Hello - a question about making jam

[Linda Tal]

Hello all,

I've not posted on A4A for a long time but I often pop in to see whats happening - hope you are all well and enjoying the growing season!

A question for those who make jam and chutney.  I will soon be making some jam and will be recycling some old jars and lids.  I have the wax discs to cover the top of the jam with.  I also have the cellophane circles that you dampen and cover the jar with and secure with an elastic band.  Is this enough to seal the jar or should I still use the old lid as well?  I've made some in the past and used the wax disc, cellophane, metal lid, then decorative cover and its like opening up a pass-the-parcel present just to get to the jam! Is this overkill or totally necessary to preserve the jam?

Hope you can help.   :)

Thanks. 

Linda

[Linda Tal]

[Ninnyscrops.]

Hi Linda,

I'm enjoying the growing season, thank you, (even with all the watering  ::)) and hope you are too.

I don't use wax discs or cellophane on my jars. Just pack them full (shake them down with oven gloves and top up) and pop the lids on. If you're using old lids (personally I don't) make sure you boil them well to sterlise them, I do this even with new lids.

They'll be others along with their recommendations too.

Ninny (another Linda :))

[Obelixx]

I dn't use wax discs or cellophane thingies either as jam and chutney making tends to be on impulse.   

I keep jam jars which clean in the dishwasher.   While I'm making preserves I heat the jars in the oven at 110C and put the lids on whil ethe jam or jelly or chutney is still hot.  That creates a vaccuum seal as it cools.  Once open, I keep them in the fridge.

[Linda Tal]

Thanks Ninny and Obbelix that does help and will save me a few pennies too! lol

Linda

[dtw]

If you are entering jam making competitions, then the wax discs and cellophane is a requirement.

[Ninnyscrops.]

If you are entering jam making competitions, then the wax discs and cellophane is a requirement.

This is only a requirement for curds in our show, dtw. Our judges accept plain jars (non-branded) with new lids and filled to the brim.

Ninny