To find the altitude for canning, you just need to follow the steps provided below –
- Step 1: Select the ‘Find my Altitude’ button.
- Step 2: Allow Location Access when prompted by your browser.
- Step 3: Use the value to make the required adjustments. See Details!
What does the Altitude Calculator do?
We have designed this tool to let you know what your elevation or altitude is at your current location.
This tool relies on advanced geolocation technology, Google Maps, and other resources to provide you with real-time altitude/ elevation data by just accessing your current location using your browser.
Designed for ease and accuracy, this tool can be used for free to know your current elevation. So, whether you’re finding your altitude for canning or engaging in educational projects, MyCurrentElevation.org is your go-to resource for finding your altitude.
What is Canning?
Canning is a food preservation method used to extend the shelf life of a food item. It is one of the food preservation methods that has been around for hundreds of years.
As you already know, food spoils when it gets oxidized by oxygen or attacked by microbes like bacteria and fungi in the environment. Canning involves storing food while breaking contact with the environment in a way that the food item remains unspoiled by any environmental factor.
Canning and Altitude – What role does altitude play in the canning of food?
There are three types of canning methods – Boiling Water Bath Method, Atmospheric Steam Canning Method, and Pressure Canning Methods. And all the methods directly depend on the altitude of the region you are canning.
As we mentioned in our previous posts, altitude affects both atmospheric pressure and the boiling point of water. At higher altitudes, the boiling point of water decreases. That means water gets boiled easily at higher altitudes.
The change in boiling point simply means that canning in Denver, Colorado, will be different from canning in New Orleans, Louisiana. The difference in altitude thus requires the change of time and pressure required to complete the perfect canning.
So, the first step is to find the current altitude of your region. In the next part, you will find out how to find the altitude of your region.
Adjustments in canning for different altitudes
With the difference in atmospheric pressure and boiling point at different altitudes, some adjustments in the pressure and processing time are required to ensure proper canning.
Below, we will be mentioning the changes needed for each procedure as per the altitude.
For Water Bath Canning –
- 1,001 to 3,000 feet: Increase processing time by 5 minutes.
- 3,001 to 6,000 feet: Increase processing time by 10 minutes.
- 6,000 feet & above: Increase processing time by 15 minutes.
For Pressure Canning –
- 1,001 to 3,000 feet: Increase pressure by 5 psi.
- 3,001 to 6,000 feet: Increase pressure by 10 psi.
- 6,000 feet & above: Increase pressure by 15 psi.