What exactly is it that i have to put on jam or chutney to seal it pls ?

[timetochange70]

Can i just use greaseproof or baking paper ?
How do i actually do it ? Should a circle of waxed paper be inside lid or hanging over. Does it have to be specially bought waxed paper ? Sorry im confused ! TIA

[ProfYaffle]

You can buy ready cut waxed discs, greaseproof or baking paper will work but it's a faff cutting out the circles. Pre done are easier and they're cheap to buy. The circle of paper sits on the surface of the jam, inside the jar. The idea is to prevent air getting to the surface of the jam. The jar will then need to be sealed with either a lid or cellophane circle and elastic band (that's the 'outside the lid hanging over' circle)

I normally buy packs which contain the waxed circles, cellophane circles and little elastic bands.

[MoreBeta]

I too use old jam jars and lids. Carefully wash old jam out in sink with pan brush, sterilise in dishwasher on hottest setting, take out while still hot and fill with boiling jam. Screw lid on immediately very tight and it will seal itself.

I then allow them to cool and store them in a freezer for convenience and take out as I need and keep them in fridge once opened.

[Talyra]

I don't use them, but I do have the sterilised jars in boiling water after they've been filled - my jam keeps for years and can be kept in cupboard until opened. Be careful with ex-honey jars the glass is not as strong and can break if in boiling water. Normal jars are fine.

[milkmoustache]

Just curious, More Beta, why do you keep jam in the freezer??

[MoreBeta]

I have a big chest freezer and its somewhere convenient to keep it. It really comes to no harm and last years.