How to Sterilize Jars for Canning

Ready to can? Hold up! Do you need to sterilize your jars for canning? Here’s the scoop on when and how to sterilize jars for canning. Why Sterilize Jars? Is It Always Necessary? In the Microwave Dishwasher Method Water Bath Method Altitude Adjustments Rolling up your sleeves to can your favorite jam or pickle recipe? Great! What about the jars? Do you need to sterilize them for canning? Maybe you’ve heard it’s not always necessary. Maybe you’ve heard some methods are better than others. Here’s the safest, most current information on when and how to sterilize jars. You may be a bit surprised with what you learn, in fact. New jars straight from the box are not sterile.And the jars you ran through the dishwasher months ago and kept on a shelf in the basement likely aren’t sterile, either. Luckily, sterilizing jars is simple, and there are a few methods you can choose from. The best way to sterilize jars will depend on how many jars you need. Technically we’resanitizingthe jars, not sterilizing the jars, but rather than get too persnickety on terminology, let’s get down to business. Why Sterilize Jars? Sterilizing jars will kill any undesirable bacteria that could make your canning project go awry. If you’re investing the time to preserve adorable foods in jars, the step of sterilizing those jars easily pays off in food safety, keeping quality, and pleasant flavor. Is It Always Necessary to Sterilize Canning Jars? Actually, no!Jars for canning recipes that are processed in a water bath for more than 10 minutes do not need to be sterilized.The heat from the prolonged time in the water bath does that job for you. Jars for any canning project will need to be freshly cleaned in hot, soapy water, however. When canning, youdowant your jars

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