I'm canning corn tonight in a water bath canner. Do you think I could use the same water for the first and second batches? Also, how long do you normally process:
corn
butter beans
peas?

Judy, unless the rules have changed since I did a lot of canning none of those can be done using the water bath method, you have to use a pressure cooker. Only veggies with high acid contents (tomatoes) can be done in a water bath. I'm sure I'll be corrected if things have changed! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Good luck.

Annie, I've just gone back to the olden days method and water bath everything. My pressure canner and I don't seem to mesh well. I've been doing it that way for many years and haven't died from botulism yet. It's not the correct method but I like it better. Are you canning much? Thanks, Judy

I would not use a water bath for those vegetables. Anything that is low acid, which all of these are, should not be done in a water bath-they should be done in a pressure cooker, else there is a chance of botulism. Since I am afraid of pressure cookers, I solved the problem by freezing low acid veggies. But, for things that can be done in a water bath, I wouldn't see any reason not to reuse the water. As far as time-it's best to check either with a canning book or in the documents that come with the jars or lids to find out the recommended times for each type of vegetable or jam.

Freezing low acid veggies is sooo much easier than using a pressure cooker.

And I think frozen veggies taste much better than canned.

Absolutely!!

For some reason, I like canned better. Plus I love seeing all those jars filled with yummy veggies. Things have a habit of getting lost in the bottom of my freezer also.

You are right Annie, unless you pickle the corn (add vinegar and raise the acidity level) canners should always pressure cook low acid vegetables.

http://www.pickyourown.org/pickledcornrelish.htm
has an explanation of why and Ohio State University produces a canning fact sheet that can <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> be found here http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/5000/pdf/5344.pdf

Annie knows how to cook! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

How about sharing another award winning recipe with us? Please with a cherry on top... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />