Are those waxed paper circles really necessary when making jam or can you just use ordinary lids?

[TooTicky]

Just wondering really. I mean, when you buy jam it doesn't come with paper on the top.

It's always been a mystery to me too. I don't bother, but then do tend to keep homemade jam in the fridge. I think as long as the jars are well-sterilised (I wash them well and then dry them in the oven) you'll be fine.

Presumably you sterilise the lids as well?

I put greaseproof paper on top, then the lid.
Think MIL does htis, so I did it too.

I always assumed that it was meant to keep the jam totally airtight - ie any bugs in the air in the bit between the jam and the lid would not touch the jam and grow mould. Not that I ever use them though, and it never seems to make any difference...

I use cling film.

jam that you buy is vacuum sealed, but that's difficult with jam you make.

I want to go blackberrying soon, does anyone know if they are out in the midlands yet?

I am in Bham, and have seen many ripe ones in local wilderness gardens
Not seen enough together to go collecting though...

Y'know ThatBigGermanPrison every time I see your new name, I read it as 'Bigger Man Prison' like for especially tall men to be locked away or something!

No more waxed paper then - I shall live dangerously from now on