photo collage of various fruits and vegetables

How do I? ...Can Meats

Selecting, Preparing and Canning Meat

Oysters

Please read Using Pressure Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Procedure: Keep live oysters on ice until reay to can. Wash shells. Heat 5 to 7 minutes in preheated oven at 400 degrees F. Cool briefly in ice water. Drain, open shell, and remove meat. Wash meat in water containing 1/2 cup salt per gallon. Drain. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to each pint, if desired. Fill half-pint or pint jars with meat and hot water, leaving 1-inch headspace.

Adjust lids and process following the recommendations in Table 1 or Table 2 according to the canning method used.

Table 1. Recommended process time for Oysters in a dial-gauge pressure canner.
		Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Jar Size	Process Time	0 - 2,000 ft	2,001 - 4,000 ft	4,001 - 6,000 ft	6,001 - 8,000 ft
Half-pints or Pints	75 min	11 lb	12 lb	13 lb	14 lb

Table 2. Recommended process time for Oysters in a weighted-gauge pressure canner.
		Canner Pressure (PSI) at Altitudes of
Jar Size	Process Time	0 - 1,000 ft	Above 1,000 ft
Half-pints or Pints	75 min	10 lb	15 lb

This document was adapted from the "Complete Guide to Home Canning," Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA, revised 2009.

Reviewed November 2009.

top ^

How do I? Can · Freeze · Dry · Cure & Smoke · Ferment · Pickle · Make Jam & Jelly · Store

Home · Publications · Search · Seasonal Tips · Info Request · Multimedia · FAQs · Contact · Links