How to Can Pork Chops – A Step-by-Step Guide

Canning pork chops at home is a great way to preserve and store this tasty meat for enjoyment all year long. Having a supply of canned pork on hand means you can quickly make dishes like stews, casseroles, soups and more using home-preserved ingredients.

Canning pork chops requires some special considerations compared to other meats. Follow this complete step-by-step guide to properly can pork chops safely at home

Benefits of Canning Pork

Here are some of the top benefits of canning pork chops and other cuts of pork

• Provides long term storage – Canned pork remains shelf stable for 1-2 years.

• Saves money: Canning and buying more in bulk when it’s on sale can help you save a lot of money.

• Custom flavors – Tailor canned pork by adding your own spices and marinades.

• Convenience – Home canned pork is pre-cooked and ready to use in recipes.

• Versatility – Use in soups, stews, casseroles, sandwiches and more!

Canning pork means you’ll always have this hearty meat ready to create quick and tasty meals for your family.

Selecting Pork for Canning

The best cuts of pork for canning include:

• Pork chops
• Pork roast or shoulder
• Pork stew meat or cubes
• Ground pork or sausage

Select fresh pork that is free of bad odors or discoloration. For ground pork, use freshly ground rather than pre-packaged. Keep chilled until ready to can.

Avoid bones, excess fat or connective tissues when canning pork, as these may cause spoilage. Pork loin tends to become dry and tough during canning.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Canning Pork

Follow these steps for safely canning pork chops or other cuts of pork:

1. Prepare the Pork

• Cut pork into 1⁄2 to 1 inch cubes or strips. Keep some fat for flavor.
• Season with salt, pepper and other dry spices or marinades as desired.

2. Preheat Jars and Lids

• Wash canning jars in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and place in a large pot of simmering water to keep hot until filling.
• Place lids in small saucepan of hot water to pre-soften rubber seal.

3. Fill Jars

• Pack hot seasoned pork cubes or strips into hot jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Pork should not be tightly packed.
• Optionally add hot broth, water or marinade to jars, leaving 1-inch headspace.
• Remove air bubbles by sliding a utensil along the inside of jar. Wipe rims with a clean, damp cloth.

4. Apply Lids and Bands

• Using a magnetic wand or tongs, remove lids from hot water and place onto filled jars.
• Twist bands tightly to secure. Do not over tighten.

5. Process Jars

• Place sealed jars on rack in a pressure canner with 2-3 inches of water.
• Process pint or quart jars for 90 minutes at 10-11 PSI pressure.
• When done, turn off heat and allow canner to depressurize naturally.

6. Cool and Store

• Remove jars from canner and set aside to cool completely undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
• After cooling, test seals by pressing on center of lid. Lid should not flex up and down.
• Wash jars, label with contents and date, and store in a cool, dark place.

And that’s it! Follow these canning steps, and you’ll have tender, home-preserved pork ready for meals anytime.

Tips for Safe Canning of Pork

Because pork can be low in acid, it’s critical to follow proper processing methods to destroy bacteria and safely seal jars. Here are some key tips:

• Always use a pressure canner, not a water bath. Pork must reach 240°F internally.

• Closely follow processing times – never reduce recommended pressure or time.

• Allow proper venting as pressure returns to normal when done. Do not rush cooling.

• Inspect seals carefully before storing. Refrigerate unsealed jars and use quickly.

• Look for signs of spoilage before eating – bubbling, bad smell or white sediment on meat.

• Refrain from tasting meat prior to full canning process.

With careful technique, you can safely preserve pork at home with high quality results.

Creating Delicious Canned Pork Meals

Home canned pork offers amazing convenience for weeknight meals. Here are some recipe ideas:

• Pork green chili – Combine canned pork with roasted Hatch chiles and spices.

• Pork posole – Add to hominy, veggies and Mexican seasonings for posole soup.

• Pork and beans – Mix canned pork into baked beans with bacon and sauce for a hearty side.

• Carnitas – Fry canned pork with onions, garlic and orange juice then stuff into tacos.

• Pork lo mein – Stir canned pork into lo mein noodles with shredded cabbage and carrots.

• Pork stew – Build a rich stew with canned pork, potatoes, carrots and beef broth.

With an assortment of home canned pork on hand, you can quickly prepare comforting meals for your family any night of the week. The options are endless!

Get Started Canning Pork Chops at Home

With proper preparation, sanitation and processing, you can successfully can pork chops and other cuts of pork for convenient long term storage. Always follow validated canning directions and elevate pressure and time for safety. Incorporate home canned pork into soups, stews, sandwiches and more for fast, budget-friendly meals. Get started preserving pork today!