So when you're making jam, how the fark are you supposed to sterilise the glass jar without breaking it?

[HerBeatitudeLittleBella]

My usual method of sterilisation is boiling for 5 minutes.

But you can't do that with a glass jar, can you? So how d'you sterilise one?

I never have btw, I've always just washed them and the jam gets used up quickly enough so that it doesn't go mouldy, but I was just speculating on it and keep meaning to ask.

You put them in the oven. Can't remember how long or what temperature though

Could you use milton tablets?

lowish on baking sheet. you could boil a jar too.

Can you use a steam steriliser?

I have vague memories of my Gran putting jam jars in the oven??? Maybe to dry them off after putting them in boiling water or something???

I put mine throught the hot wash of the dishwasher and then in a low oven for 10 mins.

yea my mum used to put them in the oven too - like cmoc can't remember how long for, I just remember she did it so that they were still warm when she put the hot jam in so they didn't crack (or something like that LOL)

aah, X'd posts

hot wash of dishwasher or hot oven

You boil the jars in a big pot of water, empty the water out post boiling, by keeping the lid still slightly on, so jars dont fall out into the sink. Leave them there.

Pour in freshly cooked jam instantly. Put lids on straight away, and put the jam jar upside down. The air will then filter through the steaming hot jam and sterilize it.

Voila!

I use a sterilsing solution dh uses when he makes beer. Then cos I'm paranoid I dry them in the oven.

What about the lids? Or do you use those stretchy cover things?

boil the lids too of course

my parents put a small amount of water in each jar and m/wave them.
Personally I would probably be happy with just d/washering them.

QS - that's a great tip about tipping them up to sterilise the air.

On lids - I tend to pop in a waxed disk and then the lid. I do know it is important to fill the jars and do the lids up when still hot and when the jam is still hot. The cooling down process sucks the lid on tight so the top pops in. If sealed right you will hear the "pop" when you open the jar before which the top can't be pushed in. As it says on the lids of jars you buy.

I always sterilise them in the microwave. glass jar with a couple of cm of water, put the lid on, but not screwed. (obviously the lids need to be plastic sealed or glass) turn on for 10 mins, high power.

btw I made rhubarb and ginger jam this week. Delicious!

Everyday physics explained :why the microwave is not effectively sterilizing jars

Someone better tell Nigella then

Nigella is eye candy, but she is not particularly hygienic...

nor me, but then I've never had a jar explode in the microwave either. Good job homemade jam and chutney lasts about a week here

Thanks all
Have put them in the oven

Thanks for lid info.