What's Your Altitude?

Boiling Water Bath or Atmospheric Steam Canning

As altitude (elevation) increases it is necessary to increase processing times for boiling water bath and atmospheric steam canning. As altitude increases, the boiling point of water decreases. Therefore, adjustments must be made in processing times to ensure that home-canned foods are processed safely.

Pressure Canning

For pressure canning, adjustments in the amount of pressure are made and differ by the type of canner. Dial gauge canners can be adjusted by pound increments. Weighted gauge canners are adjusted by 5-pound increments.

Canning directions in Penn State's Let's Preserve fact sheets include adjustments for processing times and pressures at different altitudes.

How Can You Find Your Altitude?

• A Google search of free map tools indicated several internet sites—some are easier to use than others. (Try the Elevation Finder at Free Map Tools)
• Search directly by typing in the name of your town and the word altitude or elevation.
• Ask the search feature on your phone or other device for the altitude where you live.