To can boiled peanuts, soak the peanuts in fresh water for three hours, replacing the water every hour. Boil the peanuts and pack them in the canning jars while hot and cover them with brine, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Seal the jars and process them in a pressure canner for 90 minutes.
Is it Better to Water Bath Can or Pressure Can Boiled Peanuts?
Pressure canning is the preferred method when it comes to canning boiled peanuts. Since boiled peanuts are a low-acid food, pressure canning reaches the high temperatures required to destroy potentially harmful bacteria. Water bath canners only reach a temperature of 212°F. This is not hot enough to kill the bacteria that can cause botulism, a serious food-borne illness.
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Southern Boiled Peanuts Canning Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours
Description
This boiled peanuts recipe is simple to follow, so you can make boiled peanuts at home and enjoy this salty, southern roadside stand treat all year!
Ingredients
- 6 lbs fresh green peanuts in the shell
- 1 lb canning or kosher salt
- 6 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Water
Instructions
- Select green, fresh raw peanuts from the farmer’s market or grocery store and soak them in water for an hour. You cannot use roasted peanuts or dried peanuts for making boiled peanuts.
- Replace the water with fresh water after an hour and allow them to soak for an additional hour. After the second hour, replace the water again and let the peanuts soak for one more hour.
- Sterilize the canning jars in boiling water in a large pot for 5 -10 minutes. Wash the canning lids and ring bands in hot soapy water and rinse well.
- Prepare the canning liquid brine by combining 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of pickling salt. Put this mixture on a stovetop on low heat until you are ready to fill the jars.
- Transfer the peanuts to a large crockpot or pot on the stove filled with boiling water. Allow the peanuts to simmer for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Pack the hot boiled peanuts into the hot jars using a canning funnel, leaving ½ inch of headspace.
- Cover the packed peanuts with the brine maintaining ½ inch of headspace. Remove any air bubbles with an air bubble remover tool.
- If you wish to make cajun boiled peanuts, add the cajun seasoning to the jars.
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel or kitchen cloth. Apply new canning lids and screw bands to the jars, tightening until fingertip tight.
- Fill the bottom of the pressure canner with 2-4 inches of water and a canning rack before adding the jars. Lock the lid, turn the heat on high, and open the valve, allowing the steam to vent for 10 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to build to the correct pressure per canner type and elevation and process pints for 45 minutes and quart jars for 50 minutes.
Dial-Gauge Pressure Canner
- 0 – 2,000ft: 11 lbs
- 2,001 – 4,000ft: 12 lbs
- 4,001 – 6,000ft: 13 lbs
- 6,001ft and up: 14 lbs
Weighted Gauge Pressure Canner
- 0 – 1,000ft: 10 lbs
- 1,001ft and up: 15 lbs
Post Processing
- After the processing time for the green peanuts is over, turn off the heat and wait until the pressure in the pressure canner drops to zero before opening the lid.
- Remove the jars from the water using a jar lifter and let them cool at room temperature on a towel for 12-24 hours.
- Once cooled, remove the screw bands and check the seals on the jars. Label properly sealed jars and store them in a cool, dry place. For any unsealed jars, you may refrigerate and use the contents within 3-5 days.
- Prep Time: 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 648kcal
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 473.13mg
- Fat: 56g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 13.39g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 0g
How Do You Preserve Boiled Peanuts?
You can increase the shelf life of boiled peanuts using the following methods:
- Canning: Pressure canning is the recommended method for canning boiled peanuts.
- Drying: After boiling your peanuts, spread them out on dehydrator trays or baking sheets and dry them in a food dehydrator or an oven set at a low temperature. Once dry, store them in airtight containers.
- Freezing: Let the boiled peanuts cool down and then pack them in freezer bags or airtight containers. Preserve them in the freezer for up to six months.
- Pickling: After boiling, pack the peanuts into jars and add pickling brine made from water, vinegar, salt, and spices of your choice. Seal the jars, refrigerate them, and use them within a few weeks.
- Refrigeration: This is the best option for those who plan to use boiled peanuts within a short period of time. Pack the cooled boiled peanuts in an airtight container and enjoy them within 1-2 weeks.
Is it Safe to Can Boiled Peanuts in a Water Bath?
No, home-canning boiled peanuts in a water bath is not recommended. Water bath canners only reach a temperature of 212°F. Since boiled peanuts are a low-acid food, this temperature is not hot enough to kill bacteria.
Can You Cold Pack Boiled Peanuts?
Yes, you can cold-pack boiled peanuts. This involves packing boiled peanuts in canning jars and adding cold syrup or brine to the jars before sealing and canning. Although hot packing provides the best flavor and texture, cold packing properly prepared boiled peanuts can also yield good results and are safe to eat.
Are Canned Boiled Peanuts Healthy?
Canned boiled peanuts are a healthy and nutritious snack. They are an excellent source of energy, fiber, protein, and beneficial fats. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus.
However, it is important to note that canned boiled peanuts contain a lot of sodium, which exceeds the advised intake of 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Picking low-sodium canned boiled peanuts is essential to manage salt intake.
How to Store Canned Boiled Peanuts
Store canned boiled peanuts in airtight containers in a cool, dark, and dry area away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. Check the seals regularly, and if you notice any broken seals, discard the contents of the container immediately. Label the jars with the canning date to help you track how long the canned boiled peanuts have been preserved.
What is the Shelf Life of Canned Boiled Peanuts?
Properly packed, sealed, and stored, canned boiled peanuts maintain their original freshness for up to one year. Ensure you follow the first in, first out method to use the oldest jars first.