Canning 101: The Cold Pack Method

Raw pack normally refers to placing uncooked meat or fish into a canning jar, while a cold pack normally refers to fruits and vegetables. In some recipes the raw or cold pack methods are recommended and for others the hot-pack method is more appropriate.

The cold, or uncooked food is packed into jars, heated liquid may be added, and then the jars are sealed and processed. There are certain recipes where the food is entirely cooked in the canning jar and is, therefore, cold or raw packed.