What is the deal with not re-using lids?

[WildOlive]

Why not? Because I did. :shifty I ran out of new ones and used some that had been used before but were still intact (no bends or kinks). Are we going to die now?

[Iarwain]

The rubber gasket part may not seal properly. Make extra sure that you check your seals after canning, after a couple weeks of storage, and again before use!

[Forsynthianicki]

Same answer as Iarwain. Maybe put a mark on those jars with reused lids and try to use them up quickly. Make sure it sounds like you got a good seal when you open it, if in doubt... throw it out. A couple of jars of food is not worth the potential food poisoning issues for your family.

[Maggirayne]

So what did people used to do? Throw them away all the time?

[Buela]

I think they used to use a rubber ring to seal, or else wax or something

[Forsynthianicki]

Before people used this style of canning jar, jars were made with a larger more durable gasket. Even these had to be replaced periodically. It's not as though they will not seal, but there is a greater risk of problems with the jars sealing. Canning is a lot of work, you don't want to run the risk of having food that ends up being unusable.

[Iarwain]

So what did people used to do? Throw them away all the time?

I think they used to use a rubber ring to seal, or else wax or something

:yes There were a few different types of lids/seals historically but one of the most common was rubber rings that were heavy and re-usable. The history of different types of canning jars/lids is kind of interesting. Some designs were a lot better than others. The two part lid and ring we use now is a "modern" design.

[Maggirayne]

Thanks! I was wondering what ppl would if we didn;t have an endless supply if new lids, i.e. TEOTWAWKI. :GIGGLE

[andrea_r]

I reuse lids, or have - and you can tell when they start to go as the rubber on the inside starts to wear off. it's a thin coating, just enough to seal maybe 2 times.

[Forsynthianicki]

I often go to this site to answer questions I have about home canning.

http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/