Chutney - didn't fill jars to the top

[wernerlau]

I made some chutney yesterday and there was too much for one jar so I split it into two but neither are full. I've not made chutney before and now I'm worried the chutney won't keep because there's too much air in the jar. Has anyone got any experience of this??

I've made plenty like this. Some I've come across years later and look fine still. They were stored in a dark, cool place though. I usually just use the part-filled jars first. No issues.

Was the chutney warm/hot when you filled the jars and did you manage to create a vacuum to seal the lid (you can hear the lid ping and go concave and curve inwards as it cools)? If so it'll be fine - if not then I'd refrigerate and eat in the next month or so.

@Shopgirl2 thanks that’s encouraging.

@Simplegazette it was hot when I filled the jars. The lid is glass so it didn’t ping or go concave.

I think I’ll put them in the fridge and see what they are like when opened!

Bit of water, stir like fuck. Done.

I think too late for that as they are already sealed

Should be fine. A half used jar of chutney should keep for ages, especially in the fridge. For future - do one full and one nearly empty and then you can use that one up first.

Sure fire way to make it go off faster.

@Talipesmum thanks - yes that would have been the not dumb thing to have done 😁

I think absolutely fine if you put the lid on while they were hot and sterilised the jars in the dishwasher first. If they go mouldy just scrape the top off! My mum always says when the jam or chutney is hot, put the lid on loosely and then turn the jars upside down until cooled. Then upright and tighten the lids. Seems to work well.