John Myers
What do I have to consider when preserving jam, juices, etc. to prevent mold from forming?
Basically, when preserving, make sure that all equipment is clean and the food is washed and not moldy. Toxins produced by mold – called mycotoxins – are invisible and cannot be destroyed by heating.
There are various methods to keep the containers as germ-free as possible. It should always be ensured that containers, lids and rubber rings are suitable for the respective temperatures. First, the containers should be cleaned with hot water and dish soap, then one of the following methods is used.
- Boiling Water Method
- Pot method
- Oven method
- Dishwasher method
- Steam method
Boiling water method
- Fill glasses with boiling water to the brim.
- Leave for 10 minutes.
- Pour out the water and drain the containers upside down on a clean kitchen towel.
- Briefly pour boiling water over the lid.
This method is particularly suitable for a small amount of glasses.
Pot method
- Place the jars upside down in a large, deep saucepan and fill the jars and saucepan with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Lift out the jars and drain upside down on a clean kitchen towel.
- Dip the lid and rubber rings in the boiling water for a few seconds.
Oven method
- Preheat the oven to 160°C.
- Place jars on a rack in the preheated oven. Heat-sensitive lids with a plastic seal (twist-off) or rubber rings must be sterilized separately in a pot (see pot method).
- Leave in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Let the container cool down a bit.
With this method, many glasses can be treated at the same time.
Dishwasher method
- Place the container and lid in the dishwasher – no other dishes should be washed with it.
- Select the washing program with the highest temperature, it should reach at least 60°C. Detergent is not necessary.
Due to the low temperature, this method is only suitable if the food is filled hot or then boiled down again.
Steam method
Containers can be sterilized at 100°C in the steamer. The device may also have a special program for this. Most food processors with a cooking function can also be sterilized with steam.
