The Preserver's Year

nopot2pin

What's the best way to preserve garlic, does anyone know ?

I had fancied roasting it, then putting it in oil... but remember something about it not being safe to do so, as it can provide a breeding ground for botulism.

Anyone know what a safe way to do this please ?

TIA

NoahsPennilessMummy

i know there is a recipe for preserving garlic in the River Cottage preserves book....will dig it out and let you know.

thriftlady_2

nopot2pin wrote: »

What's the best way to preserve garlic, does anyone know ?

Maybe not quite what you have in mind but if you just want to keep it fora long time try peeling the cloves and open freezing them on a tray, then bagging them up ready for use. I would think you'd be able to use them from frozen.

ChocolateMonkey

This is a bit late I know but does anyone know if you can use baby jars with the lids for chutney? They seem to have the rubbery bits inside and ive screwed them on but I thought I heard somewhere that you couldnt use them. Also, can you seal chutney with a wax disc and celophane?, I ran out of jar lids so ended up having to use this method.

Overall i've been pretty busy making my green tomato chutney and crab apple jelly which I completely adore. I've also finally got the knack of judging when jelly is read by eye and without a thermometer :j...... I think. (me and my thermometer dont get on I swear it lies too me)

Penelope_Penguin

sassyblue wrote: »

Another question l must ask, are coffee jars okay to store chutneys in? l say no because of the plastic lids but a couple of people keep telling me yes, who's right?

I use coffee jars, from time to time I wouldn't use them for jam, as that seems to need the seal, but chutneys preserve better without, so I've never had one deteriorate even after storing for over a year in a coffee jar

Penny. x

meerkatgirl

I just made this: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/3113/redcurrant-and-red-onion-relish

It says keeps in the fridge for two to three weeks - does that mean once opened? or does it mean store in the fridge immediately?

I thought chutneys could be left in the cupboard for a few months and still be good to eat?

BabyKat

once opened they should be kept in the fridge unopened they keep for a long time

thriftlady_2

Meerkatgirl chutneys do not need to be refrigerated once they are opened. They are full of vinegar and sugar which are preservatives and have been made in kitchens up and down the land long before the invention of the fridge. Just make sure you pot in a sterile jar;)

Penelope_Penguin

BabyKat wrote: »

once opened they should be kept in the fridge unopened they keep for a long time

I don't keep HM chutney in the fridge They're kept in the pantry, and I've never, ever seen mould on them

Penny. x

thriftlady_2

Penelope_Penguin wrote: »

I don't keep HM chutney in the fridge They're kept in the pantry, and I've never, ever seen mould on them

Penny. x

No I've never seen mould on my chutney either but I've occasionally had a jar of jam or jelly go mouldy (still keep it in the cupboard). I think the vinegar in the chutney is a mould inhibitor which I suppose is why they put it in bread -blerghh!

My chutney seems to be immortal:D