Clean Jars

Before you do anything, to store jams, chutneys, glazes, jellies, etc., you need sterilized jars. I have to say, I regard a dishwasher-cleaned jar as a sterilized jar, but you do have to use it straight away, while it’s still warm from the machine.

The conventional method for rigorous sterilizing of jars involves scrubbing them well in warm soapy water, rinsing them and then letting them dry off in a cool oven (140°C/gas mark 1). Again, you should put the jam in them while they’re still warm, so you may as well leave the jars in the oven until you need them.