help -chutney question

[paneer]

I made chutney last week and put into recycled clean sterilised jars. I didn't put disks inside. should I have done so and if so if I do it now is it too late??

You don't have to but I always do. If you have lids that are vinegar-proof the chutney should be fine - they should have like a plastic coating inside. Also it's best to fill the jar nearly to the top and either put the lid on immediately or wait for the chutney to get cold (cover with a tea towel whilst cooling) then put the lid on. The purpose of the wax disc it to seal the surface of the chutney (or jam) and prevent bacteria and moulds in the air from contaminating it.

As long as it was all scrupulously clean it'll be fine. And sugar and vinegar are very good preservatives too.

What chutney did you make?

thank you, relieved now.
Did a apple and pear has raisins and apricots. Not made chutney before was great fun and quite addictive!

mm... mm sounds lovely.

It will be fine. I never bother with discs. Modern jars are very good. Never had any rust enough to effect the chutney, even after two or three years.

Just don't reuse a second time any jars that lids are looking tired.

I never bother with discs either. If you jar up the chutney whilst it is still hot the jars vacuum seal themselves and should last longer.

Huge Furry Willy and Balls (as we like to call him) keeps his in the cupboard not the fridge.

I never use the disks - when you buy chutney or jam it doesn't have a disk.

Do you have a dishwasher? Much easier to sterilise jars than an oven - just put on a hot wash and don't open until you need the jars.

I always use disks, so can't comment about without but others have said it's ok. Yes, too late now - they are lightly waxed and the hot chutney/jam melts the wax to seal it. I think it depends how long you're going to keep it - I know you don't buy chutney or jam with a disk but shops have a quicker turnover than e.g. the chutney I've had for several years that is still ok :-)