How to can apple juice: time by the book
Apple juice is high-acid, so a boiling-water bath is safe — here are the USDA processing times and how time changes with elevation.
How long do you can apple juice?
USDA processes apple juice for 5 minutes for pints and 5 minutes for quarts, at a full rolling boil, jars covered by at least an inch of water. Ball Test Kitchen (2024) acidified per 6-pint batch. USDA (2015) does not require added acid. Both sources shown.
Altitude adjustment
At altitude a boiling-water bath needs more time: add 5 minutes at 1,001–3,000 ft, 10 minutes at 3,001–6,000 ft, 15 minutes at 6,001–8,000 ft and 20 minutes above 8,000 ft.
Why apple juice is water-bath canned
Apple juice is high-acid (pH 4.6 or below), so a boiling-water bath reaches a safe temperature. Leave the headspace your tested recipe lists and check every lid sealed before storing.
FAQ
How long do you can apple juice?
USDA processes apple juice for 5 minutes for pints and 5 minutes for quarts, at a full boil, adjusting time for altitude.
Do you water bath or pressure can apple juice?
Apple juice is high-acid, so a boiling-water bath is safe.
How do you adjust apple juice for altitude?
At altitude a boiling-water bath needs more time: add 5 minutes at 1,001–3,000 ft, 10 minutes at 3,001–6,000 ft, 15 minutes at 6,001–8,000 ft and 20 minutes above 8,000 ft.
Gear this guide uses
Apple juice is high-acid, so a boiling-water bath is enough — you just need jars fully submerged.
- A deep water-bath canner with a rack keeps jars off the bottom and fully covered by boiling water.
- A jar lifter and canning funnel make hot-pack filling safe and clean.
- Use tested-recipe Ball mason jars and lids and leave the headspace your recipe calls for.
Some links above are affiliate links — if you buy through them, Moon Dog may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only point to gear we'd actually use.
Sources
General education, not a recipe. Always follow a current USDA-tested process for your food, equipment, and elevation. Processing time per 38th ed.: Apple juice (3 Tbsp lemon juice per 6-pint batch per 2024 update.