How to sterilize a Jar ? The Complete Guide

Ingredients

- Glass jars with their lids.

- A large pot or stockpot.

- A jar lifter (optional but handy).

- A clean tea towel.

Instructions

Do you know all the methods for sterilising your jam jars?

The best-known method is to boil your glass jars and pots in water. Here are our instructions:

The hob method:

Step 1: Clean the jars

- Wash your jars and lids in hot soapy water.

- Rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

Step 2: Sterilise the jars

- Place the jars and the lids in a large pot.

- Fill the pot with water until the jars are completely submerged.

- Bring the water to the boil and let it boil for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Dry the jars

- Remove the jars from the water with a jar lifter or sturdy tongs.

- Place them upside down on a clean tea towel so that they air-dry.

Step 4: Fill and close the jars

- Pour your hot jam into the sterile jars straight away.

- Close the jars with the lids while still hot to ensure they keep well.

Step 5: Check the sterilisation

- Once the jars are closed, turn them upside down for 10 minutes to create a vacuum.

- Then turn them the right way up and let them cool completely.

If you would rather not use the boiling water method, two other options are open to you to prepare your containers:

The oven method (ideal for large quantities):

After washing your jars in soapy water and rinsing them, place them, still damp, on your oven tray. Preheat the oven to 110°C (gas mark 3-4) and let them heat for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Careful: lids fitted with rubber seals must not go in the oven; scald them separately instead. Take the jars out carefully just before filling them.

The microwave method (quicker):

This technique is perfect for sterilising one or two jars quickly.

• Fill your glass jars two-thirds full with water.
• Heat them at maximum power until the water comes to the boil (about 2 minutes depending on the power).
• Let it boil for a few seconds, then carefully empty the water and let the jars dry upside down on a clean cloth.

Important note: never put metal lids in the microwave; sterilise them separately in a pan of boiling water.

Once your jars are ready, all that is left is to fill them: discover our artisanal jams cooked in copper pans , or build your own jam gift box to practise on several flavours at once.