Have you ever had any sentimental attachment to a particular canning jar? I bet you have, but maybe we should look at it with a fresh lens. How about if this can fails to preserve your food in the best way? Or perhaps it ends up contaminating what you thought you were storing. It would be devastating, but the problem will hardly be with the canning jar. It will be about sterilization. But do you know how to sterilize canning jars?
We can hardly underscore enough why sterilizing your canning jar matters. From protecting you against health issues to cushioning you against the effects of food contamination, it will be a priority. The biggest concern, however, is how to sterilize the jars during this pandemic. It is in this light that we take a penetrating look into the process. Read with us!
Sterilizing canning jars help in preventing other bacterial infections and flu. The following are steps that can help you in sterilizing your canning jars effectively.
What You Need To Sterilize Canning Jars?
- One large pot with a rack
- A boiling water canner
- Kitchen tongs
- Glass canning jars
- Canning kits
- Rack
The items mentioned above should be clean, and preferably, appropriately sanitized. Besides, their reliability will matter a lot too. Once you have these things in place, you will need to follow the following steps.
The Steps on How To Sterilize Canning Jars
Step 1:
Put the jars in the boiling water can, preferably with the right side up. While at it, it will be fair to ensure that jars are wholly immersed into the water. Remember, the water should be at least one inch above the canning jar at all times. This way, getting the ultimate results will be no hassle.
Step 2:
Take the time to boil the water to its highest point. The higher the heat, the better the results you get in the long run.
Step 3:
As soon as the water reaches its boiling point, it would be best if you started timing. Mostly, you will have to wait for at least ten minutes. The duration varies with the altitude, as we shall discuss later.
Step 4:
After the suggested number of minutes, you can now turn off the heat. Most people will suggest that you leave the jars in the water for the next hour, which allows you to get ready.
Step 5:
Lastly, you will use kitchen tongs to remove the jars from this water. Do not shy away from draining them and setting them on a relatively dry spot. Besides, this surface should be clean too. Remember, it will be pointless for you to sterilize your canning jars yet your environment is hardly hygienic.
Step 6:
You will also be free to clean the lids as well as any rings present. It will be vital for you not to include them when heating the other parts, as they could be vulnerable under intense heat. How about you use hot water to rinse them?
Relationship Between Sterilizing Time And Altitudes
Did you know that the altitude will often affect how long you boil or sterilize your canning jars? The higher the altitude, the more time you will spend on heating them.
For instance, if you are at sea level, you will heat your canning jar for approximately ten minutes. At 1000 feet above sea level, it will take about 11 minutes for the sterilization to take place. Ideally, every additional 1000 feet above sea level attracts an extra minute of heating. In this light, you will spend up to sixteen minutes when sterilizing your canning jar at 7000 feet above sea level.
Things To Remember During This Process
Beyond the process, it will always be vital to keep a few things in mind. They help in attaining the best results and even enhance your safety. Here are a few insights.
- Having your jars immersed is vital in ensuring that there is no sudden shattering once they come in contact with heat.
- It would help if you never recycled or reuse empty jars from other commercial products.
- Use jars that are designed for canning only.
- Did you know that sprinkling a little baking powder on these jars will keep them fresh for a longer time?
- You cannot sterilize your canning jars in the dishwasher.
- You will be free to use these canning jars from time to time.
Tips To Keep Canning Jars Clean For Longer Time
I know you are dying to know how to keep your canning jars sterile for longer. It is worth considering, especially after learning how to sterilize them. Here are a few tips to consider.
- Sprinkle Borax on them
Did you know that Borax can kill both bacteria and humidifier odors? Sprinkling a little on your canning jars will cushion them against contamination. You will have to dissolve about half a cup of Borax in a gallon of water and sprinkle on the pot. - Put a little baking powder on canning jars
Baking powder and soda will come in handy in protecting your canning jar against germs and bacteria. It features bicarbonates that are critical in suppressing the lives of such pathogens. - Mind your storage
Your storage position will always matter a lot. Ensure that you keep the canning jars in dry yet cool places, as this lower susceptibility to contaminants.
Final Verdict
We hope you enjoyed our article on how to sterilize canning jars. This is a general overview of all the different steps needed to do so. Understanding how to sterilize canning jars will always be a vital move. It is healthy and a sure way to cushion yourself from various contaminants. However, what matters the most will always be how you do it. Aim at following the procedure laid out above, as it points out how to get effective results from the process. What is more, you will find value in adhering to the requirements that come with altitudes.
Our blog is dedicated to providing you with helpful and informative pieces of information that will hopefully make your life easier in these difficult times. Thank you for reading, we are always excited when one of our posts is able to provide useful information on a topic like this!
