Bring your Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Relish, Vegetables, Fruits, Sauces and Meats that you have canned this year for a friendly Canning Competition at the Fair. You might be the Grand Champion! Entry is FREE and is open to any age. Entries can be filled out online or can be delivered to the fair grounds on Sept 18, 2022 from 2-4pm (Early entries may be dropped off at Oconee History Museum Tuesday–Saturdays from 11am-5pm). Sponsored by the Oconee History Museum.
Online form can be found here.
Competition will be held in the following categories:
Jellies Vegetables, Jams, Preserves & Marmalades, Tomatoes, Pickles, Cucumber Pickles, Non-Cucumber, Relishes & Sauces, Fruits, Soups & Meats
Email: info@oconeehistorymuseum.org or call 864-638-2224 with questions.
CANNING RULES AND REGULATIONS
- Canned Entries must be canned in this calendar year. (2022)
- Standard canning jars are mandatory. Fruit and Vegetable entries may be canned in pint, quart or 1⁄2 gallon. Jam, Jelly, Relish and Sauce entries may be canned in 1⁄2 pint or pint jars. (Please no color canning jars – clear only)
- Entries should be labelled (do not include the participant’s name).
- Canning jars must have jar rings and be sealed.
- Entries must be heat sealed (no paraffin).
- Canned entries are judges on appearance only. Entries will not be opened.
USDA RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEAD SPACE IN CANNED FOODS
Head space is the unfilled space above the food in a jar and below its lid. USDA recommends head space in specific foods as follows:
Jams and Jellies
1/4 inch
Fruits, Tomatoes, Pickles, Relishes, Etc.
1/2 inch
Low Acid Foods
Processed in pressure canner – 1 inch to 1 1/2 inches.