The sense of satisfaction preserving gives makes it so worthwhile, and preserving in small batches is quite often more achievable. Use oven mitts, pot holders or thick cloths to handle hot jars. Keep your fingers away from the rims once jars are sterilised. Scald a clean cloth for wiping. I have a few old clean tea towels around to sit hot jars on. And on a very hot day, a bucket of cold water for me to stand in!
- Step 1 - Wash thoroughly in hot soapy water, rinse and drain.
- Step 2 - Place on oven racks, with space between them and heat at 120C for 10-15 minutes. Or you can put jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes then drain upside down on a clean tea towel and dry in the oven.
- Step 3 - Glass jars can also be put through a hot cycle in your dishwasher.
- Step 4 - Sterilise metal seals in boiling water for 5 minutes and then leave in water.
