Making Relishes

[briggsy2011]

Hi

I am going to be making tomato Relish and tomato and pepper relish this weekend. Not from my own produce sadly, but its my intention to grow my own ingrediants to do this in the future.

My question is can i use plastic lids (old peanut butter jars) to store the relish in? or do i have to use medal lids?

thanks lou x

[Ananke]

I made tomato relish/chutney for the first time in the autumn there, I used jam jars so that I could get a seal, which you wouldn't get using the plastic lids.

Having said that, I don't know if a seal is required with chutneys but i'm sure someone will come along and let us know. I go through a lot of peanut butter and hate throwing the jars away.

[briggsy2011]

thanks for that, i did have feeling that i have to use metal lids jam jars (have been collecting loads) but have some plastic thingys, shame to waste them lol x

[donnakebab]

I would say everything has to be sterilised. Usually, as with jam, you wash the jars and lids then put them in the oven. Chutney is poured in while still hot and lid screwed on. This way it contracts as it cools and you even get the push lid test.

[taff]

chutneys/relishes should be ok with plastic lids [sterilised in 80 degree water or thereabout I think] as the sugar/vinegar keeps them good.
All the ones I've made with plstic lids have been fine and non-mouldy when I want to eat them
Can't say the same about jam, but apparently, mouldy tops is down to lidding when warm, not cold or hot......

[briggsy2011]

thanks guys, i do have a lot of jam jars, so will use all of them plastic and metal. I have made a start on the receipes. Took ages cutting up the toms - 8lbs of the stuff lol -leaving them over night.

I am using Val Harrisons receipes (Easy Jams Chutneys and Preserves) just tweeted John Harrison ( i am following him on twitter) saying that i using his wifes book.

x

[Hilary B]

If you want to sterilise plastic, and not sure it will stand sufficient heat, try the Milton (baby-bottle sterilizer).
Yeah, jam needs to be either REALLY HOT or COMPLETELY COLD when sealed!

[binley100]

The only thing against plastic lids is that you might not get an airtight seal which is important for the keeping qualities of the contents....and that is why when a jar has been opened you should then keep it in the fridge .