String Beans

Ingredients

• 4 gallons boiling water
• 2 ounces common soda or saleratus
• coarse sea salt (formerly 'bay salt')
• 7° salt filtered brine

Directions

1. Boil 4 gallons of water and add 2 ounces of soda or saleratus.

2. Add the beans and boil until they are thoroughly blanched (green).

3. Drain the water off the beans.

4. Fill the cans as full as possible, pressing the beans down firmly.

5. Add 7° salt brine to within 1/8 inch of the top.

6. Seal the can, leaving a small hole at the top.

7. Insert the can in boiling fresh water for 8 minutes.

8. Remove the can, seal the hole, and cook in boiling water for 1 hour and 45 minutes at 212°F (100°C).

9. Alternatively, cook in salt water at 230°F (110°C) for 1 hour or in a retort at 240°F (115°C) for 45 minutes.

10. Cool the cans in cold water.