Sterilizing jars - urgent

[dexterdoglancashire]

Has anyone got any tips on how to sterilize jars? I've bought some of the kilner type with the rubber seal - would it be OK to sterilize them in the oven? would the seal be OK? I dont particularly want to take the seal off then try getting it back on again! If I can do it int'oven how long and at what temperature?
If anyone could let me know, I need to know for tomorrow morning (Sunday) as I've got my green toms and onions marinating in salt in readiness for my big "green tomato chutney" day tomorrow as recommended by earthbabe in her thread of that title! thanks in advance......... dexterdog

[martini]

Hi ~Dexter - one of my books says in the overn at 140 degreees C for 5 mins and put the chutney in while the jars are hot. Not sure about the rubber rings but it's not very hot - you could always try one today and see what happens. Good look with the chutney - hopefully I'll be doing some next year - that's if we ever get this sump finished

[OverWyreGrower]

I put all my jars for jam in the dishwasher just before i start making jam...

The cycle runs for about 90 mins and the jars are hot, but dry, when I put the jam in them.

HTH

[mooonwitch]

You can sterilize jars by placing them in a large pan of water which you bring to the boil for a few minutes. Then remove them and place in a warm oven (GM 1, 75C, 150F) until ready to use.

I don't use kilner jars, just plain glass jars, so instead, after cleaning in very hot soapy water, then rinsing in plain hot water, i put the jars in the microwave (while they are still damp) and heat them in there for 1-2 minutes, until the water has evaporated (careful though, they get hot). I've done this for years and have had no problems with any mould etc, growing on the contents. Just make sure you don't put anything metal in the microwave.

Apparently, Kilner jars need their metal parts smearing with vaseline to prevent rust developing, both when in use and when stored away. Also the rubber rings need to be kept in the dark, as the light perishes the rubber.

Hope this is of some use!

[dexterdoglancashire]

thanks for that everyone! got rid of the dishwasher (the machine not my OH!) a couple of years ago! Will try the boil in the pan method, espesh with the rubber rings. Good tip about the metal bits - never thought of that, though hopefully the chutney wont stay in there that long! dexterdog

[dexterdoglancashire]

Just had a "fertle" on google and have come up with this site, which also has a couple of good recipes on it - including roasted peppers.....which perhaps could be used for tomatoes? here it is: enjoyment.independent.co.uk/food_and_drink/features/article 330809.ece
good tips on how to sterilize kilner jars as well. looks like you can remove the rings! well i never! dexterdog

[Bibliobeck]

Hi Dexterdog - I always remove the rings and scald them with boiling water. I do tend to sterilise the jars in the dishwasher as it's so quick and easy. Have done them in the oven though and they are fine.

[Earthbabe]

Hi Dexterdog. I take the rings off and pour boiling water over the lot then leave for a few minutes take out and allow to dry. I wouldn't put the rubber rings in the oven. I have used that method for ordinary and kilner screw top jars though.

[Snadger]

thanks for that everyone! got rid of the dishwasher (the machine not my OH!) a couple of years ago! Will try the boil in the pan method, espesh with the rubber rings. Good tip about the metal bits - never thought of that, though hopefully the chutney wont stay in there that long! dexterdog

Why dont you use the Bain Marie? (Dexterdog, thats like a large dish with boiling water in it......) Lol

[Earthbabe]

Oh yes, hadn't thought of that Snadger. I think you can use a pressure cooker too but I'm not sure how that works.

[Palustris]

We always use the micrwave to sterilize jars, never had any bother with mould or anything else. Occasionally the jars break, but better in there than when you put the hot stuff in them!

[dexterdoglancashire]

thanks for that snadger - i never thought of that! dexterdog

[JazzDuke]

To sterilise properly you must have a temperature of about 125 (so 140 as mentioned above is good advice) and you should maintain this for five, personally I'd do ten minutes. Boiling water does not do it. Sure it kills most of the bugs but not all. If you are going to give this food to anyone other than yourself knowing that you have killed even 99% of the bugs is not good enough.

[Earthbabe]

Thanks Jazzduke that is a very good point especially with Christmas looming and the annual hunt for presents to negotiate.

[dexterdoglancashire]

fingers crossed I got it right! they were in the oven for that long at around 150C after washing in boiling water, so we'll see! watch this space or, if I don't do any postings you know I've got food poisoning! dexterdog PS am storing my green tom chutney in the sealed jars in the fridge - is this OK?