Use only new metal lids. Sterilization is not necessary as heat processing kills all harmful organisms. The boiling water softens the sealing compound and helps to ensure the seal 3. Bruises and blemishes indicate the presence of microorganisms. - for best quality, pick or buy fruit on the day it is to be canned. Changes that occur even a few hours after picking can affect flavour, texture and possibly storage quality.
Raw pack means putting raw, unheated food directly in jars.
Boiling hot water, juice or syrup is poured over the food to obtain proper head space. Fruits packed raw should be packed tightly because they will shrink during processing. Foods packed hot should be packed fairly loosely, as shrinkage has already taken place. For both raw pack and hot pack, there should be enough liquid to fill in around and to cover the fruit in the jars. If not covered by liquid, fruit at the top tends to darken and develop unnatural flavours.