Another canning question

[Southern Gardener]

So I canned 9 pints of squash relish last weekend and I opened one today and noticed that the juice does not cover the veggies all the way to the top - same with the other jars. Should it? Will mold or something frightening grow on it? Should I refrigerate them? Throw them out? I may be a bit too paranoid, but like I've said, I don't want to kill anyone or make them sick.

Thanks!

 

[lesa]

Should be fine. Some of mine came out too watery and some was "dry" on top. If the jar sealed, and the sniff and taste pass, I wouldn't worry...

 

[Southern Gardener]

Thanks lesa!

 

[ducks4you]

You will KNOW if they mold. I canned some sweet peppers the wrong way, and 3 weeks later my lids were BULGING!!

 

[Southern Gardener]

You will KNOW if they mold. I canned some sweet peppers the wrong way, and 3 weeks later my lids were BULGING!!

ok - good to know!

 

[hoodat]

The part not covered by the liquid may darken but if they were canned properly it's only oxidation. You can scoop off the discolored layer and the rest should be fine.