Sterilizing
There are several ways to sterilize your jars for canning.
Filling
Most jams and chunteys should be potted as soon as setting point is reached. The exception are marmalades which can be left to cool slightly as this will stop the peel from floating to the top.
Sealing
There are two main ways you can seal jars of jam, jelly or marmalade – either with wax discs and celophane lids or with a twist-top lid.
Storing
Store preserves in a cool, dark place such as a larder, cellar, garage or shed. Most jams and chutneys will keep for at least a year (and chutneys benefit from having a little time to mature)
There are several ways to sterilize your jars for canning.
- You can run them through a short cycle on your dishwasher.
- You can place them in a large pot (12 quart) of water on top of a steaming rack (so they don't touch the bottom of the pan), and bring the water to a boil for 10 minutes.
- Or you can rinse out the jars, dry them, and place them, without lids, in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes.
Filling
Most jams and chunteys should be potted as soon as setting point is reached. The exception are marmalades which can be left to cool slightly as this will stop the peel from floating to the top.
- Pour or ladle your preserve into warm jars – this prevents the preserve from cooling before you’ve had chance to seal it.
- Always fully-fill jars and seal straight away. With chutneys and other ‘chunky’ preserves tap the side of the jar to remove any air pockets.
Sealing
There are two main ways you can seal jars of jam, jelly or marmalade – either with wax discs and celophane lids or with a twist-top lid.
- To use the wax discs and cellophane covers, place the disc wax-side down on the surface of the hot preserve. Moisten the cellophane cover with a drop of water, stretch over the jar and secure with an elastic band. The moistened side of the cellophane should be on the outside. If you like you jams to look as good as they taste :) , you can then make an outer cover from a piece of paper or fabric cut in circle and tied with a ribbon or string.
- For chutneys and other vinegar-based preserves, it’s always best to use a plastic-lined twist on lid. Screw the lid on as soon as you’ve filled the jar with and make sure it’s on tightly.
- Recycling your jars is the mos simple way. Buy replacement lids if you wish.
Storing
Store preserves in a cool, dark place such as a larder, cellar, garage or shed. Most jams and chutneys will keep for at least a year (and chutneys benefit from having a little time to mature)