My lids didn't seal

[Ananke]

I made a big batch of Branston like pickle last night. I don't have a proper funnel and it took me ages to fill the jars with a spoon, I think the jars cooled down too much and the lids haven't sealed.

Is there something I can do to fix it without starting from scratch?

[zazen999]

Place the jars in a saucepan and cover with water. Heat slowly and boil them for about 45 mins. Take the lids off whilst still very hot, rinse in boiling water and reseal whilst still hot.

[Ananke]

Aw thank you Zaz, I was so worried i'd need to empty them all again. I'll go do that now

[taff]

you dont need a proper funnel, cut the top off a plastic bottle if you have one, one of the thicker ones, like a squash bottle or something, and use that, be careful of burnt fingers though

[Ananke]

OMG, why didn't I think of that? Thank you Taff

[Ananke]

Zaz, can I just check that the whole jar has to be submerged with the water covering the lids?

[Nicos]

Out of interest...why do you need to remove the lids and replace- if they are submerged, and boiled at 100C for 45 mins -won't they be sterilised anyway???

( I'm no expert here- but that seems more logical to me???)

[zazen999]

Out of interest...why do you need to remove the lids and replace- if they are submerged, and boiled at 100C for 45 mins -won't they be sterilised anyway???

( I'm no expert here- but that seems more logical to me???)

to get them to seal. Ie the inside expands with the heat; remove lids, air escapes, replace lids and they should seal nice and tight.

[Alison]

I don't use a funnel or a spoon but just pour it from a smallish jug. Works better than either of the other options for me.

[Ananke]

Ahh, success

I can hear the lids popping away in the kitchen.