sterilising jam jars - whats the easiest way?

[Deleted User]

I have used baby sterilizer successfully to sterilize bottles before, make it up in the proportions on the bottle, pour into the bottles/jars and leave for a couple of hours, rinse well and use.

I have also done them in the microwave, half fill with cold water, set the micro on high for around 7 minutes, the water needs to boil for 2 - 3 minutes, be careful when taking them out they will be very hot, tip out the water dry upside down and then fill in the normal way.

Savannah02K

You don't need to do that, I've always followed Delia Smith's instructions and never had a problem with jam or chutney going off, in short: To sterilise the jars, wash them thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse and dry them, then place in a medium oven for five minutes. Enjoy the jam!

dandy-candy

Savannah02K wrote: »

You don't need to do that, I've always followed Delia Smith's instructions and never had a problem with jam or chutney going off, in short: To sterilise the jars, wash them thoroughly in warm soapy water, rinse and dry them, then place in a medium oven for five minutes. Enjoy the jam!

That sounds much easier! Thx

Savannah02K

I place the jars in my grill pan, top down, usual procedure for me is wash them just after I start making the jam, quick kitchen towel dry, then place them upside down in the grill pan, put them in pre heated oven for few mins, then turn oven off and leave them in there until I'm ready to bottle up. Just be careful when you pick them jars up, you will need to use oven glove or dishcloth. I used to worry about them cracking in a hot oven, after all, they're glass, but once I read that Delia does it, was enough for me! Never had once crack yet.

Linda32

I put them in the oven as well, but on the lowest mark possible which is 1/2 on a gas oven.

You then put the hot jam into hot jars and they both cool down together. A jam funnel helps here

Savannah02K

Spot on with the jam funnel. Essential bit of kit IMHO. Plus it makes me feel as though I'm a professional jam maker!

meritaten

I ALWAYS use Milton to Sterilise jars when making pickles or jams. never had a prob with mould either. just make sure you drain the jars dry before filling them.

[Deleted User]

Soak in a solution of Sodium Metabisulphite, then drain upside on a rack, but don't rinse.

The film of Sodium Met will keep them sterile, until ready for use.

zippychick

I;ve merged this with an older relevant thread

Zip