How many minutes to sterilize a 3 liter jar. Sterilization of jars at home using proven and modern methods
They prepare for winter in the summer, and in the case of canning - in late summer - early autumn. Some housewives grow vegetables and fruits themselves, while others, on the contrary, buy them. But the main question remains common - how to sterilize jars? Or more precisely, how to do this so that the seams do not swell and explode.
It is necessary to prepare for the canning process. Check jars and lids for defects, cracks, or chips. If you use reusable screw caps, they should be free of rust. If they are originally painted, the paint layer should not be damaged, otherwise the corrosion process may begin. Disposable seaming caps must be smooth and have a rubber gasket. Rust is also not allowed. Go ahead.
An important point before the actual sterilization process is to rinse the jars under hot water to rid them of dust and protect them from temperature changes so that they do not burst.
Sterilizing jars is an important step in canning. After all, it happens that an incorrectly followed sterilization procedure can ruin the entire canning process. And literally the next day you will have to suffer all over again or immediately say: “Enough, I’ll use proven methods.” And these are the methods:
Steam sterilization
One of the most common and varied methods. Suitable for both large two- and three-liter cans, and small ones - a liter or even less. The variety lies in the tools with which you can sterilize jars:
1. Steam sterilization using a good old NOT electric kettle. About half of the water is filled into it and the kettle is sent to warm up on the stove. The jar is hung on the spout of the teapot with the neck down. The second method is with a teapot - a tablespoon is placed inside, on which a glass jar is hung (as in the photo below). When the jar has been thoroughly steamed, it is removed and placed on an ironed waffle towel. It is convenient to use a kettle when sterilizing small jars. And this option is very appropriate when we roll up something hot, for example, tomatoes in hot brine, or hot jam. While we are pouring the hot contents into one jar, the other is being sterilized. We take the lid out of the boiling water, close or roll up the jar, turn it upside down and leave it warm. Then we remove the next jar - such a continuous process that can, so to speak, be put on a home conveyor belt: one fills it, and the other rolls it up (very convenient, tested :))
IMPORTANT! To prevent glass jars from bursting, the contents being rolled up and the glass must be at approximately the same temperature. Do not put cold salad in a just sterilized hot jar. Or vice versa, filling a cold jar with hot brine is DANGEROUS!
2. Steam sterilization using a pan. If you need to sterilize a large number of jars, then it is advisable to have a large saucepan. Fill it with water and set it to boil. We install a wire rack or a large metal sieve on top, on which we then place the prepared jars upside down.
If a large pan is not available. Fill a small saucepan about half full with water, place a long tablespoon or ladle, and after the water boils, place the prepared jar on it.
Sterilization time, the same as with a kettle, is 10 minutes. After which the cans are placed upside down on an ironed, warm, lint-free cloth. In this position, the jars remain sterile for about one and a half to two days.
3. Steam sterilization using a double boiler or multicooker. The steamer/multi-cooker bowl is filled with water, and the cooking mode is turned on for 15 minutes, more as needed. The jars are placed on a previously prepared surface.
Sterilization of jars by boiling
Another well-known method of sterilizing jars is sterilization by boiling in water. You will need a large saucepan if you are sterilizing large jars. Or a large basin for sterilizing small jars up to one liter. You need to place a wooden board on the bottom of the dish you have chosen, on which you place the bottles and fill them with water above the neck of the cans.
It is important to install limiters between the cans so that the cans do not hit each other during the boiling process. Lids can serve as an excellent limiter. Next you put them to boil. The time required for sterilization is 15 minutes after the water boils. It is important to place the jars in cold, not boiling water, and only then heat it. The difference in temperature between water and glass should be minimal so that the containers do not crack.
How to sterilize jars in the oven
The jars are washed in warm water and placed on a wire rack in the oven. The oven is turned on and heated to 100 degrees. Very important! It is advisable to place the jars in a cold oven, and only then can you heat it up. This method is very convenient when there are a lot of containers. In addition, the method is quite fast - it only takes 15 minutes - and all banks are ready for further manipulation with them. Another very important point is that all drops of water from their surface must evaporate. If you need to sterilize the next batch, it is advisable to turn off the oven and let it cool. Although, we personally heated the next batch of cans under hot water and loaded them into an already preheated oven. But this is at your own peril and risk.
How to sterilize jars in the microwave
A microwave oven or just a microwave oven is a discovery for many families. It can also help sterilize jars before canning. This method is very convenient and fast, but has one drawback - often only small jars can be placed in the microwave.
To sterilize using this method, you must first wash the jars, pour a small amount of water into them and place them in the microwave. Next, set the timer to 3 minutes and the power to 700-800 WATT. In this case, the jars are sterilized by temperature and steam at the same time. After sterilization is complete, we expose the jars in the same way as above.
How to sterilize jar lids
Boiling is the best way to sterilize lids. The lids are washed and placed in a separate pan. Fill up with water so that the water completely covers them. And put it on fire. Sterilization time is 15 minutes after boiling water. Both metal and plastic lids are boiled this way - this is the most convenient way. And if you sterilize jars by boiling, you can put the lids in the same pan. Under no circumstances should metal lids be sterilized in the microwave! In the oven, this is also not the best option; in it, the inside of the lid, under the influence of high temperature, begins to emit an unpleasant odor.
Good day everyone! Today we’ll talk about sterilizing jars. Why do you need to do this? If you decide to twist the workpieces without sterilizing them, then various bacteria may develop in your workpieces, causing the product to deteriorate and all the work to go down the drain.
You can sterilize in different ways: in the oven, in the microwave, in a water bath, etc.
It would seem that there is nothing complicated in the sterilization process itself. However, if you do something wrong, then nothing may work.
Therefore, the first step is to choose the right cans. The main thing is that they are intact, there are no cracks or even small chips on the glass. Prepared jars are thoroughly washed with laundry soap or soda. Then they are rinsed in water. And now we begin sterilization.
How to sterilize jars in a gas oven
Many of us have gas stoves and ovens in our kitchens, so let’s look at the beginning of the method of sterilization in them.
What is good for sterilizing in the oven? And the fact that several of them can be placed there at once. Of course, if there are few preparations, then it is better to use a water bath, or simply boil the jar in a pan of water. But when a large number of preparations are expected, the oven is simply irreplaceable.
Place the finished, washed jars of soap or soda in the oven. Moreover, there is also a little trick here: wet ones are placed bottom down, and dry ones are placed bottom up. Preheating the oven before sterilization is not recommended. They are cold and may burst.
We heat the jars gradually until the temperature rises to 150 degrees, keep them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn off the gas and let them cool slightly. For three liter jars you need to double the time.
After processing, remove the containers with a rag or oven mitts. If the time and temperature are maintained correctly, the jars will not burst.
Only metal lids are sterilized in the oven; nylon lids are boiled in water.
Sterilize in an electric oven
It is better to process in an electric oven. The temperature rises more smoothly than in gas. In addition, the jars do not dry out and therefore do not burst.
The preparation of glass jars is similar; we place them in the oven in the same way: wet ones are placed bottom down, and dry ones are placed bottom up. If large jars, for example, three-liter jars, do not go into the oven standing up, then they are placed on their sides.
The temperature is immediately set to 150 degrees, i.e. there is no need to watch her. Small jars are processed for 10 minutes, large jars for 15 minutes.
At the end of sterilization, the jars are removed using potholders and placed neck down on the table. So that they do not cool quickly, while you roll up the first jar, cover the rest with a towel.
How to sterilize glass containers in the microwave
Heat treating cans in a microwave is more convenient than in an oven in the sense that everything happens faster. However, there are some drawbacks. You can’t put a lot of cans anymore, up to 3-4 small ones, and even fewer large ones. Three-liter ones are generally placed sideways, one at a time.
But, if you have enough time, then let's get started. The jars are thoroughly washed and pre-checked for cracks and chips.
After that, place them in the microwave, close, and set the time for three minutes.
There is another interesting way - steam sterilization. Place a glass of water in the center of the rotating plate, and jars around it. The timer is set for five minutes. At the end of the processing, carefully take it out and begin the workpiece.
While metal lids can be processed in the oven along with jars, this cannot be done in the microwave.
The following two methods are some of the most common and frequently used. Especially if there are not many blanks.
Water bath sterilization process
The first method is somewhat specific. Here you need to have either a double boiler or special attachments.
Steam sterilization is the use of a steamer like this for processing. You can use special metal covers on the pan with holes into which the neck of the jar is inserted.
If you don’t have anything suitable on hand, then a flat colander will also come in handy. As a last resort, of course you can do this
However, this will not be very good for your hands. It’s better to buy pads, especially since using them will make the sterilization process much better.
Water is poured into the pan. set to warm up. The jars are prepared in the same way as in previous sterilization methods, after which they are installed with the neck down. The time for steam sterilization is measured from the moment the water boils.
Small jars up to half a liter are kept for five minutes, up to a liter - 10 minutes, large ones - from 15 to 20 minutes.
By the way, there is another original method - sterilization using a kettle.
If the jar is small, you can put it on the spout of the kettle. The sterilization time remains the same.
How to sterilize jars in a pan of water
Perhaps this is one of the most popular methods, which was one of the first to be used, and is still used today.
The process consists of boiling small jars in a saucepan of water, and adding lids. This is convenient for half-liter and liter jars. It is unlikely that you will find a saucepan where you can place three-liter jars.
Everything is done very simply. The jars are placed in the pan with the neck up, and water is poured a centimeter and a half above the edge of the neck. After boiling, stand for 15 minutes.
After this, carefully remove the jars, let the water drain completely and prepare for rolling.
That's the whole sterilization process, as you can see, there is nothing complicated.
Video - 5 methods of sterilization
Sterilization is needed to clean jars from microorganisms. If this is not done, homemade preparations will ferment and the lids will fly off.
How to prepare lids and jars for sterilization
Check the jars for chips, cracks or rust. Containers without damage are suitable for preservation. The covers must be smooth, without scratches or rust.
Using a clean sponge, thoroughly wash the jars and lids. It is better to do this with soda, mustard powder, laundry soap or natural soap.
Place the jars on a baking sheet or wire rack when cold. How you install them - neck up or neck down - doesn't really matter. Jars can be placed in the oven immediately after washing.
Screw-on lids can be placed in the oven. Do not sterilize lids with rubber bands as they may melt. They need to be boiled in water for 10–15 minutes.
Close the oven and set the temperature to 100–110 °C. Keep the jars inside for about 20 minutes. The sterilization time does not depend on their volume.
Turn off the oven and leave the jars in there for a few minutes to cool slightly. You need to take them out with a dry towel. If it is wet, the jars may burst due to temperature changes.
2. How to sterilize jars by steaming over a saucepan
Fill the pan about halfway with water and let the liquid come to a boil. Place lids on the pan and place a colander, sieve or wire rack on top. Place dry jars on top, neck down.
You can use a special sterilizer. This device looks like a flat lid with one or more holes into which cans are inserted.
Small cans should stand over steam for about 6–8 minutes, cans with a volume of 1–2 liters - 10–15 minutes, and containers of 3 liters or more - 20–25 minutes.
When large drops of water appear on the inner walls of the jars, sterilization can be completed.
Remove the jars and place them upside down on a clean, dry towel. The lids must be carefully removed and also placed on a towel with the inside down.
Allow jars and lids to dry completely before canning.
3. How to sterilize jars by steaming over a kettle
Fill a regular kettle with water about halfway and boil it. If possible, place the lids in the kettle. If they don't fit inside, sterilize them in a pan of boiling water.
Place the dry jar in the opening of the kettle, neck down.
If the jar is small, you can place it on the spout of the kettle. Or put a masher in the kettle and hang the jar on it.
You need to hold the jars over steam for the same amount of time as in the previous sterilization method over a pan. Then they need to be dried on a clean towel.
4. How to sterilize steamed jars in a slow cooker or double boiler
Fill the bowl or steamers with water and place the lids on them. Install the steamer and place the dry jars on it, neck down.
Turn on the steamer or set the “Steam” mode in the multicooker. If the jars are small, you can close the device with a lid, but this does not play a significant role.
After the water boils, the jars should be sterilized for the same amount of time as over a saucepan or kettle. Place the jars and lids on a clean, dry towel and wait until they are completely dry.
5. How to sterilize jars in the microwave
Pour 1.5–2 cm of water into the jars and place them in. Select maximum power and turn on the timer for 3-5 minutes.
The water should boil, and the inside of the jars should be covered with large drops. Drain the water, place the jars upside down on a clean, dry towel and dry.
Lids cannot be sterilized in the microwave.
They need to be placed in a pan of boiling water for 10–15 minutes.
6. How to sterilize jars in boiling water
Place the jars, neck up, in a large saucepan. Place the lids nearby. Pour cold water into the pan and jars so that it covers the necks.
If the jars do not fit in the pan, they can not be placed, but placed horizontally.
Bring the water to a boil and sterilize the jars for 15–20 minutes. Then place them neck down on a clean towel to dry completely.
Before starting to prepare various pickles and preserves, any housewife must first properly sterilize the jars.
The sterilization process is simple, although it takes an extra five to seven minutes. However, despite the time spent, you will protect yourself from problems with cloudiness or souring of the cans later during storage.
So, how to sterilize jars at home? Let's look at the most common and convenient methods.
Preparation
Wash the jars with soap and water to remove dirt and dust from the inside. Sterilization will not remove dirt from jars!
Steam sterilization of jars.
There are also several variants of this method.
Option 1
For this method, we will need a special circle for sterilizing jars, which is sold in all dishware and hardware stores and costs from 15 to 50 rubles (see photo). There are circles for one can, and there are for three cans.
We turn the jar over and place it neck down on a circle (as in the photo). And this circle, in turn, is placed on a pan in which water is boiling.
We also throw metal lids into the pan with water, which we will then use to screw the jars on (as in the photo).
How long does it take to sterilize jars using this method? Five to seven minutes and turn off the heat. We take the jar by the side walls with a towel or mittens, turn it over and place it on the bottom on a prepared towel, on which it will continue to stand until we twist it.
Remove the lids from the pan with metal tweezers. If there is no such thing (although every woman has one), then we take it out with two forks and put the lid upside down so as not to contaminate the part with which we will screw the jar.
Option 2
We turn the jar over and “put it on” the spout of the teapot. For these purposes, you need to have a teapot with a long spout so that the jar can hold on it well enough. And the spout should not have a whistle, otherwise steam will not escape through the closed spout and the jar will not be sterilized. We also throw metal lids into the kettle and boil.
Option 3
Similar to the first option. We turn the jar over and place it in a small ladle with boiling water. A circle is not needed, since the jar stands on the ladle with its neck. By the way, in this photo I am sterilizing a jar in a similar way on an induction cooker. A very convenient option.
Sterilizing jars with steam does not kill all germs, since the steam temperature is only 100 degrees. But those microbes that can cause pickles to sour are completely killed at this temperature. Therefore, feel free to use this method without fear of anything.
How to sterilize jars in the oven (dry method)
This method is also very simple. But it requires certain precautions.
Place clean and dry jars in the oven, turn on the heat to maximum and sterilize at maximum temperature. Place metal lids on the grill nearby.
How long does it take to sterilize jars using this method? 10 minutes at maximum temperature.
Then open the oven and let our jars cool.
Attention:
in this method, the jars are heated to temperatures above 250 degrees. Therefore, they may crack if they are placed in the oven while wet, or if they are immediately removed from the oven. Be sure to let the jars cool for five minutes. And take them with a dry towel or mittens so that they do not crack due to temperature changes.
How to sterilize jars in the microwave
This is another way to quickly sterilize jars at home.
Simply place a clean jar in the oven and turn the microwave on high.
Sterilization time is five minutes.
Attention.
There is one “but” here! In this case, on the contrary, you should pour a little water into the bottom of the jar. For what? The fact is that the waves from the microwave heat up the water, not the air. The water in the jar boils, and the walls of the jar are sterilized with steam. If you place a dry jar, it will not be sterilized in the microwave.
And further. Metal lids cannot be sterilized in this way, so as not to damage the microwave. We'll have to boil them again.