DRY PACK CANNING

Dry-Pack Canning Tips to Get you Started

Suggested items for dry-pack canning include:

•         Wheat

•         Beans

•         White Rice

•         Whole Corn

•         Nonfat Dry Milk

•         Oats

•         Pasta

•         White Flour

•         De-germed Cornmeal

•         Granulated Sugar

•         Potato Flakes

•         Hot Chocolate

Canning sealers are available for use in the centers. Portable canning sealers may be borrowed by those wishing to do canning elsewhere.

Are #10 cans a packaging option for emergency kits?

No. Many emergency kit items are not suitable for packaging in cans. First-aid items and food like granola bars are best stored in containers with removable lids, allowing frequent rotation.

Why use DRY PACK Canning method?

•          Airtight (hermetically sealed) #10 cans, either flushed with carbon dioxide or packed with oxygen absorbers, protect products from moisture and vermin.

•          Number 10 cans, 7" high by 6" diameter are easy to handle, move and store. Cartons hold 6 cans for easy transport and storage and are available at the cannery.

•          Not everything should be dry-packed into a can. Products with a high oil or moisture content should not be dry-packed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dry Pack Canning:

·         Botulism poisoning is likely if moist products are stored in packaging that reduces oxygen. Products stored in airtight cans with oxygen absorbers must be dry (10% or less moisture).

·         Don’t use oxygen absorbers with sugar. Using the oxygen absorbers in the sugar will harden the sugar.

Storage life can be significantly impacted by the following conditions:                         Temperature: Store products at a temperature of 75°F/24°C or lower whenever possible. If storage temperatures are higher, rotate products as needed to maintain quality.                                                         Moisture: Keep storage areas dry. Keep containers off of the floor to allow for air circulation.                                   Light: Store #10 cans away from indirect light.

How much does each #10 can hold?

The total fill volume of a #10 can is approximately eight-tenths (0.82) gallon.

The weight varies by product. A #10 can holds:

v 5.8 pounds (2.6 kg) of wheat

v 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg) of white rice

v 4.1 pounds (2.3 kg) of nonfat, instant dry milk.

Portland Home Storage Center

 (971) 230-0770        10420 SE 82nd Ave.                       P.O. Box 66160        Portland, OR  97086

http://www.providentliving.org