Can you boil a jar

In this brief guide, we will address the query, “Can you boil a jar?” We will also discuss Why would you boil a jar? How long should you boil a jar? And finally What is the safe way to boil a jar? And finally What are the 3 essential Tips to sterilise your jars by boiling?

Can you boil a jar?

Yes, you can boil a jar. Boiling is a unique standard method that is officially recognized for sterilising glass jars, however, certain precautions must be taken into consideration during submerging of glass jars in boiling water to avoid cracking and breaking under high temperature

Besides, you should limit and control the boiling of a jar because a gentle boil will be sufficient to sterilise it properly and efficiently

So, if you are intending to prepare canned food for winter as jams, pickles, even meats and vegetables, enjoy your favourite food throughout the year or gift those canned jars during holidays.

Then this article is definitely what you need because it will give you useful information and some tips on how to sterilise your jars easily and quickly by boiling them to safely preserve your favourite food.

Besides boiling a jar is also an eco friendly mainly because glass jars are reusable, so you can easily clean your leftover jars and save them for the next canning season

Why would you boil a jar?

Boiling jars is widely known as a traditional method of sterilisation of glass jars that are used to preserve canned foods.

 Fruits, vegetables, jams, pickles, meat, and fish are all types of food that may not be available all the year, that is why many people tend to preserve them in jars with water-canning methods. 

However, the safety and shelf life of those canned foods mainly depends on preparing a sterile environment (Glass Jars) to be stored in.

How long should you boil a jar?

Using the boiling method to sterilise a jar usually takes about 10 minutes from the time water starts to boil. 

Always keep in mind that you should never submerge your jar directly into the boiling canning because it will be vulnerable to breakage, that is why it is safe and better to immerse your jar into cold water and keep it there for 10 minutes after the water starts to boil.

For more detailed guidance, please click the link here

What is the safe way to boil a jar?

If you are planning to prepare canned food using jars for another season, here is a guide and step-by-step directions to sterilise your canning jars in a water bath.

  • Wash your jars using soap and water and rinse clean
  • Put a few empty jars right-side-up next to each other in a large pot on the stove without their bands and lids 
  • Do not over-crowd the jars or stack them on top of each other.
  • Cover the jars entirely with cold or hot but not boiling water into the pot to avoid glass jars cracking or shattering 
  • Cover your pot and bring the water to a boil
  • After the water starts boiling, turn off the heat and add the bands and lids into the hot water then set your timer on for at least 10 additional minutes.
  • Use jar lifters or tongs to carefully remove the hot jars, then drain well and set them aside to dry in the open air on a clean surface or dish towel

What are the 3 essential Tips to sterilise your jars by boiling?

After we have explained in detail everything related to HOW and WHY we boil a jar, here are some important tips that you should always consider.

  • The canning jars that can be boiled and used to can food are usually made up of tempered glass and have a two-piece vacuum cap 
  • You should water bath your jar in boiling water as the last step directly after the canned food is ready to be canned, If your canned food is not yet ready keep the jars covered in the pot
  • Always use during boiling of the jars a large pot that is taller by at least 2 inches. 

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have addressed the query, “Can you boil a jar?” We have also discussed Why would you boil a jar? How long should you boil a jar? And finally What is the safe way to boil a jar? And finally What are the 3 essential Tips to sterilise your jars by boiling?

Hope you found this blog useful. If you have any questions, please let us know.

References

https://nchfp.uga.edu/publications/nchfp/factsheets/sterilizing.html#:~:text=To%20pre%2Dsterilize%20 jars%2C%20 place,less%20than%201%2C000%20feet%20elevation

https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-sterilize-canning-jars-1327595
https://familyspice.com/can-using-boiling-water/

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