How to Can Pulled Pork: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Canning pulled pork is a fantastic way to preserve this flavorful dish for future enjoyment. By following proper canning techniques, you can extend the shelf life of your pulled pork for up to two years, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal option at your fingertips.

Benefits of Canning Pulled Pork

• Extended Shelf Life: Canning significantly extends the shelf life of pulled pork, allowing you to enjoy it for months to come.
• Convenience: Canned pulled pork is a convenient meal solution, ready to heat and serve whenever you need a quick and tasty meal.
• Cost-Effective: Canning pulled pork can be more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made pulled pork from the store.
• Control Over Ingredients: Canning allows you to control the ingredients used in your pulled pork, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful dish.

Choosing the Right Pork Cut

The best cut of pork for canning pulled pork is the pork shoulder, also known as the Boston butt. This cut is well-marbled with fat, which contributes to its tenderness and flavor when cooked low and slow.

Preparing the Pork

1. Seasoning: Season the pork shoulder generously with your desired spices and seasonings. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Cooking: Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker or Dutch oven and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C).
3. Shredding: Once cooked, remove the pork from the cooking liquid and shred it using two forks or a meat shredder.

Canning the Pulled Pork

1. Preparing the Jars: Sterilize canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
2. Filling the Jars: Fill the sterilized jars with the shredded pulled pork, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
3. Adding Liquid: Add enough cooking liquid or broth to cover the pulled pork in the jars.
4. Processing: Place the filled jars in a pressure canner and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The processing time will vary depending on the altitude at which you are canning.
5. Cooling and Storing: Once processed, remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely. Store the canned pulled pork in a cool, dark place for up to two years.

Tips for Canning Pulled Pork

• Use high-quality, fresh pork for the best results.
• Season the pork generously to enhance its flavor.
• Cook the pork until it reaches an internal temperature of 195°F (90°C) to ensure it is safe to can.
• Fill the jars with the pulled pork loosely, leaving about 1 inch of headspace at the top.
• Process the jars in a pressure canner according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure they are properly sealed and safe to store.
• Store the canned pulled pork in a cool, dark place for up to two years.

Canning pulled pork is a rewarding and practical way to preserve this delicious dish. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy the convenience and flavor of homemade pulled pork for months to come.