It is possible to eliminate the added sugar and salt in many home canning recipes, leaving only the naturally occurring amounts.
Not in all recipes, for sure. There is absolutely a small handful of traditional recipes that rely on either salt for safety (such as fermented foods), or sugar, to provide safety through reduced water-activity.
But it is possible to safely eliminate added salt and sugar in many if not most home canning recipes. In almost all home canning recipes, sugar and salt are added for purposes of flavour, texture, colour, etc, but not as a spoilage prevention agent or safety agent while the jars are sealed.
Contents
Just how nutritious are home canned foods?
Sugar
Smarter sweet choices for your home canning
Sugar-free jams and marmalades
Salt
The role of salt in home canning
Salt substitutes in home canning
National Center for Home Food Preservation FAQs on Salt and Sugar
Is it safe to can food without salt? Yes. Salt is used for flavor only and is not necessary to prevent spoilage.
Is it safe to can meat and poultry without salt? Yes. Salt is used for flavor only and is not necessary for safe processing.
Is it safe to can fruits without sugar? Yes. Sugar is added to improve flavor, help stabilize color, and retain the shape of the fruit. It is not added as a preservative.
Penn State Extension on Salt and Sugar in Home Canning
Is it safe to can vegetables and meats without salt?
Yes. Salt is used for flavor only and is not necessary to prevent spoilage.
Is it safe to can fruits without sugar?
Yes. Sugar is added to improve flavor, help stabilize color, and retain the shape of the fruit. It is not added as a preservative.1
11 Canning Questions and Answers. Well Preserved Column – Interview with Penn State Extension educators. Lancaster Farming. 12 May 2016. ↩
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