7. Allow Natural Cooling
Turn off the heat and let the canner cool on its own. Do not remove the weight right away. Allow jars to rest for 24 hours before checking seals.
8. Test the Seals
Remove the bands and gently lift each jar by the lid. A properly sealed lid will remain in place and appear slightly indented.
9. Using the Meatloaf
The juices inside may solidify during storage. To remove the meatloaf easily, gently warm the jar in hot water or reheat briefly in the microwave.
10. Storage Guidelines
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark, and dry location. Any jar that does not seal should be refrigerated and used within two weeks. Once a sealed jar is opened, cover leftovers and consume within two weeks.
