If you don’t have a sterilizer at home or it has simply broken down, don’t let that discourage you. There are quite a few alternatives – from those inherited from our grandmothers to contemporary methods that border on genius. How to sterilize jars without a sterilizer then. Let’s take a look at the possibilities available to you.
Here’s how to successfully sterilize jars without a sterilizer
Besides the pride of doing it yourself, there is also a significant saving of time and money in making your own jars. That’s why I started doing it last year. And today, I will give you my tips that allow me to sterilize jars without a sterilizer. Then, I will also give you expert advice to choose the method you like the most or to be able to try all the tips.
Gamm vert experts remind us that “Cleaning involves all parts of the jar. Normally, these containers are placed in boiling water for 10 minutes, but it is also possible to sterilize them in the oven for 10 minutes at thermostat 5 (150°)”.
Tips and tricks for sterilizing your jars easily and without equipment
In the oven
Take previously washed jars and put them in the oven for 20 minutes at 150°C. Fill with the preparation of your choice while still boiling. Close properly. Put back in the oven for 20 minutes at 150°C again. Let cool. Open the metal closure system. If the jar does not open, it means that sterilization has been done. You can close and store. Do not forget to identify the contents and the date of preparation to avoid doubts and unpleasant surprises.
20 minutes in the oven is enough to sterilize the jars
Solar cooking
The solar oven is very convenient for sterilizing and cooking food at the same time.
Then leave the jars in the oven for a few hours. Remember to leave about 2-3 cm from the top of the jar for the expansion of the elements during cooking. When the ingredients start to boil under the lid, the depression is created: the jar and its contents are sterilized.
Be careful to respect the times, however: 2 hours for vegetables, 3 hours if there are animal products.
Solar cooking is a very simple and convenient way to sterilize and cook food at the same time.
In vinegar water
Bring water with a little vinegar to the boil (to avoid limescale deposits), then immerse the jars and seals for 5 minutes. Place everything on a clean cloth and let it air dry. Personally, I take them out using kitchen tongs to avoid burning my fingers.
After placing the products in the jars, they are closed and heat treated for 1 hour 30 minutes at 100°C.
Alternative Methods for Sterilizing Jars Without a Sterilizer
Boiling water sterilization
Even before sterilizers were invented, our grandmothers used the boiling water method of sterilization. To ensure successful sterilization, however, remember to do it on two levels.
Sterilize vacuum jars
Before you even fill your jars with pickles or tomatoes, make sure they are sufficiently clean and disinfected. To do this, start by washing them thoroughly with soapy water, remembering to rinse them afterwards. At this stage, inspect the jars to check that they do not have any scratches or other significant defects. Place a pan of water on the stove and bring the contents to a boil. Plunge the jars into it (making sure that the water covers them completely) and leave for about ten minutes. Then dry the jars and let them drain on a clean cloth, upside down.
Start with vacuum sterilization
Sterilize full jars
The second step of sterilization comes when the jars are already filled with content. It is very important to mention here that it is not recommended to fill the jar up to the rim. Leave about 5 mm of space on top and do not forget to wipe the rim, in order to seal the lid well afterwards.
Sterilize full jars in boiling water
Oven sterilization
To sterilize your jars in the oven, start by washing them carefully, then rinse and finally let the jars drain upside down on a tea towel.
Then, place the jars with their lids on a baking tray and put them in the oven. Set the oven to a temperature of 150 ºC (fan-assisted) and leave to sterilize empty for about twenty minutes. Remove from the oven, fill with your preparations to 3-5 centimeters from the edge and seal the lids. Put back in the tray and fill the bottom with hot water, so as to make a sort of bain-marie. Make sure to leave space between the jars! Heat to 160 ºC and leave to cook for about an hour. Turn off the oven and leave the jars to cool in the oven with the door closed for about forty more minutes. Remove from the oven, leave to cool overnight at room temperature and store in a cool place, away from light.
Sterilize in a vacuum oven
Sterilize in the oven with the preparation
Microwave sterilization
If you don’t have that much free time, consider trying this flash sterilization method. After washing and rinsing your glass jars, fill them with water. Then heat for a few minutes, until the water begins to boil.
Then remove from the microwave and pour in the mixture for your preserves, while it is still boiling. Fill to about 3 cm from the rim, clean the rim with a towel and close the jars without further delay. Turn them upside down immediately and leave to cool in the open air. Remember to handle hot jars with a towel to avoid burning your hands.
An express sterilization method
Sterilization without heating jars
Be careful, this last method would only be successful if you act quickly enough! After washing and drying your jars well, fill them very quickly with the still boiling preparation. Make sure to always leave the 3 to 5 at the top of the jar free. To avoid wasting time, use a funnel or a special pouring spout, which would save you from having to clean the rim afterwards. Close quickly and turn the jars upside down. The heat of the preparation itself should be enough to sterilize the preserves.
Turn hot jars upside down to sterilize
