Canning meat question, safe to eat?

[modern_pioneer]

Mark called me last night and has a problem canning some beef. He said that he cut the beef, placed it in jars raw, added lids and pressure canned 90 minutes at 11lbs.

He thought he could smell the beef cooking, when he opened the canner, juices had escaped the jars spilling into the water in the canner. He said all the jars were sealed though.

I couldn't answer if storing the meat, or if the meat is even safe to eat?

 

[Dace]

I have never canned meat but I think it is common for jars to leak a bit.

Someone with more canning experience will come a long and give you a better answer.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Here's what the Landcaster PA "Lets Preserve" newsletter said about causes of siphoning, which is what you described happening with the jars. I'm not sure about the meat being safe to eat, more experienced souls will have to take this up.
Liquid Loss--Siphoning
Siphoning is the loss of liquid from jars during
processing and immediately after removal from
the canner prior to sealing. Causes of siphoning
include:
Jars packed too solidly with food or
overfilled
Not enough headspace
Lids not adjusted properly
Failure to precook food before packing in
jarshot pack method
Uneven pressure from rapid temperature
changes or drafts blowing on the canner
Failure to allow the temperature of the
jars to equalize before removing them
from the canner
o Pressure Canner: After removing
the pressure regulator, allow
canner to remain closed for 10
minutes after pressure has
completely dropped.
o Boiling Water Canner: After
processing time is complete,
remove lid and allow jars to sit in
water 5 minutes before removing
jars.

 

[freemotion]

If it is sealed, it will be fine. You will lose a little quality from the meat not being under the broth, so use it up faster. Mmmmmm.......

 

[modern_pioneer]

Thanks, I thought they would be fine, when he showed one to me today I noticed the lack of headspace. I have canned meat several times myself, and have noticed a couple had leaked. I put those in the fridge and made use of this right away.

Thanks

 

[justusnak]

Yup, they should be fine. I have had jars leak before as well. As long as the seal is good...the meat is good. When I cann meat...I take all the socks that "magically" lose thier mate...and place the jar inside. 2 reasons. To keep the light from it...and...even tho we know its good...it looks awfull in the jar!