Headspace/fluid loss question (Sweet Potatoes, pressure canned)

[BigFatGuy]

Canning our harvest of sweet potatoes.

Using this recipe, followed carefully: https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/can/canni...able-products/potatoes-sweet-pieces-or-whole/
(I'm canning 1 jar at a time til I'm happy with the results.)

I have a headspace question: the instructions call for 1" of headspace for the potatoes and for the liquid, which would make them exactly even with each other.

In the process of canning, i'm fairly certain some of the liquid is escaping the jar (I can smell sweet potatoes, and the outside of the jar feels like there is dried "material" on it), and in the process of cooling a lot of the liquid "vanishes" (gets absorbed, I assume). The result is about 1/3 of the potato is not covered in fluid. (Image to follow)

No sealing issues. The lid is holding solid.

what am I missing?

 

[CarolP]

Some of the liquid has syphoned out, they will be fine to eat.

 

[BigFatGuy]

Some of the liquid has syphoned out, they will be fine to eat.

Safe to eat, I know... but is there a way I can prevent it? Is this normal if you can a lot of vegetables?

It just seems... like something I should try to avoid...

 

[HalfStepLeft]

Sounds like siphoning + the sweet potatoes soaking up liquid. If it sealed, you’re fine. Next time keep pressure steady and let the canner cool down naturally (don’t rush it) to reduce liquid loss

 

[BigFatGuy]

Did a few more batches, seem to have it fixed. I haven't sped up the cooling on any batches, but I do, apparently, need to be more precise in my headspace measurements.

Thanks, all.

 

[HalfStepLeft]

Nice, that makes sense. Headspace can make a bigger difference than people expect. Glad you got it dialed in

 

[keepcanning]

Side question...what kind of jar is that? I'm not familiar with the design? Very cool looking!!
Exciting on the sweet potato harvest!

 

[BigFatGuy]

Side question...what kind of jar is that? I'm not familiar with the design? Very cool looking!!
Exciting on the sweet potato harvest!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D5YBBQCG

Used them in my pressure canning gear. No issues, lids seem solid.