I've been working with the PF tek and also had some problems with strilization. Idealy the jars *should not* be wet at the top. for better sterlization bring your pot to a boil and then turn down the fire... let is *simmer* for an hour... make sure you're around to watch it at least till it boils... I've had my last two batches ruined by xtra water... my sugestion: 1). use tape for the holes instead of tinfoil (high quality tape, or put the tin foil unbetween the lit and the ring (making sure not to puncture the fiil with the jar-lit-holes))
this will keep any water from the jar from getting into your precious jars... kind of a problem solver.
and 2). make *sure* the water isn't boiling the whole time... this can cause the water in the jars to boil up, or it can dry them out... get them to 212* F then let them just simmer...
once you have water in the top your ballance is off... and it is also more likely to get contams...one more thing you can check... carefully go back and read the directions, make sure you're using the right amt of water to begin with... if the tape-on-top doesn't fix it you might consider cutting back the amt of water you started with or switching types of verm.
also dont' be shy about letting your jars sit for up to a week before you inject them with spors: esp if you're new at this... that way if you get contam in them after a week, you can dump it and start over, perfection your tek and not losing spors in the process...
hope this works for you... remember it's all worth it in the end!
peace
Cabster
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