Tips for preparing your own jars and preserves

Choose the containers carefully

There are all kinds of jars. The most practical remain the models with mechanical closure from the Le Perfect brand (made in France!). If they are reusable over and over again, it is essential to use a new seal each time. You can opt for those with a metal lid, but you can then avoid tomato sauce (and other acidic preparations) which would damage them, jeopardizing the proper preservation of the food. Before filling the jars, always sterilize them by immersing them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, then leave them to dry upside down on a clean cloth.

How to sterilize your jars?

Once the jars are full (stop 2 cm from the edge), proceed to the second sterilization step.
The duration varies depending on the type of food: 30 minutes for fruits (compotes, etc.) up to 2 hours for vegetables (mushrooms, green beans, etc.). No need to invest in a sterilizer if you are a novice or your production is limited. No big casserole dish? You can also sterilize in the oven.
Place the jars without touching each other on the drip pan (as low as possible), add 1.5 cm of water. Set the temperature to 150°/th. 5 for 1 hour, then turn off the oven, leaving the jars in for 40 minutes with the door closed.

The big bath

Some foods (apricots, pears, asparagus, etc.) can be poached for a few minutes before sterilization. An additional step of course, but very useful because it limits oxidation. They will only be more tender.

The right etiquette

Depending on the recipe made (jam, preserved in oil or brine), storage times vary. It is therefore important to label canned goods carefully, to mention the date of manufacture and/or the use-by date.
In general, if when you open the jar the odor that emerges is suspicious, throw it away without asking any questions.

In the closet

Always opt for a cool, dry place, protected from light, to store them, a cellar for example. Homemade pickles and delicious candied tomatoes are yours, even in the middle of winter!