If you frequently need to seal glass jars with a water bath, consider purchasing a bath canner. This is a special device specifically designed to submerge jars in water for sterilization. However, this tool is mostly for convenience. If you do not have a bath canner, a large pot will work just as well. [4] X Research source
High-acid foods include fruits, fruit juices, jams, jellies and other fruit spreads, salsas, tomatoes with added acid, pickles, relishes, chutneys, sauces, vinegars and condiments.
Make sure to leave some air space. For soft spreads, like jams and jellies, leave 1/4 of an inch. For solid foods, like fruits and pickles, leave 1/2 of an inch. [8] X Research source Place the lid on the jar and screw the ring on. [9] X Trustworthy Source National Center for Home Food Preservation Publicly-funded center dedicated to educating consumers about research-backed safety practices for preserving food Go to source Tap the side of the jar with a wooden spoon to remove bubbles. Repeat with the other jars. Don’t screw the ring on too tightly or the excess air won’t be able to escape.
Processing time starts when the pot comes back to a boil. Make sure there’s about an inch or two of water above the lids of the jars. Add more water before returning it to a boil if necessary.
When you’re done preparing the food, you can remove the jars from the boiling water. Use either tongs or a jar lifters. Allow them to dry and then add the food. Once again, leave some airspace. With soft spreads, like jams or jellies, leave 1/4 an inch of airspace. Whole foods, like nuts or candies, need 1/2 an inch of airspace. [15] X Research source Use a non-metallic spoon to remove bubbles. Do so by running the wooden or rubber spoon around the inner surface of the jar, pressing the food down gently. [16] X Research source
The wax will take about 20 minutes to melt. Blow out the candle when it’s finished.
