Can steaming cans of jams be safely used instead of boiling to sterilise?
Can i sterilise my filled jars of marmalade, raspberry and cherry jam in a steamer unit, such as those used to steam vegetables or baby bottles? I usually make batches of 15 jars so its difficult for me to double boil them all.
Best Answer
The key issue is getting the contents of each jar up to the requisite temperature for the necessary time, all the way through to the center of the jars. It would be conceivably possible to use steaming to do so, if the requisite controlled temperatures and times could be regulated, and appropriate recipes developed.
However, according to the USDA as reported at the National Center for Food Preservation:
Steam canners are not recommended because processing times for use with current models have not been adequately researched. Because steam canners do not heat foods in the same manner as boiling-water canners, their use with boiling-water process times may result in spoilage.
If purpose built steam canners are not recommended, I would strongly urge you not to improvise with other devices.
You should only use recipes and methods for canning that come from highly reputable sources, such as a University Extension.
Pictures about "Can steaming cans of jams be safely used instead of boiling to sterilise?"
Quick Answer about "Can steaming cans of jams be safely used instead of boiling to sterilise?"
Steam canners are not recommended because processing times for use with current models have not been adequately researched. Because steam canners do not heat foods in the same manner as boiling-water canners, their use with boiling-water process times may result in spoilage.Can you sterilize canning jars without boiling?
You can use the same hot water that you used to sterilize the jars to get the lids and rings germ-free. Let the water cool until it is simmering rather than boiling, and then use the tongs to add the rings and covers to the water.Can you sterilize canning jars with steam?
Water-bath (and steam) canning 10 minutes and over: Sterilization is not needed for either jars or lids. Just wash and make sure they are clean. They will get sterilized, along with the food, during the processing; Water-bath (and steam) canning 9 minutes and under: Sterilization is needed for both jars or lids.Can I steam can jam?
Yes! Recently, the University of Wisconsin extension system conducted research that determined steam canners are safe for use on specific high-acid recipes. Use your steam canner to process food for no longer than 45 minutes.How do you sterilize cans for jam?
Wash the jars, lids and bands in hot, soapy water; rinse well. Put the jars on a rack in a pot of water. Boil 10 minutes, then reduce the heat and simmer until ready to use. Meanwhile, put the lids and bands in a separate saucepan of simmering water until ready to use (do not boil).How To - sterilise jars
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Su Korkmaz, Plato Terentev, SHVETS production, Anete Lusina