For preserves such as jams and pickles it is important to sterilise your glass jars and bottles just before you fill them. We recommend using the water bath method:
- 1. Remove the lids or rubber seals from the jars/bottles.
- 2. In a large pan place a metal trivet (or an upside down heat resistant plate) in the base and place the jars/bottles on top.
- 3. In a second smaller pan place the lids and/or rubber seals.
- 4. Add enough cold water to cover both the jars/bottles and the lids/seals.
- 5. Bring both pans to the boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 6. Turn off the heat and place lids on the pans until you are ready to fill the jars.
- 7. When you are ready to fill, carefully remove the jars/bottles and lids/seals with tongs and place on a new/clean cloth.
- Take care when sterilising and handling hot jars and lids, use appropriate equipment such as tongs or oven gloves.
- We do not recommend sterilising your jars in an oven, as ovens can harbour bacteria.
- Do not attempt to sterilise glass bottles or jars by pouring boiling water into them.
