Canning Blackberry Jam
22 Steps -- Step 18

Jars into the Canner

We use a steam canner to process our jam. A water bath also does the job. If you use a water bath, timing starts when the water is in a full boil. Make sure the water covers the top of the jar by 1-2 inches. In a steam canner timing starts when a steady stream of steam emits from the vents at each end of the steam canner. We recognize that some authorities do not recommend a steam canner but we use it. At 80 it is too heavy to lift a full water bath of water. We feel the steam canner does the job safely. But you use what you feel is right. Either way process for 10 minutes for pints. Adding a 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the inch of water in the steam canner will prevent discolorization to the aluminum steam canner.