Learning how to sterilize jars for canning is an important step. It removes bacteria that may cause the jam to spoil. It also helps it last longer at room temperature. For example, properly sterilized and sealed jars can maintain their quality and be stored at room temperature for 12-18 months.
How To Sterilize Jars For Canning
There are 4 ways you can sterilize jars: on the stove, in the oven, in the dishwasher, or in the microwave.
How To Sterilize Jars In The Oven
Sterilizing jars in the oven takes longer than the other methods, but it is very effective. It will take about 30 minutes to sterilize jars in the oven, so keep this in mind when you are making jam.
To sterilize jars in the oven:
- Set the oven to 275°F (130°C) (Do not set the oven’s temperature any higher than this, or your jars may shatter in the oven).
- Wash your jars and lids with hot, soapy water and rinse them. Do not dry the jars (they will dry in the oven).
- Place them on a baking sheet and put them in the oven. Let the jars dry completely. This should take about 10 minutes, but it may take a little longer, depending on your oven.
Important Tip: If your jars have rubber seals, boil the seals to sterilize them. The dry heat from the oven will damage the seals.
How To Sterilize Jars In The Dishwasher
You can also sterilize jars in the dishwasher. But it has to have a high-temperature setting or be a steam dishwasher. The dishwasher method works perfectly with screw-top jars or clip-top jars with a rubber seal.
To sterilize your jars in the dishwasher:
- Arrange clean cold jars in your dishwasher. Do not add any detergent to the dishwasher.
- Press the sanitize button or run the dishwasher on its highest temperature setting.
- Remove the jars from the dishwasher one at a time and fill them with hot strawberry cranberry jam.
Important tip: Timing matters. You want to piping hot jam into hot jars. Start prepping and sterilizing your jars 20 minutes before your jam, pickles, or other preservatives are ready. If you are using the dishwasher, start making the food during the last 30-40 minutes of the cycle.
How To Sterilize Jam In Boiling Water
Sterilizing jars in boiling water is easy to do. Follow these instructions:
- Place a trivet in the bottom of a large pot. Put the jars on the rack right-side up.
- Cover the jars with water. The water should stop about 2 inches above the jars.
- Place the jars over medium-high heat and let the water come to a boil. Boil the jars for 10 minutes.
- Next, gently remove the jars from the pot using a pair of canning tongs. Place the jars upside down on a clean kitchen towel to drain.
- Turn the jar over and fill it with food.
Important Tip: Never add cold food to hot jars or hot food to cold jars. It can cause the jar to break. Always add hot food to hot jars and cold food to cold jars.
How To Sterilize Jars In The Microwave
The microwave method is fast and easy. But it’s limited. It is good for sterilizing regular jars. But it doesn’t work for jars with metal lids or clip-top jars with rubber seals.
To sterilize jars in the microwave, clean the jars with hot soapy water. Rinse the jars with water, and do not dry them. Microwave each jar for 30-45 seconds (you may have to heat them a little longer if your jars are bigger), then fill them with hot food.
Recommended
Strawberry Jam
Cranberry Jam
Mango Jam
Tips For Sterilizing Jars
- Never add cold food to hot jars. Do not add hot food to cold jars. The jars will break, and all your efforts will be wasted.
- Check your jars first before you start making jam. If the jar lids are damaged or rusty, throw them away. They will not seal properly, and bacteria may get into the jam, causing it to spoil faster. If the jars are chipped or cracked, throw them away.
- Remove the jars from the dishwasher, oven, or pot a few at a time. If you remove all the jars at the same time, they will cool down too quickly.
- Sterilize more jars than you think you need. If you have more jam or jelly than you expected, you will have enough jars. It’s always better to have more jars than not enough jars. If you don’t have enough jars, you won’t be able to sterilize them on the spot. It’s too late to start sterilizing jars after the food is ready to jar.
- Leave jams, preserves, or pickles to settle for 15 minutes before sealing. It lets trapped air bubbles escape and helps the food settle properly. It also decreases the risk that the jars will break since there won’t be any sudden temperature changes.
Sterilizing jars is an essential step in the canning process. It preserves the freshness of the food and makes it safe to eat. Whether you choose to sterilize your jars in the oven or in boiling water, you can rest easy knowing you are eating safe homemade jams, pickles, and other preserves.
Always remember to coordinate your timing so your jars are ready to be filled with hot food so they don’t break.
What’s your favorite food to can? Leave a comment down below.
