handling hot jars.