sterilising jars - not sure I've done it correctly, will my chutney be mouldy by Christmas?

[Astrophe]

I've only ever made small batches before, and kept it in the fridge, but this time I've made about 15 jars for Christmas.

I scrubbed the jars and lids in very hot soapy water. Rinsed jars and lids in hot water. Dried jars (bot lids, as I thought the plasticy seal bit might melt) in the oven for about 15 mins, then filled and put the lids on.

Since then I've read that I should also have boiled the jars for for 10 minutes...does this mean my chutney wont last?

You should be fine as long as the chutney was very hot when you bottled it. I always sterilise my lids in the oven as well, 30 minutes at 100 (fan oven) and the plastic seal is always fine. Boiling for 10 minutes after you bottle sort of pasteurises the stuff and isn't really a big deal, especially with chutney because the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth, anyway.

Did your jars seal properly on cooling? If so, you'll be fine.

DH usually washes ours in hot soapy water then puts them in the dishwasher on a hot wash and then into the oven.

I am sure it will be fine.

oh, thanks so much, I'm very relieved. Hate to think of all that lovely chutney wasted!

Yes, the seals popped down (most of them anyway - some I think I didn't fill high enough so a little too much space). I'll open one before I give them away at Christmas - just to check it of course

There was a thread on breast and bottle recently (though bumped from years ago) about how in hospital bottles aren't sterilised. A carefull hot scrub is just as good. I know chutney will be in for longer but think you'll get away with it due to the preserving magic of sugar and vinegar. Best check though eh?

I have kept loads for oiver a year and did what you did roughly. No boiling though