To prevent contamination and lengthen the shelf-life of your preserves, take the following steps to ensure that any jars or bottles you are using are properly sterilised.
- Use jars with an airtight lid
- Remove old labels and make sure the bottles are free from cracks
- Wash in hot soapy water and rinse
- Sterilise by using one of the following methods
Oven
Preheat the oven to 120C.
Separate jars from lids and place upright on baking tray.
Heat in the oven for 20 mins.
Remove and fill with preserves immediately.
Dishwasher
Separate jars, lids and any rubber seals.
Place in the dishwasher on the hottest cycle.
Remove and let air-dry on a tray lined with paper towel.
Stovetop
Separate jars and lids.
Place items in a deep saucepan filled with cold water.
Put on a high heat, and bring to the boil.
Reduce heat to medium and boil for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove items and allow to air-dry on a tray lined with paper towel.
