Quick Answers
Why is headspace important in canning?
Headspace, the distance between the surface of food and
the underside of the lid, allows for expansion of food
solids or bubbling up of liquid during processing. If
headspace is not adequate, some food in the container
will be forced out, leaving food particles or syrup on
the sealing surface and preventing a seal. When too much
headspace is allowed, some air may remain in the jar
after processing, causing food at the top of the jar to
darken. Adequate headspace allows a vacuum to form
during the processing of the food.
Barbara Willenberg, Nutritional
Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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