How to sterilize your jars: 2 easy ways

To sterilize the jars you want to use, follow the process below and store your jams, favorite spoon sweets, honey, homemade tomato sauce, or anything else you like safely.

Sterilizing jars in the oven

Wash the jars, lids, and rubber seals with hot water and soap. Drain them well and place them in the oven, setting them on a rack over a towel.

The oven temperature should be set to 100°C (212°F). Let the jars and lids heat for 15 minutes.

Very carefully, while the jars are still hot and the jam is piping hot, fill them almost to the top so there’s no air gap inside.

Seal tightly with the lids and turn the jars upside down on the kitchen counter. Let them cool completely.

Then store them in a cool, dark place for several months.

If you open a jar of jam, store it in the refrigerator afterward.

How to sterilize jars by boiling

If you don’t want to use the oven, you can also sterilize the jars by boiling them in a pot.

Place the clean jars and lids in a deep pot lined with a towel.

Cover them with water and bring it to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Let them dry upside down on a clean towel.

Is there a difference in the result?

None at all. Whether you use the oven or boiling method, the result of sterilizing jars is exactly the same.